Bad breath in a child is an important diagnostic symptom!

The appearance of an unpleasant odor from the mouth, medically called “halitosis,” is a signal of trouble in the growing organism. Kaliningrad residents can notice this symptom when communicating with a child, laughing or kissing.

In most cases, odor occurs due to poor hygiene, which disrupts the balance of microflora in the mouth and increases the number of pathogenic microorganisms. During the decomposition of bacteria, compounds of hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen are formed, which are exhaled along with the air.

In this situation, the problem can be solved with the help of hygiene and does not pose any danger to the child’s health. However, there may be other reasons for the appearance of a specific odor from the mouth. In what cases should parents be wary - we will find out further...

Risk factors affecting fresh breath

Let's start by identifying the reasons that negatively affect healthy breathing. At the same time, we note that microflora imbalance can occur even in healthy children. This happens for a number of reasons:

failure to comply with hygiene rules, as we have already outlined;
dry mouth due to insufficient saliva;
insufficient water and fluid intake;
breathing through the mouth, out of habit or due to nasal congestion;
oral infections (untreated caries, gum disease, etc.);
consumption of foods with a pungent odor (garlic, onions) or those that provoke fermentation (legumes, grapes);
taking medications;
hormonal imbalance;
smoking (relevant for teenagers).

Thus, in most cases, the cause of bad breath is problems in the oral cavity, infections and poor diet.

Why does my vagina smell?

An unpleasant odor from the vagina can most often indicate the presence of an infection: pathogenic microbes tend to emit specific gases that are sources of an unpleasant odor. In infectious diseases, it can be different: putrid, sour, pronounced and weak, often accompanied by itching and burning of the external genitalia. However, sometimes it is the odors of an intimate place that can clearly indicate a problem that is worth seeing a doctor, and every woman should know about this. Therefore, if you have a smelly vagina, it is better not to use home remedies, and the best way to get rid of the bad smell is to make an appointment with a gynecologist!

✘ Note to men! One thing you should never do is tell your girlfriend that her vagina stinks. Women are quite sensitive to their private parts, and if you happen to be so close to your partner's genitals that you can feel their strong smell or nasty taste, then be creative and report your unpleasant discovery in the most delicate manner possible!

Causes of unpleasant odor in intimate areas

Bad vaginal odor is a rather alarming symptom, especially if it is accompanied by other signs of an inflammatory process. However, such an olfactory characteristic is not always a sign of inflammation; in some cases it is associated with metabolic disorders and peculiarities of the endocrine system.

However, the main causes of unpleasant vaginal odor are:

dysbiosis - an imbalance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the vaginal environment; such a condition can form when the protective functions of the mucous membranes are reduced or when favorable conditions are created for the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria;
thrush (affected by a fungal infection of the genus Candida) - with this disease, white curdled discharge with an unpleasant sour odor appears;
gardnerellosis or bacterial vaginosis - infection with gardnerella, the disease is accompanied by a strong putrid fishy smell, “rotten herring” with boiled onions coming from the vagina and panties;
colpitis is an inflammatory reaction that affects the mucous membranes of the vaginal walls and the external genital area; the development of colpitis can be triggered by coccal flora or STDs;
chronic sluggish inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages, accompanied by slight discharge with garlic and onion odor;
failure to comply with the rules of intimate hygiene of the external genitalia, neglect to regularly clean the folds of skin around the clitoris and labia from accumulated plaque;
Ignoring hygiene procedures after intimacy leads to the smell of sweat and sperm coming from the vagina.

Itching and odor from the vagina always indicate the presence of an infectious inflammatory process. Colpitis and vaginitis are inflammation of the vagina and external genitalia, which occurs in most cases of gynecological diseases. Pathology can be caused by chlamydia, gonococci, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, trichomonas, fungal and viral infections. Nonspecific vaginitis is caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus and Escherichia coli.

