Definition:
Breath odor is the scent of the air you breathe out of your mouth. Unpleasant, distinctive, or offensive breath odor is commonly called bad breath.
Alternative Names:
Bad breath; Halitosis
Considerations:
Some disorders will produce specific, characteristic odors to the breath. A fruity odor to the breath occurs as the body attempts to get rid of excess acetone through the breathing. This is a sign of ketoacidosis, which may occur in diabetes. It is a potentially life-threatening condition. Breath that smells like feces can occur with prolonged vomiting, especially when there is a bowel obstruction. It may also occur temporarily if a person has a tube placed through the nose or mouth to the stomach to drain the stomach contents (nasogastric tube) in place. The breath may have an ammonia-like odor (also described as urine-like or "fishy") in people with chronic kidney failure.
Common Causes:
If previously normal breath turns into halitosis, causes could include: - Abscessed tooth
- Alcoholism
- Cavities
- Dentures
- Drugs
- Paraldehyde
- Triamterene and inhaled anesthetics
- Insulin - injection
- Food or beverages consumed (such as cabbage, garlic, raw onions, or coffee)
- Foreign body in the nose (usually in children)
- Often (but not always) there is a white, yellowish, or bloody discharge from one nostril
- Gum disease (gingivitis, gingivostomatitis)
- Impacted tooth
- Lung infection
- Poor dental hygiene
- Sinusitis
- Throat infection
- Tobacco smoking
- Vitamin supplements (especially in large doses)
Diseases that may be associated with breath odor (not presented in order of likelihood -- some are extremely unlikely):
References:
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