Halitosis - Systematic Causes for Chronic Bad Breath

We all suffer from some kind of bad breath at some point in our lives. However, some of us will suffer from halitosis more than others. Chronic halitosis, especially, should be taken seriously because it can be indicative of a more serious and chronic problem. In some cases, a more serious underlying systematic cause can result in halitosis. Although most cases of halitosis will be temporary, chronic bad breath could indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. Here is an overview of the systematic causes that can be responsible for halitosis.

Systematic Causes – When Chronic Bad Breath Runs Deeper Than the Mouth

What do we mean when we talk about systematic causes? A systematic cause refers generally to a medical condition that is most likely chronic in nature and that affects the body in more than one way. It is estimated that roughly ten per cent of all diagnoses of chronic halitosis are a result of systematic causes. When we say that systematic causes are causing a person's chronic halitosis, this means that their chronic bad breath originates from somewhere outside the oral cavity.

The Most Common Systematic Causes – Sniffing Your Way to a Diagnosis

In many cases, chronic bad breath can be linked to a variety of systematic causes, and many of these can be linked to a specific smell. The most common systematic causes include diabetic ketosis, which is linked to an acetone-like scent in the breath, and liver failure, which is described as a mousy smell. Other known systematic causes that can cause chronic halitosis include cirrhosis, which is described as a rotten egg smell, and uremia, which is marked by a urinous smell. Another systematic cause is a lung abscess or bronchiectasis, which is known as a putrid smell. Other common systematic causes that may result in chronic halitosis include leukemia, blood dyscrasias, gallbladder problems or dysfunction, gastric carcinoma, pneumonia, bronchitis, pulmonary carcinoma and tuberculosis. Here is a some more in depth information on the most common systematic causes that are often responsible for chronic halitosis that originates from outside the oral cavity.

Diabetes – A Chronic Condition that May Result in Bad Breath

Diabetes mellitus is a systematic and chronic condition that can result in unusual or chronic bad breath problems. In some cases, diabetic patients may experience sweet or fruity breath. However, in most cases, patients will experience an unusual acetone-like scent that has identified as being close to pyrimidines and purines.

Trimethylaminuria – A Rare But Serious Disorder that Can Cause Chronic Bad Breath

Trimethylaminuria, most commonly described as fish odor syndrome, only affects about one percent of the North American population, but it significantly alters the lives of those that it touches. The condition is known to produce an all-over body fish odor. It is a genetic disorder that cannot be easily treated, but can often be significantly improved simply by eliminating foods that are high in choline. The condition has been known to cause a persistent fish odor in the breath.