[40M] Experiencing persistent pungent fecal odor

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, the most likely cause of your symptoms is:

• Malabsorption: This condition occurs when your body is unable to absorb certain nutrients from the food you eat. This can lead to foul-smelling stools. Conditions that can cause malabsorption include chronic pancreatitis, celiac disease, and cystic fibrosis.

  • Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause and supplementing the nutrients that your body is unable to absorb.

• Gastrointestinal Infection: Certain bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause a change in the smell of your stool. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, or vomiting.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and sometimes antibiotics or antiparasitic medications.

• Diet: Certain foods can cause a change in the smell of your stool. Foods high in sulfur, such as eggs, meat, and certain vegetables, can cause a rotten egg smell.

  • Treatment involves modifying your diet to reduce the intake of these foods.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all possible conditions, and other less common causes may also be possible.

What you can do

While waiting for a formal assessment from a healthcare professional, you can:

1. Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or patterns.
2. Try to identify any foods that may be causing the smell and consider reducing or eliminating them from your diet.
3. Ensure you are staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in your stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Fever or chills

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.