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Is Foul Smell Normal When Suffering From Hemorrhoids?

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Posted on Wed, 31 Dec 2014
Question: Is it normal to have a fishy smell when you have hemorrhoids? What can I do to prevent this smell?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Further details are needed as following...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your concerns carefully, and I'd like to ask for other details:
- you are reporting to have a fishy smell when having hemorrhoids? Can you specify the site you feel the fishy smell: form your anus or genitalia?

- are you also having discharge from your: anus (rectum)? genitalia?

- have you been on antibiotics recently? or any other medications (locally) apart those mentioned in the first query?

- the fishy smell is indicative for possible infection. Depending on the site you feel the fishy smell, specific treatment would be prescribed.

Looking forward to have your details in!
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (9 hours later)
The smell is definitely coming from my anus. I had my first bout with hemorrhoids recently and I'm not sure what I need to do. I had folded a piece of toilet paper up and placed it in between my butt cheeks to help absorb any leakage through the night. When I checked it this morning, I found some a small amount of what looked like watered-down blood and some orange-yellow marks as well. I wiped with a baby wipe and have no pain or soreness today; however, I still smell a vague odor. It's like a copper smell mixed with a fishy odor --it's very odd and I have never experienced this, so I'm concerned!

I'm not having any irregular discharge from my vagina. I have recently finished a round of antibiotics (10 day regimen of cefdinir that was just finished last week) for TMJ-related inflamed parotid glands. I have been taking a multivitamin, vitamin D, calcium, and elderberry syrup lately.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (18 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible sign for infection;further tests recommended...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for providing additional data of yours.

You are saying to have a fishy odor coming from your anus. Usually, such fishy odor is associated with bacterial vaginal infection, which you are reporting not to have.

Then, most probably, such fishy odor from your anus is due to infection. If fungal infection would be present, the odor would be doughy and not fishy, that's why I highly recommend to:
- consult again with GI specialist to evaluate your hemorrhoids condition
- culture the stool for bacterial infection
- examine the stool for ova/parasites
- follow good hygienic measures when it comes to cleaning your anus: wash with warm water and soap, rinse with chamomile tea, dry well; apply local hemorrhoids cream or suppositories.

Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2266 Questions

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Is Foul Smell Normal When Suffering From Hemorrhoids?

Brief Answer: Further details are needed as following... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your concerns carefully, and I'd like to ask for other details: - you are reporting to have a fishy smell when having hemorrhoids? Can you specify the site you feel the fishy smell: form your anus or genitalia? - are you also having discharge from your: anus (rectum)? genitalia? - have you been on antibiotics recently? or any other medications (locally) apart those mentioned in the first query? - the fishy smell is indicative for possible infection. Depending on the site you feel the fishy smell, specific treatment would be prescribed. Looking forward to have your details in! Dr.Klerida