Could gastritis cause black stools?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have acid reflux problem for the last 5 years. Pain in my throat also happens because of it. For the last eight months, I feel dizzy, vertigo after eating food and sometimes even after drinking water. I have started taking herbal medicines for psoriatic arthritis before six months. Whenever I stop them, I have a normal stool. But, for the last few days, I have black stools and a little pain in the upper stomach too. Is it due to gastritis? Should I consult gastroenterologist? Last time when I took vitamin D supplement with multivitamins this dizziness stopped. My TSH is 4.9, and other reports are normal.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We are here to help you.

Most likely you are being given steroids or painkillers in the form of herbal supplements, and they have the side effect of gastritis that can cause black stools.
- Black stools can also be caused by multivitamins. In such case scenario, my strong recommendation would be to see a good physician and take proper medicines for psoriatic arthritis known as DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs).
  - For black stools and acid reflux, I would recommend you to take a combination of Pantoprazole and Domperidone once daily for a long duration.
    - Dizziness could be due to cervical issues in case your arthritis might be reaching up to your cervical.
      - However, if your black stools persist, then you would need to go for upper GI endoscopy.
        
        Your thyroid is within normal range and no need to worry about it.
        
        For further information consult a medical gastroenterologist online.