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Definition:
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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.
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Alternative Names:
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Foul-smelling stools
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Considerations:
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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.
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Home Care:
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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.
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Call your health care provider if:
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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
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What to expect at your health care provider's office:
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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.
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References:
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Mcquaid K. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 134.
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