The real reason your stool turned black overnight: The warning signs of Melena you should never ignore

Finding your stool suddenly dark black and tar like can be deeply unsettling. Many people immediately assume it is caused by something they ate, but a drastic colour change, especially when the stool looks sticky or has a strong unpleasant smell, can indicate something far more serious. Stools reflect what happens inside the digestive system, so sudden black colour may point towards internal bleeding, infection or complications linked to the stomach or upper intestine. Although sometimes the reason is harmless, the possibility of a medical emergency makes it important not to dismiss the symptom. Knowing how to recognise the difference between harmless discolouration and dangerous internal causes can help protect your health and prevent complications. A peer-reviewed clinical study publi