Hidden Dangers: Doctor Explains Why Bad Breath Shouldn't Be Ignored

Halitosis, or bad breath, can be a source of significant discomfort and anxiety. Often, we attribute it to the consumption of certain foods or habits, such as smoking. But what if the smell does not go away despite careful hygiene? This can be an alarming signal about internal problems in the body. Natalia Shorina, a pediatrician, gastroenterologist and dermatocosmetologist, told Inc-News what diseases can be hidden behind this unpleasant symptom and why it is important not to ignore it.

1. Gastroenterological diseases. One of the common causes of halitosis is gastrointestinal diseases. Natalia Shorina explains:

"Digestive system diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroduodenitis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer can cause bad breath. The reason is that acid and food particles from the stomach can enter the esophagus and mouth, causing halitosis."

2. Diseases of the ENT organs. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs, such as chronic tonsillitis, sore throat, sinusitis and adenoiditis, can also cause bad breath.

"Infections and inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx and pharynx can contribute to the development of halitosis, since the bacteria that cause these diseases secrete sulfur-containing compounds that create an unpleasant odor," the pediatrician notes.

3. Endocrine diseases. Endocrine disorders such as diabetes can cause a specific odor from the mouth.

"With diabetes, a person may have an acetone smell from their mouth. This is due to the fact that the body begins to use fats to obtain energy, which leads to the formation of ketones, including acetone, which is released with the breath," explains Natalia Shorina.

4. Disruption of the oral microflora. After antibiotic or hormonal therapy, disruption of the oral microflora is possible, which can also cause an unpleasant odor.

"Antibiotics and hormones can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the mouth, which contributes to the development of halitosis," the expert says.

5. Pathologies of the bronchopulmonary system. Bronchitis, pneumonia and other diseases of the bronchopulmonary system can also cause bad breath.

"When there is inflammation in the respiratory tract, mucus and other substances can be released, which give the breath an unpleasant odor," explains Natalia Shorina.

6. Life-threatening diseases: Some serious diseases such as kidney and liver failure, tuberculosis and liver cirrhosis may manifest themselves as bad breath.

"When kidney and liver function is impaired, toxins accumulate in the body, which can be released through the breath, causing halitosis," says the doctor.

Important to remember

Self-diagnosis and self-treatment for halitosis are unacceptable. If you notice an unpleasant odor from your mouth, it is better to contact a therapist who can refer you to the right specialist: a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, ENT doctor or dentist. Only a qualified doctor can determine the true cause of halitosis and prescribe effective treatment.