What are the different types of smelly discharge. What causes frothy or unusual odors in bodily fluids. When should you see a doctor for smelly discharge. How can you differentiate between normal and abnormal bodily odors.

Understanding Bodily Discharge: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Bodily discharge is a common occurrence that can originate from various parts of the human body. While some types of discharge are perfectly normal and indicative of a healthy functioning system, others may signal underlying health issues that require medical attention. It’s crucial to understand the difference between normal and abnormal discharge to maintain optimal health and seek timely medical intervention when necessary.

Normal discharge typically serves a protective function, helping to cleanse and lubricate certain body parts. For instance, healthy vaginal discharge is usually clear or white and doesn’t have a strong odor. However, changes in color, consistency, or smell can be signs of potential problems.

Identifying Abnormal Discharge

How can you tell if your discharge is abnormal? Here are some key indicators to watch out for:

• Unusual color (e.g., green, yellow, or gray)
• Strong or foul odor
• Changes in consistency (e.g., foamy, watery, or cottage cheese-like)
• Increased quantity
• Accompanying symptoms such as itching, burning, or pain

If you notice any of these changes, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Smelly Discharge and Their Origins

Smelly discharge can originate from various parts of the body, each with its own characteristics and potential causes. Understanding these different types can help you better identify when there might be a problem.

Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a natural occurrence that helps maintain vaginal health. However, certain changes can indicate an issue:

• Fishy or egg-like odor
• Green or yellow color
• Foamy or watery consistency
• Cottage cheese-like texture

These changes, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like pain or itching, may suggest an infection or other gynecological problem.

Penile Discharge

Any discharge from the penis that isn’t semen or urine could be a sign of infection. Abnormal penile discharge may be:

• Colorless or cloudy
• White, yellow, or green
• Thick or watery
• Similar to cottage cheese in consistency

Additional symptoms like pain during urination, testicular discomfort, or lower back pain should prompt immediate medical attention.

Anal Discharge

Anal discharge refers to any substance coming from the anus that isn’t stool. This can include mucus, pus, or blood. Any persistent or unusual anal discharge should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out serious conditions.

Wound Discharge

Infected wounds may produce smelly discharge as a result of bacterial growth. This type of discharge often indicates that the wound isn’t healing properly and requires medical attention.

Smelly Sweat

While not technically a discharge, smelly sweat is worth mentioning. The human body has two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Apocrine glands, located in the armpits and genital area, produce a thicker fluid that interacts with skin bacteria to create body odor.

Common Causes of Smelly Discharge

Smelly discharge can be caused by various factors, ranging from infections to hormonal imbalances. Understanding these causes can help you identify potential issues and seek appropriate treatment.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Several STIs can lead to unusual and smelly discharge from the genitals. Some common examples include:

1. Gonorrhea
2. Chlamydia
3. Genital herpes
4. Trichomoniasis

Each of these infections can cause distinct symptoms and types of discharge. For instance, gonorrhea may result in white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis in males, while females might experience increased vaginal discharge.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection characterized by a fishy odor and thin, grayish-white discharge. It occurs when there’s an imbalance in the natural bacteria in the vagina.

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections, caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungi, can lead to thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge with a mild odor. They often cause itching and burning sensations in the genital area.

Smegma and Balanitis

Smegma is a natural lubricating substance produced by the body. However, if it builds up due to poor hygiene, it can cause an unpleasant odor and potentially lead to balanitis, an inflammation of the head of the penis.

When to See a Doctor for Smelly Discharge

While some variations in bodily discharge are normal, certain signs should prompt you to seek medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare professional about smelly discharge?

• Persistent or strong odor that’s different from your normal scent
• Changes in color, consistency, or amount of discharge
• Accompanying symptoms like pain, itching, or burning
• Fever or general feeling of illness
• Unusual bleeding or spotting
• Discharge after unprotected sexual activity

Early detection and treatment of underlying causes can prevent complications and ensure better overall health outcomes.

