Bloody or tarry stools

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Lower digestive anatomy

Stools - bloody; Hematochezia; Melena; Stools - black or tarry

• Eat vegetables and foods rich in natural fiber and low in saturated fat. These may reduce constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, and colon cancer.
• Avoid prolonged, excessive use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. These can irritate the stomach and cause ulcers.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Large amounts of alcohol can irritate the lining of the esophagus and stomach.
• DON'T smoke. It is linked to peptic ulcers and cancers of the GI tract.
• Try to avoid too much stress -- a possible factor in peptic ulcer disease.
• Your doctor may recommend antibiotics to prevent a future bleeding ulcer if you have been diagnosed with a helicobacter infection (often related to ulcers).

The earlier you detect colon cancer, the more likely that treatment will be successful. The American Cancer Society recommends one or more of the following screening tests after age 50 for early detection of colon cancer and pre-cancer:

• Fecal occult blood testing every year.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or barium enema every five years.
• Colonoscopy every 10 years.

Screening tests should be started earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps. Tests should also be performed more often if you have had polyps, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Green BT, Tendler DA. Ischemic Colitis: A Clinical Review. South Med J. 2005; 98 (2): 217-222.

Cappell MS. The role of sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy in the diagnosis and management of lower gastrointestinal disorders: technique, indications, and contraindications. Med Clin North Am. 2002; 86(6): 1217-1252.

Review Date: 10/27/2005
Reviewed By: Courtney W. Houchen, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.