Considerations

Stools normally have an unpleasant odor, but one that is recognized as fairly common. Stools that have an extremely bad, unusual odor may be due to certain medical conditions. Foul-smelling stools also have normal causes, such as diet changes.

Causes

• Celiac disease - sprue
• Crohn's disease
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Intestinal infection
• Malabsorption
• Short bowel syndrome

Home Care

Home care depends on the diagnosis. Follow your health care provider's instructions closely, and stick to any prescribed diets. If you have diarrhea, drink more fluids to avoid dehydration.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have:

• Black or pale stools
• Blood in the stool
• Changes in the stool related to diet
• Chills
• Cramping
• Fever
• Pain in the abdomen
• Weight loss

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history. Questions may include:

• When did you first notice that your stools were foul-smelling?
• Are the stools an abnormal color (especially pale or clay-colored stools)?
• Are your stools difficult to flush?
• What sort of diet have you eaten recently?
• Does a change in your diet make the smell worse or better?
• What other symptoms do you have?

The doctor may take a stool sample. Other tests may be needed.

Alternative Names

Foul-smelling stools

References

Proctor DD. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 134.

Update Date: 4/7/2012

Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.