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What Are the Causes of Foul Smelling Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a medical condition that causes foul-smelling stools that are loose and watery. Bowel movements are frequent with diarrhea, and the body can become dehydrated due to a loss of water and salts.

  1. Viral infections

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, viral infections such as rotavirus, Norwalk virus and viral hepatitis can cause diarrhea.

    Other infections

    • Diarrhea can result from salmonella, shigella and other forms of bacteria that thrive in unsanitary conditions. Travelers can develop severe cases of diarrhea in developing countries, where drinking water may be contaminated by bacteria and parasites.

    Antibiotics

    • Patients may experience diarrhea while taking antibiotics, as these drugs reduce the level of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

    Foods

    • People who are lactose intolerant may develop diarrhea after consuming milk and other dairy products. Fructose is found in many fruits and can cause diarrhea in individuals who are sensitive to this natural sugar.

    Other causes

    • Artificial sweeteners such as mannitol and sorbitol can cause diarrhea to occur in some people. Individuals with digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis may experience diarrhea.

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