Breath Odor
Alternate Names : Bad Breath, Halitosis
Definition Breath odor is unpleasant, distinctive, or offensive.
Overview & 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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