Melena vs. Hematochezia: Understanding the Difference

What is melena? Hematochezia? What causes each?

Answer:

Melena is black, tarry stool; Hematochezia is bright red blood in stool.

Melena is black, tarry stool that often indicates bleeding in the upper digestive tract, such as from an ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding. On the other hand, Hematochezia is bright red blood in stool, typically caused by bleeding in the lower digestive tract, such as from hemorrhoids or colorectal cancer.

It's important to differentiate between melena and hematochezia as they can help healthcare providers determine the source and severity of bleeding in the digestive system. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing these conditions effectively.