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| Definition: | Breath odor is unpleasant, distinctive, or offensive.
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| Alternative Names: | Bad breath; Halitosis
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| 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.
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| 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):
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Review Date: 5/23/2003
Reviewed By: David Webner, M.D., Department of Family Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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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.
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