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What Causes Strong Ammonia Smell In Stool Of Infants?

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Posted on Wed, 4 Feb 2015
Question: I have twins that will be 5 months old next week. They were born prematurely at 30 weeks but have been doing well since they left the NICU.

I have noticed a very strong ammonia smell in their stool the past couple of days, is this something they need to be seen for? Is it something serious?
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Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is not a cause for concern

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

It is great to hear that your twin children are otherwise doing well. I do not think that there is anything to be concerned about the ammoniacal smell of the stool. It is not a serious condition. It could be due to overgrowth of certain bacteria in the intestines degrading the undigested food. Give them plenty of curd or yogurt. Curd contains beneficial bacteria and will help in gradually reducing the number of other bacteria in intestines and help in relieving the problem. Unless your children are passing loose stools, you need not be concerned.

Hope that helps.

If you found my answer to be helpful, please leave a positive review and a 5 star rating.

Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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What Causes Strong Ammonia Smell In Stool Of Infants?

Brief Answer: It is not a cause for concern Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. It is great to hear that your twin children are otherwise doing well. I do not think that there is anything to be concerned about the ammoniacal smell of the stool. It is not a serious condition. It could be due to overgrowth of certain bacteria in the intestines degrading the undigested food. Give them plenty of curd or yogurt. Curd contains beneficial bacteria and will help in gradually reducing the number of other bacteria in intestines and help in relieving the problem. Unless your children are passing loose stools, you need not be concerned. Hope that helps. If you found my answer to be helpful, please leave a positive review and a 5 star rating. Regards Dr. Diptanshu Das