I have strange smelling stools. Is it a symptom of IBS?

Question

Hi doctor,

It started around two months ago. I thought I was constipated. I increased my fiber and water intake, and it got better for around three weeks. Now, it came back 10 days ago. My symptoms started with loose stool and hard-to-pass small soft stool.

Four days ago, I noticed that my stool smells strange; it smells like mangoes.

Please suggest.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

It looks to me that they are undigested food particles. The most common causes behind this problem are:

Indigestion.
Infection.
Irritable bowel syndrome.

I would recommend you get a stool routine and a microscopy test. If we find an infection over there, we will treat you with antibiotics, and if there is no infection, then we would require just good probiotics and avoidance of fatty food, as well as food that contains spices and oil.

Till your reports are available, I would recommend that you discuss with your doctor to prescribe you a combination of Pantoprazole and Levosulpride to be taken empty stomach in the morning.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The fruity smell could be due to an E. coli (Escherichia coli) infection in your stools.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.