Halitosis
Also known as foetor ex ore, oral malodour and 'bad breath'.
Smell For
- An offensive odour that may resemble rotten eggs / meat / fish or faeces.
Significance
- Suggestive of bacterial colonisation in the mouth, pharynx, respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts.
Causes of Halitosis
Oropharyngeal
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Mouth ulcer
- Dental caries
- Gingivitis
- Tongue colonisation
- Tonsilitis
- Sinusitis
Gastrointestinal
- Reflux
- H pylori infection
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Respiratory
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchial tumour
Systemic
- Cirrhosis
- Ketosis
- Alcohol
- Uraemia
Uraemic Foetor
Smell For
- Ammonia, or a urine-like odour.
Significance
- Occurs in patients with end-stage renal failure.
Foetor Hepaticus
Smell For
- A musty smell, sometimes described as a mix between rotten eggs and garlic.
Significance
- Associated with severe liver cirrhosis, likely due to sulphur compounds such as methyl mercaptan and dimethylsulphide.
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