Diagnostic Procedures for Smelly Discharge

When you visit a healthcare provider for smelly discharge, they may perform several diagnostic procedures to determine the cause. What tests might be conducted to diagnose the source of smelly discharge?

• Physical examination
• Sample collection for laboratory testing
• Microscopic examination of discharge
• Cultures to identify bacterial or fungal growth
• STI screening
• pH testing of vaginal discharge

These tests help healthcare providers identify the specific cause of the discharge and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options for Smelly Discharge

The treatment for smelly discharge depends on its underlying cause. How are different types of smelly discharge treated?

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections, including many STIs, are typically treated with antibiotics. The specific antibiotic and duration of treatment will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection.

Fungal Infections

Yeast infections and other fungal causes of smelly discharge are usually treated with antifungal medications. These may be prescribed as oral tablets, creams, or suppositories.

Viral Infections

For viral infections like genital herpes, antiviral medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Hormonal Imbalances

If smelly discharge is due to hormonal imbalances, hormone therapy or changes in birth control methods might be recommended.

Hygiene-Related Issues

For problems related to poor hygiene, such as smegma buildup, improved cleansing routines and better overall hygiene practices are usually sufficient.

Preventing Smelly Discharge and Maintaining Genital Health

While not all causes of smelly discharge can be prevented, there are steps you can take to maintain genital health and reduce the risk of developing problematic discharge. How can you prevent smelly discharge and promote genital health?

• Practice good hygiene, including regular washing with mild soap and water
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear
• Avoid douching or using scented products in the genital area
• Practice safe sex, including using condoms to prevent STIs
• Urinate after sexual activity to help flush out bacteria
• Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated
• Change out of wet or sweaty clothes promptly
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom

By following these practices, you can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and reduce the risk of infections that may cause smelly discharge.

The Impact of Diet and Lifestyle on Body Odor and Discharge

Your diet and lifestyle choices can significantly influence body odor and, in some cases, the smell of bodily discharges. How do diet and lifestyle affect body odor and discharge?

Diet and Body Odor

Certain foods can affect body odor by altering the composition of sweat and other bodily fluids. Foods that may contribute to stronger body odor include:

• Garlic and onions
• Spicy foods
• Red meat
• Alcohol
• Caffeine

On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce body odor.

Hydration and Discharge

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy bodily functions, including the production of normal discharge. Drinking adequate water can help flush out toxins and maintain the proper balance of bacteria in the body.

Stress and Body Odor

Stress can trigger the production of stress sweat, which is produced by apocrine glands and tends to have a stronger odor than regular sweat. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and adequate sleep can help reduce stress-related body odor.

Exercise and Hygiene

Regular exercise promotes overall health and can help regulate body functions. However, it’s important to maintain good hygiene practices, especially after workouts, to prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to strong odors.

By being mindful of these factors and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can positively influence your body’s natural processes and potentially reduce issues with smelly discharge or body odor.

Types, causes, and seeing a doctor

Smelly or otherwise unusual discharge can come from various parts of the body. It may indicate an infection or another underlying health issue.

“Discharge” refers to any fluid that drains from the body. Many types are healthy and show that the body is working as it should.

In this article, we describe the various kinds of smelly discharge. We also look into the causes and when to see a doctor.

Share on PinterestDifferent parts of the body can produce smelly discharge, which often signals an infection.

Different parts of the body produce different kinds of discharge, including:

Vaginal discharge

Some vaginal discharge is normal and healthy, and it is there to protect the vagina. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually clear or white and does not have a strong odor.

Changes in the color, odor, or consistency of vaginal discharge can sometimes indicate a problem.

Some changes that may point to a health issue include:

• an increased quantity of discharge
• green or yellow discharge
• watery or foamy discharge
• discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese
• discharge with a strong odor of fish or eggs

It is especially important to seek medical care if there are also blisters, sores, pain, or bleeding from the vagina.

