Black & Red Stools: Causes & What They Mean

Black stools can be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. This type of bleeding can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

* Peptic ulcer disease

* Gastritis

* Esophageal varices

* Stomach cancer

* Esophageal cancer

Red stools can be a sign of bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the colon or rectum. This type of bleeding can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

* Hemorrhoids

* Anal fissures

* Diverticular disease

* Colorectal cancer

Black and red stools can be a sign of bleeding in both the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts. This type of bleeding can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

* Angiodysplasia

* Ischemic colitis

* Pseudomembranous colitis

* Crohn's disease

* Ulcerative colitis

If you have black or red stools, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause and receive treatment.