My three-year-old's dirty diapers have recently begun smelling like ammonia. This has not always been the case, yet his diet is still the same. His wet diapers don't smell this way. Any ideas on what is causing this? Thanks.

Dear Poo Bear's Momma,

I am by no means a pediatric nurse, and I have never claimed to be. I work as a medical/surgical nurse in the adult population. So I can only tell you this: when it comes to adults, ammonia levels can be associated with metabolic issues. So ammonia-smelling poops can have something to do with food not being properly metabolized.

Bacteria help break down the body's byproducts for elimination. Sometimes they can build up and get a little out of hand in the digestive tract, which can be harmful. This might explain the ammonia smell.

I tried to research ammonia-smelling stool, but haven't been able to come up with much of an answer besides the one I gave you. I definitely suggest you and Poo Bear take a trip your doctor for safe measure.

Good luck!
Snapper

Snapper is a general medical-surgical Registered Nurse. And a Canadian one at that. She is not a doctor. She has never claimed to be one. She doesn't plan on ever being one. But, dang! She sure is smart, wonderful, and hot. She does not intend to give definitive medical advice on PoopReport.com, and the information provided here is not a substitute for readers seeking medical advice. All concerns should be followed up by your doctor.