Learn more about the different colors of vaginal discharge.

Penile discharge

Any fluid coming from the penis that is not semen or urine may be a sign of an infection or another health issue.

Discharge from the penis may be:

• colorless or cloudy
• white, yellow, or green
• thick or watery
• similar in consistency to cottage cheese

In some cases, penile discharge may occur with one or more of the following symptoms:

• a frequent need to urinate
• pain or a burning feeling when urinating
• soreness in the tip of the penis
• pain in the testicles, anus, belly, or lower back

Discharge from the anus

Any substance that comes from the anus besides stool is called anal discharge. Examples include mucus, pus, or blood.

Discharge from wounds

Wounds that have become infected with bacteria may produce smelly discharge.

Smelly sweat

The skin contains two types of sweat gland: eccrine and apocrine. The body has more eccrine glands, and their discharge does not smell.

Apocrine glands are located in the armpits and genital area. They produce a thicker fluid that reacts with bacteria on the skin to produce the typical body odor smell.

Below are some causes of smelly discharge in different areas of the body.

Sexually transmitted infections

Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) produce unusual discharge from the genitals.

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat STIs that are bacterial or parasitic and antiviral medications for STIs caused by viruses.

Some examples of STIs that can cause smelly discharge include:

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection.

Males with gonorrhea may notice white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Other possible symptoms include:

• a burning sensation when urinating
• painful or swollen testicles
• rectal discharge

Most females with gonorrhea experience no symptoms, though they may notice increased vaginal discharge. If other symptoms do occur, they may include:

• a painful or burning sensation when urinating
• bleeding between periods
• rectal discharge

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is another sexually transmitted bacterial infection. The majority of chlamydia infections do not cause any symptoms.

Males who do develop symptoms may have:

• discharge from the penis
• a burning sensation when urinating
• a burning feeling or itchiness around the opening of the penis

Females who develop chlamydia symptoms may have:

• unusual vaginal discharge with a strong odor
• discomfort when urinating or having sex
• genital itching or irritation
• abdominal pain

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a type of sexually transmitted viral infection. Most people who acquire it develop no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:

• smelly discharge from the genitals
• blisters around the genitals, anus, or mouth that may burst and become painful sores
• a burning sensation when urinating

Females with genital herpes may also experience bleeding between periods.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a type of parasitic STI. The parasite responsible is a single-celled microorganism called Trichomonas vaginalis. Around 70% of people with trichomoniasis develop no symptoms.

Males who do develop symptoms may experience:

• discharge from the penis
• itchiness or irritation inside the penis
• a burning sensation following urination or ejaculation

Females with trichomoniasis may experience:

• changes to vaginal discharge
• itching, burning, or soreness of the genitals
• redness of the skin on and around the genitals
• discomfort during urination

Smegma and balanitis

Smegma is a naturally occurring substance that helps lubricate the skin of the penis. Without daily washing, smegma can build up on the foreskin and head of the penis, causing an unpleasant odor.

Also, smegma can harbor bacteria and fungi, resulting in an infection. This can cause inflammation of the head of the penis, which doctors call balanitis.

Depending on the exact cause of balanitis, some treatments include:

• antibiotics
• antifungal creams or ointments
• a mild steroid cream or ointment

Thrush

Thrush is a common fungal infection. In most cases, it results from an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. This yeast ordinarily lives harmlessly on and inside the body, but certain factors can cause it to multiply out of control.

Some people who develop thrush experience no symptoms. If symptoms do develop in females, they may include:

• typically odorless vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese
• vaginal itchiness and irritation
• soreness and stinging during sex or urination

Possible symptoms of thrush in males include:

• possibly smelly penile discharge that resembles cottage cheese
• a tight foreskin, or one that is otherwise difficult to pull back
• irritation, burning, and redness beneath the foreskin and around the head of the penis

A person can treat thrush using over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medication.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal condition among females of reproductive age. It results from an imbalance in the numbers of harmful and helpful bacteria in the vagina.

