Stools - foul smelling

Alternative names:

foul-smelling stools

Home care:

Home care depends on the specific diagnosis. Follow your health care provider's instructions closely, and adhere strictly to prescribed diets.

Call your health care provider if:

• foul-smelling stools develop.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Foul-smelling stools are a single symptom of a disease complex. Other symptoms and signs are generally present. Your health care provider will take a family and disease history, then complete a physical examination.

Medical history questions may include:

• When did you first notice that the stools were foul-smelling?
• Are the stools an abnormal color (especially pale or clay-colored stools)?
• Are there floating stools?
• What sort of diet has been eaten recently?
• Does a change in the diet make the smell worse or better?
• What other symptoms are present?

A stool sample will be obtained for laboratory analysis. Other laboratory studies may be indicated.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to foul-smelling stools to your personal medical record.