Medical Encyclopedia

 

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Stools - foul smelling

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Lower digestive anatomy
Lower digestive anatomy

Alternative Names    Return to top

Foul-smelling stools

Definition    Return to top

Foul-smelling stools are stools with a very bad odor. They usually have to do with what you eat, but may be a sign of a medical condition.

Considerations    Return to top

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.

Foul-smelling stools may occur with floating stools.

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

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 water to avoid dehydration.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have:

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

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

Medical history questions may include:

The doctor will take a stool sample. Other studies may be needed.

Update Date: 8/22/2008

Updated by: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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