Females with BV may have unusual vaginal discharge, which may be white or gray and watery or frothy. The discharge can sometimes have an unpleasant, fishy odor.

Other possible symptoms of BV include:

• vaginal irritation
• itchiness of the skin around the vagina
• a burning sensation when urinating

A doctor usually prescribes a course of antibiotics to treat BV.

Foreign object in the vagina

A forgotten tampon or another foreign object inside the vagina can produce a bad, rotting smell.

If the object is not fragile, and there are no other symptoms, a person can remove it themselves. Otherwise, a doctor should.

It is important to remove the object as soon as possible. Otherwise, toxic shock syndrome can develop. This involves bacteria releasing toxins into the body, and without prompt treatment, it can be fatal.

Anal fistula

Smelly discharge from the area of the anus may result from an anal fistula. This is a small channel that has formed between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus.

Other possible symptoms of an anal fistula include:

• constant throbbing pain in the anus
• swelling or redness around the anus
• stool that contains pus or blood
• difficulty controlling bowel movements

Doctors usually recommend surgery to treat an anal fistula.

Trimethylaminuria

Trimethylaminuria is an inherited condition that produces an odor of rotting fish.

People with trimethylaminuria are unable to break down a strong-smelling compound called trimethylamine. As a result, the body releases trimethylamine in sweat, urine, genital discharge, and breath.

Although there is no cure, lifestyle modifications can help control the smell. A person may, for example, avoid certain foods that can increase fishy body odors, such as:

• seafood and shellfish
• liver and kidney
• eggs
• cow’s milk
• beans
• peanuts
• supplements containing lecithin

Anyone with unusual or smelly discharge — from any part of the body —should see a doctor.

The cause is often an infection. Depending on the type, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antifungal medications, or antiviral medications.

If the infection is sexually transmitted, the person’s sexual partners may also need treatment.

Smelly discharge can come from various parts of the body, and it is usually a sign of an infection.

Anyone with unusual or smelly discharge should see a doctor, who will diagnose the issue and recommend treatment.

The right approach depends on the cause of the discharge. Infections that lead to smelly discharge are often treatable or manageable with medication.

Vaginal discharge | nidirect

It’s normal and healthy to produce a clear or white discharge from your vagina. This mucus is produced naturally from the neck of the womb, known as the cervix.

How to tell if your discharge is unhealthy 

The amount of vaginal discharge varies throughout your menstrual cycle (brown discharge is usually the end of your period).

Most pregnant women will get a ’pregnancy discharge’.

Healthy discharge doesn’t have a strong smell or colour.

You may feel an uncomfortable wetness, but you shouldn’t have any itching or soreness around your vagina.

Any sudden change to your discharge may suggest a vaginal infection.

You should be aware of how your discharge naturally varies throughout your cycle and what isn’t normal.

However, obvious warning signs of infection are:

• a change in colour or consistency
• a sudden bad smell
• an unusually large amount of discharge
• another symptom alongside the discharge, such as itching outside your vagina or pain in your pelvis or tummy
• unexpected bleeding from the vagina

If you’re not sure whether your discharge is normal and are worried about it, see your GP or practice nurse at your GP surgery.  

• Sexual health

Common causes of abnormal discharge 

There are many possible causes of abnormal vaginal discharge.

However, it’s usually a sign of infection.

The infection is often caused by something that upsets the natural balance of bacteria or yeast in your vagina, such as washing inside the vagina, or it may be sexually transmitted.

The most common causes are:

• thrush – a fungal infection that commonly affects the vagina
• bacterial vaginosis – a bacterial infection of the vagina
• trichomoniasis – a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite
• gonorrhoea or chlamydia – STIs caused by bacteria
• genital herpes – an STI caused by the herpes simplex virus

The information below may help you identify the cause of your discharge.

