Medical Risks for Halitosis - Are You At Risk for Bad Breath?

Do you have bad breath? Most of us, unfortunately, must suffer through occasional periods of halitosis. However, bad breath is not merely a potentially embarrassing problem; it can also signal serious medical problems. Although it is definitely rare, chronic, long-standing halitosis should definitely be taken seriously.

Finding Out If You Have Bad Breath

The first step toward solving the halitosis problem is to find out if you have bad breath in the first place. It can often be difficult to spot whether you are suffering from halitosis. After all, it can be very unreliable to test your own breath. Most people with halitosis have to find out the hard way, either someone will tell them, or they will be able to detect that people are consciously trying to avoid their breath or standing close to them. Although the social stigma associated with halitosis can cause serious self-esteem issues and psychological problems, it can also be a symptom of a more serious medical problem.

What Causes Bad Breath, Anyways?

There are many potential causes for halitosis. Everyone will experience occasional bouts with bad breath, but some people are more prone to halitosis than others. Bad breath can often be caused by the kind of foods that a person ingests. There are many known food culprits, including red meat, fish, Brussels sprouts, horse radish, cabbage, eggs, garlic, raw onions, and some kinds of peppers. Alcohol, coffee and, of course, cigarettes, have also been known to incite bad breath. However, even avoiding these foods will not automatically keep you free from bad breath, because there are many potential underlying causes for halitosis that are difficult to control. Some of these underlying causes include post-nasal drip, lung infections, bronchial infections, chronic sinusitis, and tonsillitis. Other problems that can trigger bad breath includes diabetes, syphilis, nasal polyps, liver problems, kidney problems, stomach and lung problems and gallbladder problems.

How to Spot Underlying Conditions that Can Cause Halitosis

There are some symptoms that accompany halitosis that may be indicative of larger problems. Research has shown that halitosis accompanied by a fish-like odor can be indicative of larger kidney or chronic renal failure problems. If you are taking prescription medications, these may be responsible for an onset of halitosis. Recent research has found that carcinomas can trigger symptoms of bad breath. Consult your doctor if you think that they may be responsible.

Stress May Also Be Responsible for Bad Breath

Recent research has found that stress may also be responsible for triggering the symptoms of bad breath. In fact, some doctors believe that stress is nearly always present in most cases of bad breath. Stress tends to dry the mouth, which in turn tends to aggravate bacteria and bad breath. It has been found that stressful situations can actually induce bad breath.

Underlying Causes Specific to Women Suffering from Halitosis

Researchers have found that women may be susceptible to specific problems with halitosis. They found that women who suffer from especially painful menstruation periods and dysmenorrheal are more likely to suffer from halitosis. It is believed that this kind of halitosis is caused specifically by a rise in estrogen.