Symptom 2: Black, Tarry Stools
Black, tarry stools, known as melena, paint a vivid picture of internal bleeding. These stools gain their dark hue and sticky consistency from blood that has been in the digestive system for some time. The iron in the blood undergoes a chemical reaction, resulting in this dark, tar-like appearance.
It’s a symptom that many might not immediately associate with UGB. Often, individuals might mistake it for a change in diet or other non-serious causes. Yet, this misinterpretation can be dangerous, given the potential severity of the underlying issue.
Melena typically indicates that the bleeding is slow and stems from a location higher up in the digestive tract, often the upper intestines or stomach. Rapid bleeding might not always give the stool its black appearance, making this a vital symptom for slower leaks. (2)
