foul smelling gas

I have the foul smelling gas - smells like - either what I have been eating, or like a dirty, sort of unwashed smell or like bad dustbin odour at times.....I am perfectly clean but I smell awful at times. This is the most common aspect of the problem - the bowel symptoms are regular in other ways and under control through use of yakult - once  a day. Also - I have no pain for which I am grateful.

I have found parsley can help act as a gut deoderant - but have not found a total solution. try a little sprinked on food before a worrying day. Dont overdo this though - just a little is enough.

The randomness and the lack of feeling of the gas leaving the body makes it impossible to stop. Sometimes it occurs over hours. I wish I could find the key.

Undertec charcoal pads can be worn but even they are not enough when it is bad...

Any other ideas welcome. I would like to know :
1. what people think started their foul gas?
2. what helps?
I have had it for many years, now but not all my life - started after I got gastroenteritis.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or colitis can lead to an increased amount of gas.  

A colonoscopy would be a reasonable initial approach.  Sending the stool for culture and malabsorption analysis should be done, as well as blood tests to exclude celiac disease.

These options can be discussed with your personal GI physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com