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BREATH OF FRESH AIR

From fish to sour milk, what your bad BREATH could be saying about your health

If your breath smells like fish it could be a problem with your liver or kidney

DO you constantly suffer from bad breath?

And no matter how often you brush your teeth or how much gum you chew you just can't seem to keep the smell away?

 Bad breath could be a sign that something is wrong with your health
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Bad breath could be a sign that something is wrong with your healthCredit: Getty - Contributor

Apart from it being a social faux pas, it could actually be a sign that something is wrong with your health.

Each different smell your breath has could be a sign of gum problems, throat problems, a bad diet or even kidney or liver problems.

Luckily, there are several things you can do to get your breath smelling clean and fresh again like drinking plenty of water and remembering to floss when you brush your teeth.

But if you are finding your partner shies away from a kiss unless you've sucked on a Tic Tac, it's a good idea to speak to your GP or dentist.

 If your breath smells like rotting flesh it could be a sign of tonsillitis
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If your breath smells like rotting flesh it could be a sign of tonsillitisCredit: Getty - Contributor

Here's what could be wrong if your breath smells bad.

1. Fleshy problem

Noticed your breath smells like rotting flesh?

This could happen for a number of reasons.

Tonsillitis

If your breath smells like rotting flesh it could be a sign you have tonsillitis, according to Dr Harold Katz, founder of The Breath Company.

"When your tonsils are infected and inflamed it makes it difficult for the anaerobic bacteria at the back of the tongue to break down chemicals as usual," he said.

"Sulphur producing bacteria breed deep in the tonsil crypts which the infected tonsils struggle to break down.

"It’s this sulphuric smell, similar to that of rotting flesh, which makes the breath smell so bad when someone is suffering from tonsillitis or tonsil stones.

Most cases of tonsillitis clear up without treatment in a week, but if your symptoms don't subside you should speak to your GP.

 If your breath smells like rotting flesh it could also indicate a liver problem
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If your breath smells like rotting flesh it could also indicate a liver problemCredit: Getty - Contributor

Liver problems

"In rare cases this smell could also indicate cirrhosis of the liver," Dr Katz added.

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by long-term liver damage. 

It can eventually lead to liver failure, which can be fatal, so see a GP straight away.

Meanwhile, to deal with your bad breath, drink plenty of water.

Tooth abscess

On the subject of rotting flesh, a tooth abscess can also cause the same smell.

This is a severe dental infection that occurs when the pulp inside the tooth decays.

If not treated it can lead to tooth loss.

It can also lead to a bacterial infection and a build-up of pus in the gums as well as pain and swelling.

If you suspect an abscess you should see your dentist.

 If your breath smells like fish it could be a problem with your liver or kidney
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 If your breath smells like fish it could be a problem with your liver or kidneyCredit: Getty - Contributor

2. Fishy breath

It's to be expected if you've just had a tuna salad for lunch.

But fishy breath all the time isn't a good sign.

Kidney or liver problems

If you've noticed your breath is giving off a particularly fishy smell you might have kidney or liver problems.

Dr Katz said: "Nitrogen is the main culprit when it comes to giving out fishy smells.

"That means that if your breath has a distinct fishy odour it might mean your kidneys or liver is to blame.

"This is because of the inclusion of nitrogen in the breakdown of kidney and liver tissue.

"If you notice a fishy smell on your breath, or as part of your body odour in general, see your GP who can arrange a kidney and liver function test."

 Infected gums could make your breath smell like poo
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Infected gums could make your breath smell like pooCredit: Getty - Contributor

3. Not to be poo-pooed

It might sound incredibly grim, but bad breath can even smell like poo.

That's enough to put anyone off coming near you.

There are several possible reasons for this.

Bowel obstruction or tumour

When an intestine is blocked the stool can back up to the point where it leaves your breath smelling like poo.

In severe cases a person may even vomit poop.

A tumour, scarring from surgery or digestive problems like Crohn's disease can all lead to bowel obstructions.

 Gum disease can cause tooth loss and make your breath smell like poo
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Gum disease can cause tooth loss and make your breath smell like pooCredit: Getty - Contributor

Gum disease

"Rotting tissue can mimic the smell of faeces because of the production of similar chemicals by anaerobic bacteria," Dr Katz said.

"The number one infection in modern humans is infected gums, so the smell of faeces can just as easily come from a lack of flossing as from a blockage in the bowel.

"It’s an unfortunate myth that bad breath is linked to digestive issues and one that can lead sufferers to have unnecessary medical procedures."

Infected gums can also lead to problems like tooth loss, so make sure you floss and brush your teeth twice a day.

And if you notice your breath is starting to smell of poo visit your dentist immediately.

Sinus infection

A sinus infection causes pain and swelling in the sinuses.

It can also cause a build-up of snot, poor sense of smell, pain in the face, a fever and a runny nose.

The infection is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria.

But this bacteria can also cause your breath to smell like poo if it can't drain out.

Symptoms usually resolve within a few days but if they don't you should see your doctor.

 Brushing your teeth twice a day can help prevent bad breath
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Brushing your teeth twice a day can help prevent bad breathCredit: Getty - Contributor

4. Sour milk

Sour milk is definitely not something you want your breath to smell like.

But it is something very common if you eat a specific diet.

Bad diet

If you eat a high-protein low-carb diet your breath may begin to smell like sour milk.

"High protein, no-carb diets have come under fire for various reasons but one particular reason why you may want to give them a miss is because they can leave you with foul smelling breath," said Dr Katz.

"People who follow a high protein diet are more likely to have bad breath than those who eat a balanced diet.

"As the body has fewer carbs to turn into energy, it begins to burn fat and proteins.

"In this instance, the proteins consumed from a no-carb diet produce this unpleasant smell.

"It often smells like various decaying foods, from rancid cheese or sour milk to rotten eggs."

 If you have been vomiting for more than 24 hours it can make your breath smell quite bad
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If you have been vomiting for more than 24 hours it can make your breath smell quite badCredit: Getty - Contributor

5. A little sickening

This is very grim, but sometimes your breath can smell like vomit.

If you've just been sick that's to be expected, but there are other reasons why this might happen.

Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, occurs when some of your stomach acid makes it's way up your oesophagus - the tube that carries food to your stomach.

It creates a burning area in the chest area and can sometimes reach your throat.

It normally occurs after eating.

Reflux can also be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause bad breath when stomach acid mixes with food or bacteria.

 

Prolonged vomiting

Anyone who has been ill for more than 24 hours is going to experience some unfortunate bad breath as a side effect.

The smell is normally caused by a combination of a dry mouth, stomach acid in the mouth and the bacteria or virus causing the illness.

If you have been vomiting for more than 48 hours you need to see a GP.


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