However, it’s important to see your GP for a proper diagnosis and advice on how to treat the infection.

Watery or white vaginal discharge with intense itchiness 

If your discharge is thin and watery, or thick and white (like cottage cheese), you may have thrush.

This common fungal infection causes intense itchiness and soreness around your vagina.

The discharge may smell slightly yeasty, but doesn’t have a strong smell.

Almost all women get thrush from time to time and it’s not sexually transmitted.

It’s easily treated with anti-fungal medicine, which can be bought over the counter from your pharmacist.

White or grey fishy-smelling discharge 

If your vaginal discharge is grey or develops a strong fishy smell, particularly after sexual intercourse, you could have bacterial vaginosis (BV).

BV is an imbalance in the normal bacteria found in your vagina. 

It doesn’t usually cause itching or irritation.

Like thrush, BV is very common and isn’t sexually transmitted.

It’s easily treated with antibiotics. 

See your GP if you think you might have it.

Green, yellow or frothy discharge 

Trichomoniasis is a common STI caused by a tiny parasite. 

It can make your vaginal discharge frothy, yellow or green.

You may have a lot of discharge, which may also have an unpleasant fishy smell.

Other possible symptoms are soreness, swelling and itching around the vagina, and pain when passing urine.

Trichomoniasis is treated with an antibiotic that your GP can prescribe.

If you are sexually active and if you are unsure about your partner’s sexual history, you risk getting STIs. 

If you have trichomoniasis, you should visit genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or sexual health clinic as it can exist alongside other STIs.

Abnormal discharge with pain or bleeding 

See your GP or go to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic as soon as possible if your vaginal discharge is abnormal and you have:

• pain in your pelvis
• pain when you urinate
• bleeding between periods or after sex

You may have chlamydia or gonorrhoea (both STIs).

Gonorrhoea can make your discharge turn green, although often the pain or bleeding are more noticeable.

Both conditions are treated with antibiotics.

You will need to visit a local GUM or sexual health clinic or see your GP.

Untreated gonorrhoea or chlamydia may spread upwards and lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, a serious infection of the womb, fallopian tubes or ovaries.

If you ignore your symptoms you may have problems with fertility and pregnancy as a result of not being treated in time.

Abnormal discharge with blisters around the genitals 

Genital herpes can cause painful, red blisters or sores to appear around your genitals, as well as an abnormal vaginal discharge.

See your GP or go to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic as soon as possible.

You may be offered a course of antiviral tablets, which stop the herpes virus multiplying, but the symptoms may have a tendency to return.

Young girls and post-menopausal women 

It’s unusual for young girls to have abnormal vaginal discharge before they’ve gone through puberty.  

If this happens, they should see a GP. 

A common cause is a type of vulvitis (inflammation of the vulval area), caused by a streptococcal infection.

Abnormal discharge is also unusual in older women.

If you’ve gone through the menopause and suddenly notice an abnormal vaginal discharge, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Possible causes include:

• a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• cervical polyps – non-cancerous growths in the womb or lining of the cervix (neck of the womb)
• an intrauterine device (IUD)

It’s also important to rule out cervical cancer or endometrial cancer.

Cleaning your vagina 

The vagina is self-cleansing, so there is no need to wash inside it (called douching).

Douching can upset the natural balance of bacteria and fungi in your vagina and lead to thrush or bacterial vaginosis.

Vaginal soreness and abnormal vaginal discharge can also be caused by overusing perfumed soaps, bubble baths and shower gels.

Never clean your vagina with anything strongly perfumed.

Use a mild soap and warm water to gently wash around your genitals.

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Foamy stools – causes, diagnosis and treatment

Foamy stools is a discharge of liquid consistency feces with a large number of air bubbles and a sharp fetid odor. The symptom is sometimes accompanied by pain and pain in the abdomen, flatulence. As a variant of the norm, such a chair is more often observed in infants. In older children and adults, the disorder occurs with nutritional errors, may be due to diseases of the digestive system. To determine the root cause of the appearance of foamy feces, a coprogram, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, endoscopy and radiography are performed. To normalize the stool, enterosorbents, probiotics, and antidiarrheal drugs are used.

