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Bowel Movement Smells Like Ammonia

In this article, we will take a close look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ammonia-smelling bowel movements. We will understand the role of diet, malabsorption syndrome, infections, and certain medications in causing this condition. We will also discuss when it is necessary to seek medical advice.

Jakub Gwiazdecki

Author - Jakub Gwiazdecki

Fifth year medical student at the Medical Faculty of Comenius University in Bratislava.

Jakub used MediSearch to find sources for this blog.
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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].

Infections in the intestines can lead to a bad-smelling bowel movement. Causative agents like E. coli, Salmonella, Clostridium difficile, and others can lead to gastroenteritis. During this infection, the absorption of and the normal process are impaired, and the ammonia smell can arise.

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