Thus, a strong odor from the vagina is an indicator of the active stage of the inflammatory process with a significant predominance of pathogenic flora over beneficial microorganisms. This condition requires immediate treatment as soon as its cause is determined.

Fishy vaginal smell

One of the most common types of discomfort in the intimate area of the weaker sex is the aromas of rancid inhabitants of rivers and reservoirs coming from there. Of course, if you neglect daily hygiene and do not wash the areas between your legs, this may be related to this issue. But girls who are dirty and don’t keep their genitals and anus clean are rare, fortunately for everyone. More often than not, the reason for this confusion is the following.

An unpleasant smell from the vagina, reminiscent of rotten herring fish, may be a sign of vaginal dysbiosis. In addition to the smell, this pathology may be accompanied by a feeling of itching and burning of the external genitalia. Dysbiosis is unpleasant not only due to the presence of a fishy smell and discomfort, it increases the risk of inflammation in the uterus and ovaries, and complicates the course of pregnancy in women.

A strong smell of fish with rotten notes accompanies an acute inflammatory process, affecting not only the genital area, but sometimes also the urinary system. The clinical picture is complemented by such signs as moderate off-white discharge and its accumulation on the vaginal walls. In some cases, women may have a fishy odor from the intimate area without discharge, but most often it is accompanied by this symptom. It occurs due to the excessive development of pathogenic bacteria in the natural microflora of the vagina.

Sour vaginal odor

A bad, sour odor from the vagina may indicate the development of thrush. Active reproduction of a fungal infection of the genus Candida, in addition to a sour odor, is also accompanied by itching and significant white curdled discharge characteristic of this disease.

Why does your vagina smell like onion or garlic?

The smell of onion from the vagina can also be a sign of a fungal disease of the genital organs, and this smell tends to intensify after sexual contact and in case of hormonal imbalance (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, frequent stressful situations).

The smell of garlic from the vagina may appear in response to the food that a woman eats. This may be food well seasoned with garlic, the smell of which sometimes leaves the body along with sweat and other secretory fluids. This doesn't mean you have to skip your favorite foods—just wash them down with plenty of liquid. Also, the smell of garlic can be a consequence of the same bacterial vaginosis, when the total number of lactobacilli in the vaginal environment drops sharply and there is a danger of the growth of pathogenic flora. Due to “harmful” bacteria, a characteristic odor appears, as well as cloudy intimate discharge with a thick and sticky consistency.

Sometimes these symptoms can be significantly pronounced and with the slightest violation of hygiene, the smell of garlic or spoiled onions from the panties becomes very noticeable. To get rid of it, you need to undergo examination and treatment prescribed by a gynecologist.

Rotten smell from vagina

Why does an unpleasant smell, such as rotten meat, come from an intimate area? A putrid odor from the vagina may be a sign of gardnerellosis - an acute inflammatory process in the genitourinary area, provoked by the vaginal anaerobic bacterium gardnerella. In large quantities, Gardnerella causes specific symptoms: dirty white soft discharge covering the vaginal walls. The smell of rotten fish is due to the fact that gardnerella is capable of producing proteolytic enzymes, which, interacting with proteins, contribute to the creation of polyamines that decompose into putrescine and cadaverine, sources of the “rotten” smell. This disease can be easily treated if treated in a timely manner.

By the way, one of the most common signs of bacterial vaginosis is a herring smell from the vagina. There may be no additional symptoms for this pathology, but laboratory smear and culture tests clearly indicate the presence of a large amount of opportunistic flora and a decrease in the number of beneficial microorganisms - lactobacilli and bacilli.

"Urine" odor in an intimate area

The smell of urine from the vagina occurs during frequent stressful situations, with excessive emotionality and excess weight in a woman. This condition is called “stress incontinence,” or “stress incontinence,” and is characterized by involuntary leakage of fluid from the bladder during exercise, laughing, sex, coughing, or any activity that may increase intra-abdominal pressure. This pathology, of course, can be corrected by contacting our gynecologist.

