Halitosis

Changed by Henry Knipe, 8 Sep 2015

Updates to Article Attributes

Status changed from pending review to published (public).
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Halitosis refers to the symptom of foul oral odorodour, commonly termed "bad breath", that patients can present with, usually to dental services.

Pathology

It is thought to be caused by the presence of volatile sulphur compounds whichthat 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 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>refers to the symptom of foul oral odor, commonly termed "bad breath", that patients can present with, usually to dental services.</p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>It is thought to be caused by the presence of volatile sulphur compounds which 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 title="pharyngeal pouch" href="/articles/zenkers-diverticulum-3">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 title="Barium swallow" href="/articles/barium-swallow">barium swallow</a> or other fluoroscopic investigation.</p>
  • +<p><strong>Halitosis </strong>refers to the symptom of foul oral odour, commonly termed "bad breath", that patients can present with, usually to dental services.</p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>It is thought to be caused by the presence of volatile sulphur 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/zenkers-diverticulum-3">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>

References changed:

  • 1. Feller L & Blignaut E. Halitosis: A Review. SADJ. 2005;60(1):17-9. - <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15861957">Pubmed</a>
  • Feller L, Blignaut E. Halitosis: a review. SADJ. 2005;60 (1): 17-9. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15861957">Pubmed citation</a><span class="auto"></span>

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