Discover the cause of sweet-smelling poop, and when it might indicate a health issue.
Learn how to treat and prevent foul-smelling poop.
Think Youve Got Food Poisoning?
Theres no one way for poop to smell, other than,well, bad.
So what if yours suddenly doesnt?
Or just smells totally different than normal?
quadruple board-certified physician in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine
Spoiler alert: Its completely possible to get sweet-smelling poop.
The odor comes from heightened levels of bile acids in your stool.
Its usually very loose diarrhea thats happening multiple times a day, says Dr. Rao.
If you think you have it, its important to seek treatment.
Your care team will prescribe specific antibiotics to fight off the C. diff bacteria.
Two of the most common?
Lactose intolerance and celiac disease.
Could it be a sign of cancer?
FAQ
What does melena (i.e., black stool) smell like?
quadruple board-certified physician in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine
It has a foul-smelling odor that some people compare to rotten eggs or nail polish remover.
Is sweet-smelling poop a sign of diabetes?
But its doesnt typically affect the smell of your poop, according to theNLM.
If you have diabetes and feel these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Does lactose intolerance cause sweet-smelling poop?
Not usually, says Dr. Rao.
reviewed byJennifer Logan, MD, MPH
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