Why does poop look like coffee grounds, and when is it a medical emergency in Europe?

Coffee ground stool explained: upper gastrointestinal bleeding, digested blood (melena), iron supplements, medication effects, and urgent red flag symptoms.

In this episode, we outline what dark, coffee ground–like stool may indicate and how doctors assess potential causes under EU medical guidance.

You’ll learn:

• How digested blood can turn stool dark brown or black

• The difference between melena and harmless dietary causes

• Common causes: stomach ulcers, gastritis, NSAID use

• The role of iron supplements and bismuth-containing medications

• Associated symptoms: dizziness, weakness, abdominal pain

• Red flag signs such as vomiting blood, fainting, rapid heartbeat, or severe fatigue

• Situations where immediate emergency care is required

We explain how doctors assess stool colour, medication history, alcohol use, anaemia symptoms, blood pressure stability, and recent illness during an online consultation in the EU. Suspected gastrointestinal bleeding requires urgent in-person evaluation and possible endoscopy.

This episode reflects the clinical standards used by Mobi Doctor, where gastrointestinal consultations are reviewed by a registered physician in line with EU medical guidance.

Read the full guide and transcript here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/poop-looks-like-coffee-grounds-causes-and-treatments