Something smells off...
SOME STRANGE BODILY AROMAS CAN ACTUALLY BE A SIGN THAT ALL IS NOT RIGHT WITH YOUR HEALTH. NATASHA HOLT FINDS OUT MORE
Fruity breath
“If your breath has a fruity odour it may be a sign of diabetes,” says Hussain Abdeh, clinical director and pharmacist at medicinedirect. co.uk.
“The reason is due to a metabolic state called ketoacidosis.”
This is where the body breaks down fat too quickly and the liver processes it into a fuel called ketones, causing the blood to become acidic.
“Ketoacidosis is an acute complication that is associated with diabetes so if you notice a smell on your breath similar to pear drops, alongside other symptoms such as an unquenchable thirst, a constant need to urinate and unexplained weight loss, see your GP,” adds Hussain.
Pungent pee
Urinary tract infections are often uncomfortable and painful but sometimes the only symptom can be foul-smelling urine.
“The bacteria in UTIs can contaminate your urine,” explains Hussain. “Some people report that their urine smells stronger than usual, while others also report a distinct fishy smell.”
Smelly feet
“Fungal conditions thrive in warm and moist places, which is why they often occur on people’s feet,” says Hussain. “Your feet sweat naturally but when you have a fungal infection, perspiration is also helping the bacteria and fungi to survive and grow. This can cause an unpleasant smell. So if you have a constant foot odour, even after washing, it could be a sign that you are suffering from a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot.”
Woody-smelling skin
Fourteen years before a woman called Joy Milne’s husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease she noticed a strange woody, yeasty smell on his skin. She then noticed a similar smell on other Parkinson’s patients and teamed up with the University of Manchester to help identify the telltale scent.
Their research suggested a higher concentration of compounds such as hippuric acid, octadecanal and eicosane in Parkinson’s patients, which were contained in the oily secretions on their skin.
“It has long been known that certain smells are often associated with certain illnesses,” says Hussain. “Joy’s research could well lead to a swifter diagnosis method of identifying Parkinson’s disease.”
Bad morning breath
Morning breath is always funky, but if yours is particularly odorous you may suffer from sleep apnoea, where your breathing stops and starts while you sleep.
“This is because sleep apnoea often causes you to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose while you sleep,” explains Hussain.
“Doing this all night causes your mouth to dry up, which makes it a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to a foul smell.”
Stinky armpits
“Increased body odour is often caused by excessive sweating, which can be due to a number of conditions, including anxiety” says Hussain.
“However, it is also a symptom of certain physical conditions too.
“Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can cause excessive sweating as well as sensitivity to heat. So if you’re sweating more, or find it hard to wash away body odour, it may be time to get your thyroid checked.”
Smelly stools
Poo never smells of roses but it should never smell foul. If it does, it may signal you are lactose intolerant.
“That means your body does not produce enough lactase, which is an enzyme that breaks down lactose so your body can digest food more easily,” explains Hussain.
“When you have a bowel movement your body will pass undigested and fermented lactose, resulting in foul-smelling flatulence and stools.”
Talk to your GP if your stools are particularly pungent after eating or drinking dairy products.