[40M] Experiencing persistent pungent fecal odor

Patient Description

A 40-year-old male reports a persistent pungent, rotten egg-like odor in his stool, occurring with every bowel movement for several years. The patient has not observed any changes in the color or consistency of the stool, nor has there been any presence of blood. There are no accompanying symptoms such as unintentional weight loss or severe abdominal pain. The patient is not currently on any medications and has not noticed any dietary changes or started any new medications that could be contributing to the odor. There are no known allergies or adverse reactions to medications. The patient is unsure about the family history of gastrointestinal diseases and denies the use of alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs. No pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses have been reported.

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Arora's Assessment

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.

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8 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common causes of foul-smelling stool?

Common causes of foul-smelling stool include malabsorption disorders, gastrointestinal infections, and dietary factors. Conditions like chronic pancreatitis, celiac disease, and certain infections can lead to changes in stool odor.


Can diet alone cause a persistent change in stool odor?

Yes, diet can cause changes in stool odor. Foods high in sulfur, such as eggs, meat, and certain vegetables, can lead to a rotten egg smell. However, if the odor persists despite dietary changes, it may indicate an underlying condition.


What are the symptoms of malabsorption and how is it treated?

Symptoms of malabsorption include diarrhea, weight loss, and foul-smelling stools. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, such as managing celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis, and supplementing any nutrients that are not being absorbed properly.


When should I seek medical attention for changes in stool odor?

You should seek medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or fever and chills, as these could indicate a more serious condition.

2 Comments


Brian#93

8 mo ago

Seems like some sort of malabsorption or diet problem

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Brian#93

8 mo ago

Here's a video I found helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruaTmeULYGw

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