Causes of foamy stools

Normally, due to the processes of absorption of excess fluid in the large intestine, feces have a well-formed appearance and a moderately hard texture. Liquid stools with a significant amount of foam are formed with increased gas formation in the intestines. Their formation is also facilitated by increased peristalsis. In young children, especially infants, this symptom is physiological and is usually not combined with other dyspeptic disorders. Foamy feces are also found in various organic and functional diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Children’s age

In the first years of a child’s life, the digestive system adapts to various foods, during which liquid dark yellow or greenish stools with foam are formed. The sign is most typical for infants, which is associated with insufficient production of enzymes in the intestine. It is possible to increase bowel movements up to 8-10 times a day. If the symptom is observed frequently or is combined with the child’s anxiety, constant crying, refusal to eat, an urgent need to contact a pediatrician. The appearance of foamy stools in infants is provoked by:

• Mother’s malnutrition . The use of large quantities of smoked meats, chocolate, fresh vegetables and legumes affects the composition of breast milk. The child has abundant foamy feces 20-30 minutes after feeding, the stomach is often swollen.
• Early introduction of complementary foods . Loose stools with foam occur when the recommendations of doctors are not followed and new foods are added to the diet before the child reaches six months of age. Defecation disorders persist for 1-2 days.
• Use of foremilk . Liquid stools appear if the baby does not have time to completely empty one breast during feeding. Because foremilk is watery and rich in lactose, it promotes gas.
• Allergy to infant formula . In this case, foamy feces are released for a long time, the child becomes restless, loses weight. At first, the bowel movements are plentiful, then they become scarce, which is due to insufficient nutrition of the baby.

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Foamy stools in a child

Nutritional errors

Periodically foamy stools in adults and children of older age groups are detected when some foods are consumed. Most often, the development of a symptom is associated with eating a large amount of carbohydrate food, which undergoes fermentation reactions in the intestine, which increases gas formation. Characterized by increased stool up to 4-5 times a day. During each bowel movement, abundant foamy feces are released, which have a greenish tint and a sharp “sour” smell. Sometimes lumps of undigested food can be seen in the stool.

The symptom also occurs with the abuse of certain vegetables and fruits (cabbage, grapes, pears), legumes, the predominance of spicy dishes and smoked meats in the diet. In typical cases, dyspepsia resolves on its own within one day, the general condition of the person is not disturbed. The regular appearance of foamy feces, which is accompanied by vomiting, severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, is a sign of an organic pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. With such symptoms, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Dysbacteriosis

Foamy loose stools are considered one of the key signs of intestinal dysbiosis – a lack of beneficial bifidus and lactobacilli, which are necessary for normal digestion. Patients note the connection of symptoms with meals – at first, disorders occur after overeating, eating “heavy” fatty foods, then liquid, fetid stools are observed constantly, regardless of the nature of the diet. The chair becomes more frequent up to 5-7 times during the day. In addition to foamy feces, severe flatulence and rumbling in the intestines are typical, and abdominal pain is possible.

Intestinal infections

Foamy diarrhea is caused by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract when pathogens enter, as well as damage to the intestinal mucosa. Depending on the severity of the disease, the frequency of bowel movements ranges from 5 to 20 times during the day, the feces are unformed, fetid, with a high content of coarse and medium bubbling foam. Disorders of the stool are accompanied by severe pain and pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite. In children, due to dehydration, the general condition quickly worsens. With the release of foamy feces flow:

• Bacterial processes : salmonellosis, escherichiosis, initial stage of dysentery.
• Viral diseases : rotavirus, enterovirus infections.
• Parasitic infestations : giardiasis, gastroenteric form of balantidiasis and amoebiasis.

