Question
A 5-year-old boy has a bowel movement every 3-5 days. He eats normally and consumes both meat and vegetables. His stool is a bit dark and quite thick, and sometimes it feels a bit hard. Is this normal? What medication should be taken?
Answer
Black stool is generally a result of hemoglobin metabolism in the intestines, and hemoglobin can come from various sources, such as food (animal blood, internal organs, and meat), gastrointestinal bleeding. Stool that turns black due to food usually does not come with gastrointestinal discomfort. Gastrointestinal discomfort can be caused by three reasons: first, indigestion due to catching a cold; second, acute intestinal inflammation (an acute process); third, consider the possibility of ulcers. Treatment suggestions include taking Domperidone, Cimetidine Magnesium Carbonate Capsules, and Berberine. During the illness, pay attention to rest, drink plenty of water, avoid spicy and irritating food, and keep the abdomen warm.