Black stool is bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

Updated on January 04, 2025

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Black stools are generally caused by upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding, which can stem from several reasons:

The first one is peptic ulcer, including stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers;

The second is bleeding caused by varices rupturing in the esophagus or stomach due to liver cirrhosis;

The third is acute gastric mucosal injury, for example, gastric bleeding caused by orally taken non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;

The fourth is gastric hemorrhage caused by gastric cancer.

No matter what causes the upper gastrointestinal bleeding, one should promptly visit a hospital, undergo a gastroscopy to determine the cause, and receive timely rescue and treatment. Moreover, during the treatment period, one cannot eat while experiencing gastric bleeding, and must fast until the bleeding stops, after which a liquid diet can be introduced, followed by a transition to a semi-liquid diet.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei

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Why does pulmonary heart disease cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Cor pulmonale is a very common type of heart disease in the clinic, mainly caused by various etiologies leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension, which results in right ventricular hypertrophy. Typically, patients with this disease have underlying pulmonary and cardiac lesions, and it mainly causes symptoms of varying degrees, such as fever, cough, expectoration, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and even difficulty breathing. Cor pulmonale is a complex disease, and if not managed properly in clinical practice, it can lead to many complications, especially respiratory failure and heart failure. This can lead to insufficient blood and oxygen supply, causing various degrees of increased pressure in the gastric vessels or vascular spasms due to hypoxia, all of which can cause patients to experience upper gastrointestinal bleeding during severe coughing, or when consuming certain foods.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

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Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage rescue process

First, it is important to address the most life-threatening situations by promptly clearing the airway to prevent blood clots from gastrointestinal bleeding from blocking the bronchi, which can cause choking or asphyxiation. Additionally, it is crucial to timely replenish blood volume, as significant blood loss can directly lead to shock. While combating shock, actively identify the cause of the bleeding. Use a gastroscope for examination, and blood can be stopped under gastroscopy. If it cannot be stopped under gastroscopy, an emergency laparotomy should be performed to carry out a major gastrectomy. Postoperatively, intensive care should be strengthened, actively identifying the cause of gastric bleeding, providing symptomatic treatment, and maintaining regular dietary habits, with meals being on schedule and in fixed amounts.

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Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

53sec

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The most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is also relatively common clinically. The most common causes mainly include the following points: the first is bleeding from gastric and duodenal ulcers, the second category is esophageal and gastric fundal variceal rupture caused by liver cirrhosis, the third category includes bleeding caused by stress ulcers and acute erosive gastritis, and another category includes bleeding caused by gastric cancer, etc. After upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, blood transfusion should be administered to replenish blood volume and stop the bleeding. If conditions allow, a complete gastroscopy should be performed for endoscopic hemostasis. If drug treatment is not effective, surgical treatment may be considered, etc.

home-news-image

Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 3sec

home-news-image

Black stool is bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Black stools are generally caused by upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding, which can stem from several reasons: The first one is peptic ulcer, including stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers; The second is bleeding caused by varices rupturing in the esophagus or stomach due to liver cirrhosis; The third is acute gastric mucosal injury, for example, gastric bleeding caused by orally taken non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; The fourth is gastric hemorrhage caused by gastric cancer. No matter what causes the upper gastrointestinal bleeding, one should promptly visit a hospital, undergo a gastroscopy to determine the cause, and receive timely rescue and treatment. Moreover, during the treatment period, one cannot eat while experiencing gastric bleeding, and must fast until the bleeding stops, after which a liquid diet can be introduced, followed by a transition to a semi-liquid diet.

home-news-image

Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

1min 9sec

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Is upper gastrointestinal bleeding dangerous?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is life-threatening if the amount and speed of bleeding are substantial. Therefore, proactive and effective measures should be taken to rescue the patient. Generally, after anti-shock treatment and rapid blood volume replenishment, the patient's life can be saved. The main clinical treatment measures include the following: First, keep the patient in a recumbent position at rest, ensure that the airway is clear, and prevent blood aspiration due to vomiting. Second, during the bleeding period, it is necessary to enforce fasting, closely monitor the patient's vital signs, such as heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, consciousness, etc. Third, after hospitalization, it is crucial to actively replenish blood volume, such as transfusing compatible red blood cells, plasma, cryoprecipitate, etc., for fluid expansion. Drugs like proton pump inhibitors and octreotide can be used for hemostasis. If conditions permit, a gastroscopy can be performed to stop the bleeding, and surgical treatment may be considered if necessary.