A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y

Breath odor
Definition:
Breath odor is unpleasant, distinctive, or offensive.

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 characteristic sign of ketoacidosis (such as diabetic ketoacidosis), a potentially life-threatening condition.

A fecal odor to the breath (the breath smells like feces) can occur with prolonged vomiting, especially when there is a bowel obstruction. It can also occur temporarily if the person has a nasogastric tube in place (a tube placed through the nose or mouth to the stomach to drain the stomach contents).

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:
  • Food or beverages consumed (such as cabbage, garlic, raw onions, or coffee)
  • Vitamin supplements (especially in large doses)
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Dentures
  • Cavities
  • Tobacco smoking
  • Alcoholism
  • Throat infection
  • Sinusitis
  • Lung infection
  • Gum disease (gingivitis, gingivostomatitis)
  • Abscessed tooth
  • Impacted tooth
  • Foreign body in the nose (in children)
    • Often (but not always) there is a white, yellowish, or bloody discharge from one nostril
  • Drugs
    • Paraldehyde
    • Triamterene and inhaled anesthetics
    • Insulin - injection
Diseases that may be associated with breath odor (not presented in order of likelihood -- some are extremely unlikely):
Home Care:
Use proper dental hygiene (especially flossing), and remember that mouthwashes are not effective in treating the underlying problem.

Fresh parsley or a strong mint are often effective ways to fight temporary bad breath. Avoid smoking. Otherwise, follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause.
Call your health care provider if:
  • Breath odor persists and there is not an obvious cause (such as smoking or eating odor-causing foods).
  • You have breath odor and signs of a respiratory infection, such as documented fever, cough, or facial pain with nasal discharge
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained, and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting breath odor in detail may include:
  • Quality
    • Is there a specific odor?
      • Is there a fishy smell?
      • Does the breath smell like ammonia or urine?
      • Does the breath smell like fruit or is there a sweet-chemical smell?
      • Does the breath smell like feces?
      • Does the breath smell like alcohol?
  • Aggravating factors
    • Has the person recently eaten a spicy meal, garlic, cabbage, or other "odorous" food?
    • Does the person take vitamin supplements?
    • Does the person smoke?
  • Relieving factors
    • Does good oral hygiene improve the odor?
    • What home care measures have been tried? How effective are they?
  • Medical history
  • Other
    • What other symptoms are also present?
The physical examination will include a thorough examination of the mouth and the nose. A throat culture may be taken if the patient has a sore throat or mouth sores.

In rare cases, diagnostic tests that may be performed include: Intervention:
Antibiotics may be prescribed for some conditions. For an object in the nose, the doctor will use a special instrument to remove it.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to breath odor to your personal medical record.
Review Date: 10/26/2001
Reviewed By: Sarah Pressman Lovinger, M.D., General Internist at Boston Medical Center, Boston MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com