What are the Causes of Bowel Movements Smelling Like Ammonia?
There can be several reasons why the bowel movement smells like ammonia. However, the direct cause of the smell is the breakdown of urea [1].
The ammonia smell can also occur after the consumption of certain foods. This can happen, especially when they are eaten in large amounts. Among the foods that can produce an ammonia-smelling movement are meat, seafood, asparagus, eggs, and beans [2].
Additionally, some medications, like antibiotics, or some supplements, such as vitamins, can lead to ammonia-smelling bowel movement [2].
People suffering from malabsorption syndrome can also have ammonia-smelling bowel movements. The disease causes some of the nutrients to stay in the gastrointestinal tract. This substance can lead to a foul-smelling bowel movement.
Malabsorption syndrome occurs often in conditions like ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease [2].
What are Other Symptoms of Ammonia-Smelling Bowel movement?
Ammonia-smelling bowel movements can be accompanied by many symptoms. The exact presentation depends on the underlying condition.
However, often ammonia-smelling bowel movements occur with abdominal pain. This condition can come and go or persistently bother you [3].
Another symptom that can occur with bowel movement problems is bloating [3, 4]. Also, diarrhea or constipation can occur, for example, due to infections or medications [4, 5].
It can also happen that ammonia-smelling bowel movements will be accompanied by exessive gases. Sometimes this symptom can be controlled with diet [2].
In some cases, unintentional weight loss can occur [2]. Remember that when you notice unexplainable weight changes, you should see your doctor. It is important to determine the cause of the weight change.
Nausea and vomiting are other symptoms that can occur. Both conditions can lead to problems with eating and drinking [4, 6].
What is the Treatment for Bowel Movement Smelling Like Ammonia?
The treatment of ammonia-smelling bowel movements is based on the underlying condition. To determine the exact cause of your condition, you should visit a doctor.
For example, in irritable bowel syndrome, the problem with ammonia in your gastrointestinal tract can be treated pharmacologically. You will receive a two-week therapy of rifaximin [7].
When the problem comes from dehydration or high protein consumption, the solutions are easier. In such situations, you need to drink more water. You should take even 2 liters of water a day [1].
When Should I See a Doctor With Ammonia-Smelling Bowel Movements?
Before looking for medical attention, there are a few things you should pay attention to. They will speed up the diagnosis and allow for earlier therapy.
You should pay attention to the accompanying symptoms. Especially important are pain, fever, or blood in your stool.
When you have a fever and ammonia-smelling bowel movements, it can indicate an infection. A bacterial or viral infection should be treated as soon as possible. Therefore, you should see your doctor [1, 8].
Pain is always a bad sign. This also applies in cases of gastrointestinal problems. When you feel pain from a foul-smelling stool, you should look for medical attention urgently.
Also, whenever you spot blood in your stool or notice weight loss that is not normal, you should see a doctor [8].
There is a good and general role for the ammonia smell of the bowel movement. You should see a doctor when the smell is accompanied by additional symptoms for more than two days [2].
