Why Does My Breath Smell Like Poop? Causes and Treatments

Why Does My Breath Smell Like Poop?

Having breath that smells like poop can be embarrassing and concerning. But what causes this unpleasant odor, and is it a sign of an underlying health condition? Here's an in-depth look at the possible reasons your breath smells like poop and when you should see a doctor.

1. Gastrointestinal Issues

Problems with your gastrointestinal (GI) tract are a common cause of breath that smells like stool. When you have a GI condition, gases produced during digestion can make their way into your breath. Examples include:

• GERD - Stomach acid backs up into the esophagus causing heartburn. The acids can reach the back of the throat making breath smell sour.
• HIatal hernia - Part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm muscle causing acid reflux. This can result in bad breath.
• Peptic ulcer - Sores in the lining of the stomach, esophagus or small intestine allow gases to escape into the abdomen and enter the breath.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - Abnormal contractions in the colon lead to gas, bloating and sulfur-smelling breath.

With GI conditions, the breath may smell more like rotten eggs or sulfur rather than poop. Still, these smells can be confused with stool odor.

2. Constipation

When you're constipated, stool can sit in the colon and rectum for longer than normal before passing. The longer the stool sits, the more it decays and releases foul-smelling gases that can make their way into the breath. Straining to pass stool can also force gases out through the mouth.

3. Blocked Intestine

A bowel obstruction or blockage in the intestines stops stool and gas from moving through normally. This causes a buildup of smelly gases that have nowhere to go except out through the mouth. Examples of intestinal blockages include:

• Impacted stool - Hard, dry stool gets stuck to the intestinal walls.
• Adhesions - Scar tissue causes tissues to stick together.
• Hernia - Part of the intestine pokes through weakened muscle.
• Tumor - Cancerous growths can block intestines.

A blocked intestine requires prompt medical attention so early detection from foul-smelling breath is important.

4. C. diff Infection

Clostridioides difficile (also called C. diff) is a bacteria that causes swelling and sores in the colon. This affects the normal breakdown of stool. People with C. diff infections have foul-smelling diarrhea and stool that contains gases with a very bad odor.

5. Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance means you lack enough of the lactase enzyme to fully digest milk sugars. When lactose isn't properly digested, it sits in the intestines and serves as food for gas-producing gut bacteria. This leads to smelly gas and poop-scented breath when the gas is exhaled.

6. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

With SIBO, excess bacteria grow in the small intestine rather than farther down the GI tract. The bacteria ferment sugars and release hydrogen and methane gasses that smell like rotten eggs or poop.

When to See a Doctor

While smelly breath itself isn't dangerous, the underlying cause might be. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have:

• Ongoing foul-smelling breath for more than 2 weeks
• Very bad or foul smelling stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever or vomiting along with bad-smelling breath
• Constipation for over 2 weeks
• Intense pain in the abdomen
• Blood in stool

A doctor can help diagnose the reason for poop-like breath odor. Depending on the cause, treatment may include medications, bowel rest, IV fluids, surgery, or other interventions.

Tips to Freshen Poop Breath

While waiting for a doctor appointment, you can try these home remedies to temporarily freshen your breath:

• Drink mint or green tea
• Chew on parsley or basil
• Use antibacterial mouthwash
• Brush teeth after meals and floss daily
• Avoid trigger foods like milk, caffeine, alcohol and sugar
• Take over-the-counter antacids like Tums to reduce GERD
• Eat yogurt with active cultures to improve gut bacteria

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate medical care if you have:

• Sharp or severe abdominal pain
• Fever over 101°F (38°C)
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Green-colored vomit or stool
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

These symptoms can indicate a life-threatening emergency like a heart attack, bowel perforation, infection or sepsis.

Bottom Line

Bad breath that smells like poop is usually related to problems in the GI tract. Infections, blocked intestines, lactose intolerance and more can cause foul-smelling gas to come out when you exhale. While smelly breath itself isn't dangerous, some underlying causes can be serious. See a doctor if you have ongoing poop breath or if it's accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Make an appointment as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment to resolve your stinky breath.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.