Fetid stools, smelly smell of feces: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Stools – foul smelling; Foul-smelling stools; Malodorous stools

What is stinky stool?

Fetid stool is feces, which has a noticeably unpleasant odor. The stool always has some smell, as it consists of waste products, bacteria and metabolites. Usually the smell of the stool is not strong enough, to be noticed. However, under certain conditions, the stool can have a stronger and more unpleasant odor., than usual.

This condition is common and often harmless.. But in some cases, it may indicate a health problem., requiring medical attention, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, hemafecia, unintentional weight loss or itching around the anus.

Causes of bad stool odor

Bad stool can be caused by a variety of factors..

Nutritional Factors

Products, which a person eats, can affect stool odor. For Example, foods high in certain vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and B vitamins, may increase stool odor. Eating a lot of red meat, eggs and dairy products can lead to, that the chair will smell stronger, than usual, as well as orange or yellow foods, like carrots, mango and papaya.

Bacterial and parasitic infections

Bacterial and parasitic infections of the digestive system can also cause foul-smelling stools.. Some of the common bacterial infections, which can cause it, are salmonella, campylobacter and shigella. Parasitic infections can also lead to this., such as giardiasis, amebiasis and cryptosporidiosis.

Insufficient digestion of fats

Bad-smelling stools can also be caused by insufficient digestion of fats.. This can occur, if someone lacks digestive enzymes, necessary for the breakdown of fat, or if the small intestine is not functioning properly.

Problems with the liver or pancreas

Problems with the liver or pancreas can also cause foul-smelling stools.. The liver helps the body break down and eliminate toxins., and if it doesn't work properly, these toxins can be excreted through the stool, causing an unpleasant odor. A malfunctioning pancreas can also cause foul-smelling stools., because it produces enzymes, that help the body digest and absorb food.

Disease, that cause fetid stools

Reasons may include:

• Celiac disease (also called gluten sprue)
• Crohn's Disease
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Mukovystsydoz
• Intestinal infection
• Malabsorption
• short bowel syndrome
• Blood in the stool from the stomach or intestines

Bad stool symptoms

The main sign of a foul-smelling stool, obviously, is an unpleasant odor, which can range from an unpleasant odor to a strong metallic odor. Beyond the smell, other symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and blood in the stool.

Contact your doctor, if you:

• Black or white frequent bowel movements
• Blood in the stool
• Stool changes, diet related
• Chills
• Spasms
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss

When to see a doctor

In most cases, smelly stools are not a cause for concern.. However, the person should seek medical attention, if his stool has a particularly bad odor and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, blood in the stool or unintentional weight loss. Besides, if a person notices, that his stool smells different over a long period of time, he should seek medical attention.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

Making an appointment with the doctor for troublesome stools, the patient must be prepared to answer questions about their symptoms and medical history. This may include questions such as, as:

• When did you first experience bad breath??
• Are there any other symptoms, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea?
• Have you recently been ill or have you recently traveled abroad?
• Have you recently changed your diet??
• Are you taking any medication?

Diagnosis of bad stool odor

Doctor, probably, conduct a physical examination and take a detailed medical history. They will then order tests., such as blood tests, urine and stool tests. Stool culture helps in diagnosing bacterial infections, and a stool antigen test helps diagnose parasitic infections.

Imaging studies, such as abdominal CT or abdominal ultrasound, may also be prescribed to check for some underlying cause of bad stool odor.

Treatment for bad stool odor

Treatment for bad stools depends on the underlying cause..

Diet changes

If Diet Is the Cause of Stool Smell, your doctor may recommend certain dietary changes to improve digestion and eliminate bad breath. This may include avoiding high-fat foods and certain vitamins and minerals., and adding more fiber to the diet.

Antibiotics

If a bacterial infection is the cause of bad stool odor, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. It is important to take antibiotics, as prescribed, even after, how the symptoms disappeared, To make sure, that the infection is gone.

Antiparasitic drugs

If the cause of the bad stool is a parasitic infection, then the doctor may prescribe antiparasitic drugs to eliminate the parasites.

Medications to improve digestion

If the smelly stool is the result of a digestive problem, your doctor may prescribe medication, which will help improve digestion and reduce odor. These medicines may include probiotics, digestive enzymes, antacids, laxatives or fiber supplements.

Surgery

Rarely, surgery may be needed to treat the underlying cause of bad stool odor. This is usually only done if, if the underlying cause is a serious medical problem, such as swelling or blockage.

Treating bad stools at home

There are some home treatments, which can be used to reduce bad stool odor. These include:

• Drink plenty of water, to cleanse the digestive system.
• Eat more food, rich in fiber, such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
• Avoid fatty and processed foods.
• Avoid foods, causing gas, like beans, cabbage and broccoli.
• Avoid dairy and other fatty foods.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.

Prevention of bad stool odor

The best way to prevent bad stool odor is to eat a healthy and balanced diet.. This means avoiding high-fat and processed foods., eating large amounts of food, rich in fiber, such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and keeping hydrated. Besides, Regular exercise and stress reduction techniques can help keep your digestive system healthy and functioning properly..

Used sources and literature

Hoegenauer C, Hammer HF. Maldigestion and malabsorption. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 104.

Nash TE, Hill DR. Giardiasis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 330.