Celiac disease

With gluten intolerance, frothy stools appear in children at the age of 7-8 months, when various cereals are used as complementary foods. Celiac disease is characterized by copious, foul-smelling, greenish or light brown stools with foam and particles of undigested food. Defecation becomes more frequent up to 10-12 times a day. Due to digestive disorders, the child loses weight. A combination of the symptom with bloating, anxiety and psychomotor agitation is typical. If the pathology is not detected in time, the child begins to lag behind in growth and physical development.

Lactase deficiency

Watery, foamy stools are caused by low levels of an enzyme that breaks down milk sugar (lactose). As a result, undigested lactose accumulates in the intestines, which causes fermentation and increases the formation of gases. Defecation disorders appear in infants after 3-4 days of life, when the mother forms mature milk rich in milk sugar. There is low weight gain and even weight loss. The passage of foamy feces after taking milk, accompanied by severe bloating, is also possible in adults.

Complications of pharmacotherapy

Most often, disorders become a side effect in the treatment of bacterial diseases (antibiotic-associated diarrhea). Changes in the nature of the stool are associated with a violation of the composition of the intestinal microflora and occur in 20-40% of patients. The symptom develops 2-3 days after the start of therapy and continues throughout the course of taking the drugs. A prerequisite for the formation of liquid stools with foam is also direct damage to the intestinal wall by aggressive medicinal substances. Side effects in the form of diarrhea are typical for such groups of drugs as:

• Antibiotics : penicillins, macrolides, cephalosporins, etc.
• Oral contraceptives : regulon, postinor, marvelon.
• Cytostatics : methotrexate, mercaptopurine, cytosar.

Rare causes

• Chronic bowel disease : Crohn’s disease, amyloidosis of the small intestine.
• Tropical sprue .
• Surgical complications : resection of the small intestine, inflammation of the intestinal anastomoses.
• Congenital enteropathies: intestinal microvillus atrophy, enterokinase deficiency.

Examination

When frothy stools appear, patients turn to a gastroenterologist. Since the symptom can be due to various reasons, the specialist prescribes a comprehensive examination of the gastrointestinal tract using instrumental and laboratory methods. Diagnostic search involves clarifying the cause of defecation disorders and assessing the degree of secondary disturbance of metabolic processes in the body. The most valuable are:

• Coprogram . During a standard analysis of feces, their consistency is assessed, undigested food particles are detected. The pH of foamy feces is necessarily measured and the levels of individual enzymes are determined, which is important for the timely diagnosis of enzyme deficiency.
• Bacteriological analysis . To verify intestinal dysbacteriosis, it is necessary to inoculate feces on nutrient media with the identification of all bacterial colonies. More informative is the sowing of the contents of the small intestine, which is obtained using a probe.
• Function tests . For a quick non-invasive detection of lactase deficiency, a special breath test is used. An increase in the level of hydrogen in the exhaled air after ingestion of a large amount of milk sugar indicates a primary deficiency of the enzyme.
• Ultrasound . Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is used as a screening to detect structural changes in the gastrointestinal tract, which may indicate the presence of organic pathology. Sonography is widely prescribed in childhood, since the method is absolutely safe and painless.
• Radiography . A series of radiographic images after oral barium sulfate contrast is recommended for persistent stool disorders. On radiographs, the contours of intestinal loops, the presence of defects in the intestinal wall, and volumetric formations are evaluated.

General and biochemical blood tests are indicated for all patients. To clarify the diagnosis of celiac enteropathy, an endoscopic examination of the duodenum with a biopsy of its walls is performed. Confirmation of intestinal infections is performed by detecting antibodies in blood plasma. If there is a suspicion that a foamy stool is associated with congenital diseases, a consultation with a specialist in the field of medical genetics is recommended.

