The term melena refers to the presence of blood in stool, taking precisely a darker color. Bleeding is typically located in the upper part of the digestive system, at the level of the esophagus, the stomach or duodenum, and in almost half of cases is associated with vomiting with blood (hematemesis) and increases in blood, that is, the level non-protein nitrogen in the blood.
Typically melena is associated with vomiting with blood when it is caused by disorders such as gastric or duodenal bleeding. Other possible causes are bleeding esophageal varices, gastritis, ulcers, gastric bleeding associated with taking certain medications (such as some anti-inflammatories or anticoagulants) or tumors.
Sometimes, however, the color of stool can change for other reasons, for example due to the intake of medicines based on iron or ischemia in the digestive tract, that is, to a reduction of blood flow to the digestive tract.
What kind of diseases can be associated with melena?
The following diseases may be associated with melena:
- Angiodysplasia
- Intestinal blockage
- Ulcerative colitis
- Dengue
- Esophageal diverticula
- Ebola
- Hemorrhoids
- Crohn's disease
- Benign colon polyps
- Malignant colon polyps
- Mallory-Weiss syndrome
- Stomach cancer
- Duodenal ulcer
- Gastric ulcer
- Peptic ulcer
- Esophageal varices
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for melena?
The treatment depends on the cause of melena behind the problem. In some cases it may for example be necessary to take medication for the ulcer, or other antibiotics.
In some cases it may even be necessary to an intervene with a surgery , to cope with abnormalities in the structure of the veins responsible of the bleeding in the esophagus. Sometimes in case of tumors you may require a chemo or radiotherapy.
Finally, in case of anemia you may require a blood transfusion.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of melena?
In case of melena, it is important to contact your doctor to determine the cause. This way it will be possible to identify the most suitable therapy and deal with the problem successfully.
