Bad Breath: Is It a Sign of Illness?

Infections or chronic inflammation of the nose, sinuses, or throat can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis. Diseases, such as some types of cancer, and conditions such as metabolic disorders, can also produce a characteristic odor in the breath. Poor oral hygiene is the cause of most cases of halitosis, but it can also indicate another underlying medical condition. Finding the cause of bad breath is the first step in treating this preventable condition.

Runny nose, respiratory and tonsil infections, sinus problems, diabetes, liver and kidney problems, and certain blood disorders can all contribute to bad breath. In some less common cases, bad breath could be a sign of cancer or other serious conditions, such as metabolic disorders. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, a salivary gland disorder, or by always breathing through the mouth instead of through the nose. In addition, some medications, when broken down in the body, release chemicals that can be carried through the bloodstream to breathing.

If what you know and love isn't the sweet breath of a kitten, but a stench that makes you shudder, something might not be right. Researchers from Haifa (Israel) analyzed breath samples from 484 people who had fasted for 12 hours and had avoided smoking for at least 3 hours before the test. The main symptom of halitosis is a bad smell from the mouth that is considered to be beyond a socially acceptable level. Because it's difficult to assess how your own breath smells, ask a close friend or family member to confirm that you're concerned about bad breath.

Bad breath can be a warning sign of the presence of other diseases or ailments. Poor oral hygiene also causes other oral health conditions, such as tooth decay and gum disease, which are also associated with bad breath. The fishy smell can occur when kidney failure affects the respiratory system and causes respiratory problems. However, fruity bad breath or an acetone-like odor (commonly used in nail polish remover) can also indicate a serious complication in diabetic patients called ketoacidosis.A quick breath test can save you from more than just an uncomfortable social situation: it could save your life.

Many different causes Bad breath can indicate conditions that range from periodontal, kidney, respiratory or liver diseases to diabetes, skin diseases (affecting the tissue around the lips) or oral trauma.