Why Does My Poop Smell Like Popcorn? Reasons for Popcorn Scented Poop

Why Does My Poop Smell Like Popcorn?

It can be alarming when your poop starts smelling different than normal, including an odor like popcorn. But what causes poop to smell like popcorn, and is it something to be concerned about? Let's take a closer look at why stool sometimes smells like popcorn and when it may indicate an underlying issue.

Normal Reasons for Popcorn Scent

In many cases, poop that smells like popcorn is no cause for concern. Some common reasons for your poop to have a popcorn scent include:

• Eating popcorn - Poop can take on the scent of recently eaten foods. So if you've had popcorn recently, this can make your stool smell similar.
• High fiber intake - A high fiber diet can increase the amount of farting and affect stool odor. Fiber-rich foods like beans, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to popcorn-smelling poop.
• Probiotics - Probiotic supplements and foods with probiotics like yogurt contain helpful bacteria that can affect digestion and stool smell.
• Fast transit time - Stools that move rapidly through the digestive tract don't have time for odor to break down, often resulting in a stronger smell.

As long as the popcorn scent of poop is temporary and not accompanied by other symptoms, it is likely benign.

When to See a Doctor

While popcorn-smelling poop is usually harmless, it could signal an underlying problem in some cases. You should see a doctor if:

• The popcorn odor persists for 2 weeks or longer
• The smell is very foul or strong
• You have additional symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or rectal bleeding
• You have recently changed your diet and the smell developed alongside other changes

Stools that smell like popcorn due to an underlying health condition may also smell foul, yeasty, or especially unpleasant. The odor may be accompanied by oily-looking stool, diarrhea, cramping, or other issues. See your doctor if you notice these or other abnormal symptoms along with the popcorn smell.

Causes of Persistent Popcorn Poop Odor

In some cases, an underlying medical condition could be causing poop to persistently smell like popcorn. Some possible causes include:

• Malabsorption - Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis can affect absorption of nutrients in the intestines. This can lead to smelly stool with an unusual odor.
• Chronic pancreatitis - Inflammation of the pancreas disrupts digestion, leading to stools that smell foul or unusual.
• C. diff infection - A bacterial infection in the colon causes watery, foul-smelling diarrhea, which can have a popcorn-like smell.
• Dietary changes - Switching to a high fiber diet, probiotics, or supplements can dramatically change stool odor at first as your gut adjusts.

In most cases, abnormal-smelling poop due to one of these conditions will be accompanied by other telling symptoms. The popcorn odor itself is less concerning than if it occurs alongside changes in stool frequency, consistency, or additional symptoms.

When Popcorn Stool Could Indicate Cancer

Extremely rarely, stool that smells like popcorn could indicate colon or rectal cancer. Cancerous tumors can block, rupture, or change metabolism in parts of the colon, sometimes resulting in abnormal odor.

However, stool that smells like popcorn alone is very unlikely to indicate cancer. Other more common symptoms usually accompany cancer, like:

• Persistent constipation or diarrhea
• Narrowed stool caliber
• Pencil-thin stools
• Blood in stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal pain

If you have popcorn poop plus any of these red flag symptoms, see a doctor right away to get examined. But again, cancer is an extremely rare cause of popcorn-smelling stool without other signs.

Tests to Diagnose Popcorn Stool

If you have recurring stool that smells like popcorn plus other symptoms, your doctor can run tests to try to pinpoint the cause, including:

• Stool sample analysis - Checks for blood, bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens.
• Blood tests - Helps identify issues like celiac disease, pancreatic problems, and malnutrition.
• Imaging tests - CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and x-rays check for blockages, inflammation, and other issues in the abdomen.
• Colonoscopy - A scope inserted in the rectum allows direct examination of the entire colon and rectum.

Based on your test results and overall symptoms, your doctor can diagnose any underlying medical conditions that could be causing smelly popcorn poop.

Treatments for Popcorn Poop Odor

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the popcorn poop. Some options may include:

• Diet changes - Eliminating high fiber foods, probiotics, supplements, or other triggers.
• Medication - Antibiotics for infections, pancreatic enzymes for deficiencies, anti-inflammatories for conditions like IBD.
• Surgery - Removing obstructions, rerouting damaged sections of colon, or repairing other anatomical issues.
• Treating underlying condition - Disease-specific treatment for celiac, Crohn’s, cystic fibrosis, etc.

For mild or transient popcorn-smelling poop, over-the-counter remedies like probiotics or activated charcoal may also be recommended to help normalize stool odor.

When to Worry About Popcorn Stool

Stool that smells like popcorn is usually not a cause for concern on its own. But if the smell persists, seems extremely foul, or occurs alongside other symptoms, see your doctor for an evaluation. With treatment of any underlying condition, your poop smell should return to normal.

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.