Body Odour:
Understanding Its Causes and When to Seek Help
By Dr Naveed Asif
Body odour is a natural phenomenon that many people experience, yet it often raises questions and concerns regarding its implications for health. While body odour is a normal aspect of human physiology, certain scents can signal underlying medical conditions. This article seeks to clarify what body odour is, when it might be problematic, and what steps to take if you notice changes.
What is Body Odour?
Body odour, medically known as bromhidrosis, refers to the unpleasant smell that can arise from the body, particularly in areas abundant with sweat glands, such as the armpits and feet. It’s important to note that the body itself does not emit odour; rather, it’s the bacteria that thrive in warm, moist areas that break down sweat, leading to various smells. Factors influencing body odour include personal hygiene, diet, medications, and existing health conditions.
When Should You Be Concerned About Body Odour?
While some degree of body odour is entirely normal, certain types may warrant concern:
- Fruity Odour: A sweet smell similar to rotten fruit can signal uncontrolled diabetes or ketoacidosis, a serious diabetes-related condition.
- Ammonia-like Odour: A smell resembling ammonia may indicate kidney issues, as the body struggles to filter excess urea effectively.
- Fishy Odour: A strong fishy scent can be associated with trimethylaminuria, a genetic condition that affects the breakdown of specific compounds. It may also indicate a urinary tract infection or other infections.
- Mouldy or Musty Odour: This type of odour could suggest a fungal infection or other medical concerns.
**If you notice any of these unusual odours, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional.
Symptoms Accompanying Body Odour Changes
If you experience changes in body odour alongside other symptoms, it could indicate a more significant health issue. Be mindful of the following accompanying symptoms:
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without any changes to your diet or exercise routine may point to a metabolism or hormone imbalance or another serious condition, like cancer.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest can signal underlying health issues.
- Skin Changes: Rashes, irritation, or changes in skin texture might suggest an infection or other dermatological condition.
- Alterations in Urination or Bowel Habits: Such changes may indicate kidney or digestive problems.
- Fever or Chills: These symptoms could suggest an infection.
**If you experience these symptoms alongside changes in body odour, it’s advisable to seek medical attention.
Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Sudden Changes in Body Odour?
A sudden alteration in body odour may not always be alarming, but it should not be overlooked. Monitoring the change for a few days is reasonable, especially if there are no other symptoms present. However, if the odour persists, intensifies, or is accompanied by concerning signs (as listed above), consulting a healthcare provider is the best course of action.
Evaluations for Suspected Underlying Health Issues
- Blood Tests: These tests can assess diabetes, kidney function, liver health, and metabolic disorders.
- Urinalysis: A urine test can help identify infections or kidney issues.
- Skin Tests: a skin biopsy or scraping can assess for infections, cancer or an autoimmune condition (where the body produces antibodies against itself and can manifest with skin changes)
- Dietary Review: Evaluating your diet may reveal if certain foods are contributing to the change in body odour.
- Physical Examination: A thorough examination will help identify any skin or other issues related to the odour.
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