Often, these specks are pieces of food that remain intact through the digestive process.
These problems need prompt treatment to avoid severe outcomes.
This article describes how food, GI problems, and medical conditions can cause black specks in the stool.
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It also explains when to contact a healthcare provider and the tests used to diagnose this problem.
In some cases, the black specks can arise from eating habits such as inadequate chewing and rapid eating.
Your upper GI tract includes youresophagus, stomach, and the top of yoursmall intestine.
This condition is calledmelena.
In contrast, bleeding that originates in the lower portion of your digestive tract is usually bright red.
Your baby’s first bowel movement, calledmeconium, usually contains black, tarry stools.
In older babies, black specks may occur after eating dark-colored foods.
A provider can help you determine whether treatment is necessary.
In most cases, treatment is not necessary.
This warrants prompt evaluation as this will likely require an endoscopy.
Summary
Black specks in your stool are usually not a cause for concern.
it’s possible for you to often correct black specks in your stool by changing your diet.
Learning to chew your food slowly and fully before swallowing can also help address the problem.
In some cases, black specks in your stool are a sign of bleeding in your upper GI tract.
There are many reasons for this, ranging from ulcers to cancer.
These conditions can become severe if they remain in place without treatment.
Getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment of GI conditions can lead to better outcomes.
Beacon Health System.Undigested food in stool: what does it mean?
MedlinePlus.Black or tarry stools.
Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.How your diet can affect your poop color.
Mount Sinai.Bloody or tarry stools.
UpToDate.Patient education: blood in the stool (rectal bleeding) in adults (Beyond the Basics).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Hookworm (intestinal).
American Pregnancy Association.Is green baby poop normal?
KHealth.Why your poop is black and what to do about it.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).Treatment for GI Bleeding.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Digestive diagnostic procedures.
