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What Causes Ammonia Smelling Stool?

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Posted on Tue, 17 Jun 2014
Question: I have been having stool that smells of ammonia...is this a sign of infection? I am 34 year old female I have lost about 32 lbs. from 220 since the beginning of the year. I used to have ammonia smell in my sweat when working out as well, but that has gone away since I recently started drinking more water but now the smell is in my stool.

I drink a gallon of water a day and workout 60 - 90 minutes a day. I eat very healthy, baked chicken, fish, lots of fresh veggies, and I also drink green smoothies everyday.
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Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It is in no way suggestive of an infection!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this ammonia like smell that you have reported. I have reviewed your information fully and it is in no way suggestive of an infection. My greatest suspicion is that the several food types you take in a day have provided a perfect medium for fermentation and the production of different gases. This is the possible cause of this smell that you have reported. Increase fluids intake would cause sweat to be less concentrated in any waste products therefore diluting any body odour that you could have noticed prior to doing so.

I will suggest that you review your diet. Avoid mixing several different types in a day and monitor to see if this odor persists. My strongest feeling is that it would subside and there would be no need for further action.

I hope this addresses your query fully. I hope you find it helpful and guiding enough. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and please feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Causes Ammonia Smelling Stool?

Brief Answer: It is in no way suggestive of an infection! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this ammonia like smell that you have reported. I have reviewed your information fully and it is in no way suggestive of an infection. My greatest suspicion is that the several food types you take in a day have provided a perfect medium for fermentation and the production of different gases. This is the possible cause of this smell that you have reported. Increase fluids intake would cause sweat to be less concentrated in any waste products therefore diluting any body odour that you could have noticed prior to doing so. I will suggest that you review your diet. Avoid mixing several different types in a day and monitor to see if this odor persists. My strongest feeling is that it would subside and there would be no need for further action. I hope this addresses your query fully. I hope you find it helpful and guiding enough. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and please feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.