Stools - Foul Smelling
Alternate Names : Foul-Smelling Stools
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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 or stools that are difficult to flush?
- 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 the cause of your foul-smelling stools to your personal medical record.
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