Hi, I’m wondering if IBS can cause a strong onion-like smell in stool. I just had a fairly large bowel movement—it was a bit flat but otherwise normal in width and light to medium brown in color. I didn’t notice any blood or anything unusual, except for the flat stool, which I’ve heard can be a sign of IBS. However, I did notice a distinct onion-like odor, which isn’t overly strong, just a bit more pungent than usual. My dad experiences this smell often, actually. I’ve read that diarrhea can cause a similar odor, but my stool is well-formed.
I’m starting to feel anxious again because I came across a comment from someone whose mom had colon cancer, and they mentioned that her stool had an onion-like smell when she had blood in it. I haven’t been diagnosed with IBS yet, and the last time I saw a doctor was about two and a half months ago. I’ve had this smell before, but now that I read that comment, I’m starting to worry.