Often, the unpleasant odor of urine from the vagina is a sign of an imbalance in the microflora of the genital organs. The proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, primarily pathogenic ureaplasmas, on the mucous membrane and their vital processes lead to the fact that intimate areas begin to smell like stale urine.

OTHER ODOR FROM THE VAGINA AND PERINEUM

✔ A sweet smell from the vagina is usually not considered a pathology and can be a consequence of eating a large amount of sweet fruits (not sweets and baked goods, but fruits). If the appearance of a sweet smell still bothers you, take a smear and bacteriological examination of the smear to exclude a possible infection.

✔ The smell of iron from the vagina may indicate the presence of blood in the discharge. This occurs during menstruation, or during cervical erosion, when the structure of the epithelial tissue is disrupted and characteristic ulcers appear on the mucous membrane. The discharge in such cases is practically no different from normal, however, after sexual intercourse, a brownish liquid can sometimes be detected. The smell of blood from the vagina can also intensify after sex: this is due to trauma to the damaged mucous membrane. To find out the cause of the smell of iron and blood, you need to contact a gynecologist.

✔ If the vagina smells like acetone, this suggests diabetes. With this pathology, a large number of ketone bodies accumulate in the tissues, which cause the smell of acetone. If you suspect a disease, you need to donate blood for sugar and consult an endocrinologist. But diabetes is not the only possible cause of an acetone odor from the vagina; they may also be:

lack of fluid, violation of the drinking regime, which increases the concentration of urine and the appearance of a characteristic odor;
a diet with a predominant consumption of protein foods and limited carbohydrates;
metabolic disorders, hormonal and metabolic disorders.

✔ The smell of sperm from the vagina, if it is not associated with recent sexual intercourse, may indicate a change in the composition of the microflora. If it is not accompanied by irritation of the genital mucosa, it does not pose a danger to the woman’s health. However, to correct the balance of the vaginal environment, it is still necessary to prevent further aggravation of the situation. Sometimes a 5-7-day course of treatment is enough to completely restore the disturbed vaginal microflora.

✔ During the postpartum period, a woman usually has vaginal discharge similar to menstruation. Over the course of 1-1.5 months, the nature of the discharge changes: it becomes noticeably lighter until it becomes completely transparent. Such discharge does not have a pronounced and unpleasant odor and does not give any unpleasant sensations. If you are not sure that vaginal odor during pregnancy and after childbirth is within normal limits, do not hesitate: consult a doctor!

✔ What does the vagina smell like after sex? The appearance of an unpleasant odor from the intimate area after sex is always associated with waste products of microorganisms. Microbes can enter the vaginal cavity along with the sperm of the sexual partner, or the woman’s natural balance of beneficial and pathogenic flora is simply disrupted. Male sperm is an excellent biological environment for microorganisms; for this reason, an unpleasant odor from the vagina appears directly during or after sexual contact.

How to distinguish a normal smell from a problematic one?

If an unpleasant symptom occurs exclusively in the morning and goes away after brushing your teeth, then we are talking about a physiological norm. If bad breath is observed after hygiene procedures and becomes protracted, then this deviation requires the closest attention from parents.

In addition, it is worth noting that the above risk factors can be eliminated. However, if hygiene is maintained, respiratory infections and specific foods are excluded, and the unpleasant symptom persists for a long time, this is a good reason to consult a doctor.

In this case, altered breathing can signal very specific diseases. Let's look at which ones further...

List of diseases that can be detected

Despite the fact that halitosis is not a disease, it is an important diagnostic symptom by which a specialist can assume the presence of a certain disease in the body. Suspected health problems may include:

diseases of the nose and nasopharynx: sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, adenoiditis;
food allergies or respiratory rhinitis causing nasal congestion;
dental diseases of teeth and gums;
Gastrointestinal diseases: gastritis, increased stomach acidity, intestinal dysbiosis, etc.;
endocrine disorders: diabetes, thyrotoxicosis, etc.

