"Understanding Foul-Smelling Poop: Causes and What to Do"

Why Does Your Poop Smell Different Than Usual?

If you've noticed a change in the odor of your stool, you may be wondering what could be causing it. According to expert doctor Dr. Zhang, there are several factors that can contribute to a change in poop smell. Here are some common reasons why your poop might smell different than usual:

1. Changes in Your Diet

"Diet is one of the most common reasons for stool odor changes," explains Dr. Zhang. Foods high in sulfur, such as red meat, eggs, garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, can create more potent odors as they're broken down. High-protein diets and heavily processed foods can also lead to smellier stools.

2. Increased Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can disrupt your microbiome and digestion, leading to changes in stool odor. Some types of alcohol, like wines, ciders, and beers, contain sulfites that produce more hydrogen sulfide during digestion, contributing to a stronger smell.

3. Stress

Stress can have a significant impact on gut health and bowel movements. It can speed up or slow down how food moves through your intestines, altering bacterial fermentation and stool composition. These changes can result in the formation of foul-smelling compounds in your bowel movements.

4. Dehydration

Dehydration can cause constipation, leading to harder and more concentrated stool with a stronger smell. When stool sits in your colon for longer, bacterial fermentation increases, intensifying the odor.

5. Infections

Some infections, such as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), can cause distinctively foul-smelling stool accompanied by watery diarrhea, cramping, and fever. Antibiotics used to treat infections can also alter the microbial balance in your digestive system, affecting the smell of your stool.

6. High-Fat Meals

Eating a meal that is excessively fatty can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to a condition known as steatorrhea, or fatty stool. This type of stool can have a particularly rancid or foul smell due to undigested fat.

7. Underlying Gastrointestinal Issues

A variety of digestive and non-digestive issues can cause changes in stool odor. While a change in smell is rarely the only symptom of a disease, it can be a sign of an underlying problem. Gastroenterologists pay particular attention to the odor of blood in the stool, as it can indicate issues in different parts of the digestive tract.

When to See a Doctor for Smelly Poop

If you experience a change in stool odor that lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to see a doctor. Red flags that warrant medical attention include blood in the stool, persistent diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, ongoing fatigue, greasy stool, abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating.

Conclusion

While changes in poop smell can be concerning, they are often harmless and temporary. However, if the odor persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's essential to seek medical advice. Remember that everyone's digestive system is different, and what is normal for one person may not be normal for another.