Bacteriological analysis of feces

Symptomatic therapy

In case of mild defecation disorders, non-drug methods are recommended: drinking plenty of water to replenish the water balance, avoiding fatty and spicy foods, rich pastries and fast food from the diet. To eliminate increased gas formation, enterosorbents can be used. Do not take strong antidiarrheals without a doctor’s prescription as they may cause side effects. If the discharge of liquid, foul-smelling feces continues for more than 2-3 days, you should consult a specialist.

Probiotics are given to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The presence of other dyspeptic symptoms (severe cramping abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, blood in the feces) against the background of foamy diarrhea is an indication for seeking medical help. Attempts to self-treat such conditions are fraught with the development of severe dehydration and aggravation of the underlying disease. Etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy is prescribed by a gastroenterologist after finding out the causes of stool disorders.

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prices

For sets of mini fragrances

Select

2 = 3

For diffusers biblioteka aromatov
by code HOME

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10% discount

When paying with Share

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About us

For more than 10 years, our products have been giving bright emotions and inspiration to millions of customers

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Fragrances
for every day 9 0005

Choose products with strong aromas in different formats. Mood and more.

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For home and car
Diffusers, candles, room sprays and car perfumes

For body
Oils and scrubs
for body

Perfume
Colognes, eau de parfum and oil-based rollerballs

For bath
and shower
Gels, salts, foam
and bath milk

For hands
Cream, soap and hand sanitizers

For face
Lip balms
and mists

New

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NEW

Kpop

1150 ₽
1150 ₽

NEW

3 priced at 2

S

1450 ₽
1450 ₽

NEW

3 priced at 2

Mango M

1450 ₽
1450 ₽

NEW

3 at price 2

Lady

1450 ₽
1450 ₽

NEW

3 priced at 2

Gipsy

1450 ₽
1450 ₽

NEW

3 priced at 2

MO

1450 ₽
1450 ₽

NEW

3 at price 2

by G

1450 ₽
1450 ₽

NEW

3 priced at 2

Angel or

1450 ₽
1450 ₽

Brands

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50% discount on the second cologne with code TWO

Online from 7 to 20 July

Free shipping on orders over 1500 ₽

Online only from July 1 to July 15

4 colognes
for the price of 3

Online and in stores from July 1 to July 31

1 + 1 = 3 for perfume oils

Online only from 1 to 31 July

1 + 1 = 3 Eau de Parfum

Online and in stores from July 1 to 31

More fragrances –
more discount!

Maximum benefit when buying
from 10,000 ₽ in stores and online

10% discount and 3 mini fragrances on your first order!

Online only July 1-31

10% discount for students

Stores only

Fragrant surprises for birthdays!

Online and in stores

Exciting selections

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Mischief managed

Hey Barbie!

My darling

deduction method

Gently to yourself

John Wick recommends

Birthday biblioteka aromatov

Bartender, repeat!

Fragrances “Wednesday”

Aromas “Avatar”

cosa nostra

A foam party

Popular

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HIT

4 for the price of 3

-50% on the 2nd

Cuba

2450 ₽
2450 ₽

HIT

4 for the price of 3

-50% on the 2nd

Amsterdam

2450 ₽
2450 ₽

HIT

4 for the price of 3

-50% on the 2nd

Dandelion wine

1950 ₽
1950 ₽

HIT

4 for the price of 3

-50% on the 2nd

Hawaiian Vanilla

2450 ₽
2450 ₽

Alcohol free

HIT

3=2

Hot chocolate sundae

975 ₽
975 ₽

HIT

4 for the price of 3

-50% on the 2nd

Storm

2450 ₽
2450 ₽

HIT

-50% on the 2nd

Lavender Rough

1950 ₽
1950 ₽

HIT

4 for the price of 3

-50% on the 2nd

Lemon meringue

1950 ₽
1950 ₽

HIT

2=3

Linden

1750 ₽
1750 ₽

HIT

2=3

Rhubarb and raspberry

1750 ₽
1750 ₽

We place memories in vials.