While several medical conditions can cause foul-smelling stools, diet changes can also be to blame. Diarrhea can be uncomfortable, but it often resolves without any treatment within a few days. When foul-smelling diarrhea persists, it is important for individuals to consult a physician for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Knowing the possible causes of foul-smelling diarrhea may help prevent it.
Malabsorption
Impaired absorption of nutrients from the small intestine is also called malabsorption. Several conditions are known to cause malabsorption, including celiac disease, short bowel syndrome, tropical sprue, whipple's disease, carbohydrate intolerance and gastrointestinal infection. One of the symptoms of malabsorption is foul-smelling diarrhea. In order to find what is causing the malabsorption and diarrhea, it may be necessary for sufferers to consult a doctor and run specific tests.
Intestinal Infection
Commonly referred to as gastroenteritis, intestinal infections can also cause foul-smelling diarrhea. Intestinal infections are caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. Some of the most common organisms responsible for foul-smelling diarrhea include Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, rotavirus, Norwalk virus and Giardia. Someone can become infected by ingesting contaminated food or water or by being in contact with another infected person.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Two different conditions, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, comprise the spectrum of IBD. While they are distinct conditions with different symptoms, either one may cause foul-smelling diarrhea. Rectal bleeding is also common, especially in ulcerative colitis. Imaging and sigmoidoscopy are usually required for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Antibiotic Colitis
Antibiotic use can create an unhealthy shift in the balance of normally occurring intestinal flora. This can make the gastrointestinal system vulnerable to overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, an anaerobic bacteria. Acute inflammation of the colon and diarrhea are caused by certain toxins produced by the bacteria.
According to "The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy," treatment with cephalosporins, clindamycin or broad-spectrum penicillins is usually responsible, but almost any antibiotic treatment can lead to an infection with Clostridium difficile and foul-smelling diarrhea.
References
- MedlinePlus: Stools Foul-smelling
- "The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy"; Mark H. Beers, M.D., Robert Berkow, M.D.; 1999
- "Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice 7th edition"; John A. Marx, M.D.; 2010
