My father had diarrhoea from past 5 days and was admitted to hospital. He was then sent back home and diarrhoea is continuing. He is saying something black liquid is coming out
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black tarry stool after diarrhea melena causes emergency
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⚠️ Go Back to the Hospital Immediately
Black liquid stool (called "melena") is a medical emergency. It means there is active bleeding somewhere in the upper gastrointestinal tract — the esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine. Blood turns black as it is digested while traveling down the gut.
Do not wait. Take your father to the emergency room now.
Why This Is Serious
After 5 days of diarrhea, now passing black liquid stool is a significant warning sign. According to Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (2025):
"Melena — black, tarry stool — is overt gastrointestinal bleeding... case fatality ~2%, with patients dying from decompensation of underlying illness."
The bleeding is almost certainly coming from the upper GI tract (stomach or duodenum). Common causes include:
- Peptic ulcer (most common — accounts for ~50% of upper GI bleeding cases)
- Gastritis or erosions — stomach lining inflamed or eroded, often worsened by stress, NSAIDs, or aspirin
- Esophageal varices — enlarged veins in the food pipe (especially if there is any liver disease or alcohol use)
- Mallory-Weiss tear — a tear from repeated straining/vomiting
- Gastric cancer (less common but possible)
Red Flags — Especially Dangerous Signs Right Now
Watch for any of these and call emergency services (ambulance) immediately if present:
- Dizziness, fainting, or feeling very weak
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Pale, cold, clammy skin
- Vomiting blood (red or "coffee-ground" material)
- Confusion or reduced responsiveness
- Severe abdominal pain
These indicate significant blood loss and shock.
What to Tell the Doctors at the Hospital
- Diarrhea for 5 days, previously admitted and discharged
- Now passing black liquid stool (melena)
- Any medications he takes (especially aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, warfarin, or blood thinners)
- Any history of liver disease, alcohol use, ulcers
- Whether he is feeling dizzy or weak
The hospital will likely perform an endoscopy (a camera test) to find the source of bleeding and stop it.
Please do not wait for the morning. Black stool after prolonged diarrhea with a hospital admission is a serious sign. Go to the emergency department right now.
Watery black oily diarrhoea
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