Halitosis
Updates to Article Attributes
Halitosis, also known as fetor oris, refers to the symptom of foul oral odour, commonly termed "bad breath". This may be a complaint in the context of dental services.
Pathology
Aetiology
It is thought to be caused by the presence of volatile sulfur compounds that are produced by bacteria. Although theThe underlying cause can be simple bacterial overgrowth it can haveis most commonly poor dental hygiene, however a varietyrange of non-dental aetiologies are less commonly responsible, including respiratory tract infection, liver failure, and renal disease, as well as the presence of a pharyngeal pouch.
Practical points
Halitosis does not require imaging on its own but imaging may be undertaken if there are other symptoms which raise the suspicion of an underlying cause other than bacterial overgrowth. This is usually in the form of a barium swallow or other fluoroscopic investigation.
-<p><strong>Halitosis</strong>, also known as <strong>fetor oris</strong>, refers to the symptom of foul oral odour, commonly termed "bad breath". This may be a complaint in the context of dental services.</p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>It is thought to be caused by the presence of volatile sulfur compounds that are produced by bacteria. Although the underlying cause can be simple bacterial overgrowth it can have a variety of aetiologies including respiratory tract infection, liver failure, and renal disease, as well as the presence of a <a href="/articles/zenker-diverticulum-1">pharyngeal pouch</a>.</p><h4>Practical points</h4><p>Halitosis does not require imaging on its own but imaging may be undertaken if there are other symptoms which raise the suspicion of an underlying cause other than bacterial overgrowth. This is usually in the form of a <a href="/articles/barium-swallow">barium swallow</a> or other fluoroscopic investigation.</p>- +<p><strong>Halitosis</strong>, also known as <strong>fetor oris</strong>, refers to the symptom of foul oral odour, commonly termed "bad breath". This may be a complaint in the context of dental services.</p><h4>Pathology</h4><h5>Aetiology</h5><p>It is thought to be caused by the presence of volatile <a title="Sulfur" href="/articles/sulfur">sulfur</a> compounds that are produced by bacteria. The underlying cause is most commonly poor dental hygiene, however a range of non-dental aetiologies are less commonly responsible, including <a title="Respiratory tract infection" href="/articles/respiratory-tract-infection">respiratory tract infection</a>, liver failure, and renal disease, as well as the presence of a <a href="/articles/zenker-diverticulum-1">pharyngeal pouch</a>.</p><h4>Practical points</h4><p>Halitosis does not require imaging on its own but imaging may be undertaken if there are other symptoms which raise the suspicion of an underlying cause other than bacterial overgrowth. This is usually in the form of a <a href="/articles/barium-swallow">barium swallow</a> or other fluoroscopic investigation.</p>
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