[40M] Experiencing persistent pungent fecal odor
Patient Description
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information provided, the most likely cause of your symptoms is:
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or patterns.
- Try to identify any foods that may be causing the smell and consider reducing or eliminating them from your diet.
- 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.
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8 mo ago