Halitosis
August 18th, 2017
Overview
Halitosis is also known as foetor ex ore, oral malodour and 'bad breath'. The term refers to an offensive odour that may resemble rotten eggs / meat / fish or faeces.
This finding is 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
- Crohn's disease
Respiratory
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchial tumour
Systemic
- Cirrhosis
- Ketosis
- Alcohol
- Uraemia
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