As can be seen from this impressive list of diseases, solving breathing problems can fall within the competence of a variety of highly specialized specialists: otolaryngologist, dentist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist.

What can a smell “tell”?

As we mentioned earlier, unhealthy breath can quite eloquently indicate a certain nature of the disease. For example:

a sour smell indicates problems with the stomach: high acidity, reflux or dysbacteriosis;
the smell of a rotten egg - about a stomach ulcer or a violation of bile outflow;
putrefactive – about diseases of the esophagus and low acidity of the stomach;
acetone – about problems with blood sugar levels (diabetes) or dehydration;
ammonia - about kidney disease, liver dysfunction and diffuse toxic goiter;
boiled cabbage - problems with metabolism, liver and kidney diseases.

As a rule, already at the stage of collecting anamnesis and during the clinical examination, the doctor can make an assumption about the true causes of the problem.

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose ENT diseases, an otolaryngologist uses hardware and laboratory tests. These include:

rhinoscopy – to examine the nasal cavity;
radiography and computed tomography - to assess the condition of the sinuses;
examination of nasal secretions to determine the causative agent of inflammation;
Blood and urine tests will complement the clinical picture.

In the process of collecting anamnesis, the doctor is interested in the following questions:

How long has the child been complaining of discomfort?
What time of day does the smell appear and how long does it last?
What foods did the child eat?
how much water does he drink?
Does the smell go away after brushing your teeth?
What chronic diseases does he have?
what medications does he take?

Treatment does not imply the elimination of the symptom itself, as such, but the therapy of the specific disease that provoked its appearance. If, as a result of examination and diagnostic measures, pathologies of the nose or nasopharynx were identified, the doctor will prescribe adequate drug treatment, which may include:

antibacterial therapy (taking antibiotics);
vasoconstrictors and antihistamines;
special medical procedures;
physiotherapy: inhalations, UV and UHF therapy;

If necessary, the otolaryngologist can refer a small patient to specialized specialists if the solution to this problem falls within their competence (dentist, gastroenterologist, etc.).

Catalytic Converter Problem

A catalytic converter, or catalytic converter, is a device designed to minimize the toxicity of exhaust gases. The catalytic converter is part of the vehicle's exhaust system. It converts hydrogen sulfide emissions into harmless gases released into the atmosphere. Its service life is 150–200 thousand kilometers, and often even less, after which it can become clogged. In this case, there are several signs of a malfunction, such as:

Difficulty starting the engine, up to complete failure
Check Engine light comes on
There is a smell of hydrogen sulfide

Preventive recommendations

In conclusion of our review, I would like to draw the attention of parents to adjusting their children's diet. Our nutritional recommendations are as follows:

Let us remember that “bad” bacteria love a sweet environment, so it makes sense to limit the consumption of industrially produced sweets and sugar.
As a dessert, you can offer your child natural sweets made from dried fruits and nuts, as well as fresh fruit.
Replace carbonated drinks with pure water or herbal tea made from chamomile and mint.
To create beneficial microflora in the intestines, a child should consume more “live” fermented milk products: cottage cheese, kefir, yoghurts.

Parents need to understand that this delicate problem requires a qualified approach, since over time it can lead not only to problems at the physiological level, but also cause social isolation of the child.

Kaliningrad residents can make an appointment with a pediatric otolaryngologist by filling out an online form on our website or by calling: +7 (4012) 357-773 or +7 (4012) 973-100.

Failure of the fuel pressure sensor or worn fuel filter

The fuel pressure sensor regulates the fuel supply to the engine. If it fails, then too much fuel enters the catalytic converter, which it is unable to process. Too much byproduct can also build up in the catalytic converter and cause it to overheat, which also contributes to the sulfur smell.

In this case, the problem can be solved by replacing the regulator or fuel filter. A worn fuel filter results in the same problems caused by a faulty fuel pressure sensor - an influx of sulfur deposits that burn off the catalytic converter.