Hello everyone, I am a doctor who has been working in clinical practice for many years. In my career, I have found that many diseases are early warning through some "subtle signals", especially some often overlooked body odor, which is often the hidden warning of health problems. Today, I would like to share some diagnostic experiences based on these odors to help you detect and respond to possible health threats earlier.
A few years ago, a middle-aged male patient came to my clinic with his main symptom of persistent bad breath. The patient told me that he had tried various methods of oral hygiene, including regular brushing, mouthwash, and even herbal remedies, but the problem of bad breath still could not be resolved. He began to worry about whether it was related to more serious health problems.
After carefully inquiring about his other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, occasional stomach pain, I recommended him for a gastroscopy. Eventually, the results of the examination revealed an incipient malignancy in his stomach. Fortunately, thanks to early detection, his condition was brought under control after treatment.
This case is a prime example of how bad smell signals from the body, especially bad breath, can be an early sign of certain serious diseases such as stomach cancer. Therefore, through this article, I hope to help you understand the importance of body odor and learn how to recognize and respond to these warning signs.
Bad breath: It's not just an oral problem
Why is bad breath associated with stomach cancer?
Bad breath, especially when accompanied by a sour or putrid taste, can be a sign of stomach problems. Patients with stomach cancer may have a special foul odor due to changes in the way the tumor breaks down food. If the appearance of this bad breath is accompanied by symptoms such as recurrent stomach pain, indigestion, weight loss for no reason, etc., then these are all signs that warrant a high level of vigilance.
Daily countermeasures and when to seek help from your doctor
Daily Oral Hygiene:
Brush your teeth: Use a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
Floss: Floss daily between your teeth to remove food debris.
Tongue cleaning: Clean the tongue to remove bacteria on the surface of the tongue, using a tongue scraper or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Observe and record changes in bad breath:
Pay attention to the type of bad breath (whether it is sour, putrefined, or other odors).
Record the time of onset of bad breath (after a meal, in the morning, or persistent).
Medical Examination Recommendations:
Initial examination: If bad breath persists and does not improve, first do an oral examination to rule out common oral problems such as periodontal disease.
Further diagnosis: Gastroscopy is recommended if accompanied by dyspepsia, especially acid reflux and stomach pain. Gastroscopy is an effective way to examine the gastric mucosa and directly observe whether there are tumors or other abnormalities.
With such steps, the root cause of bad breath can be effectively identified and treated. If bad breath persists despite regular oral hygiene, then it may be that your body is trying to tell you something deeper. It is important not to overlook that it is very necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner.
Changes in body odor: a sensitive olfactory alarm
1. Identify changes in body odor
First, we need to distinguish what kind of body odor changes can be a sign of a health problem. Normal body odor is produced by sweat gland secretions and bacteria on the surface of the skin, and the smell is usually familiar and mild. However, the following changes in body odor should be noted:
Body odor suddenly becomes heavier, especially if there is no increased physical activity or a change in temperature.
Body odor presents an unusual sour, putrefined, or chemical odor that can be a sign of a metabolic abnormality.
Changes do not disappear with improved personal hygiene habits, and odors that cannot be masked even by frequent bathing and antiperspirants.
2. Possible health problems
These changes in body odor can be associated with a variety of health problems, but here we focus on several pathologies that can cause these symptoms:
Endocrine changes: such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or hypofunction can alter a person's body odor.
Metabolic abnormalities: Certain metabolic disorders such as ketosis or uremia can give body odor a fruity or fishy taste.
Infections: Fungal or bacterial infections, especially skin infections, can cause worsening of body odor.
Cancer: Certain types of cancer, especially lymphoma or leukemia, can cause a patient's body odor to become more intense and abnormal.
3. Actions and Recommendations
If you've noticed any of these changes in your own or someone else's body odor, here are some recommended steps to take:
Personal hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene, such as showering daily and using antibacterial soap.
Dietary modifications: Adjust your eating habits to reduce your intake of garlic, coffee, and other heavy foods.
Medical examination: If changes in body odor are prominent and accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or fever, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Screening for systemic disease may include blood tests, tests of the endocrine system, and possibly imaging tests.
The smell of excrement: poop tells you secrets
Possible causes of bad stool odor
The smell of stool isn't usually the focus of the conversation, but a persistent foul smell can be a sign of digestive problems. Normally, stool has its own characteristic smell, which is not pleasant, but it is normal. However, when the smell of stool becomes unusually foul, this is often associated with food indigestion, infection, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Especially in the case of gastrointestinal bleeding, the mixing of blood with digestive juices creates a very specific and strong putrid taste.
Steps to identify the problem
Observe changes in odors:
Persistent foul odors, especially putrid odors, are often directly related to health problems.
The sour smell can be associated with indigestion or some specific types of infections.
Watch for other associated symptoms:
If foul-smelling stools are accompanied by unusual color changes, such as black or very light color, this may be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Changes in the shape and texture of the stool, such as persistently watery stools or very hard stools, should also be noted.
Watch out for accompanying physical symptoms:
Frequent symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation are all signs that further testing is needed.
Recommended medical tests
Colonoscopy: If you have a bad stool smell accompanied by any of the above mentioned symptoms, or have unexplained weight loss, fatigue, it is recommended to have a colonoscopy as soon as possible. This test looks directly inside the large intestine to check for polyps, tumors or other abnormalities.
Fecal occult blood test: This is a simple test that detects the presence of trace amounts of blood in the stool, which is a common sign of intestinal bleeding.
Recommendations for lifestyle adjustments
Changes in eating habits:
Increase your fiber intake: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help improve gut health.
Reduce your intake of processed foods and red meat, which can put a strain on your digestive system.
Adequate water intake:
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to help soften stools and prevent constipation.
Regular medical check-ups:
Even if there are no symptoms, regular checkups can detect problems early, especially adults over the age of 45 should have regular colorectal cancer screenings.
Although the smell of stool is an unpleasant topic, it is extremely important to take this sign seriously. With timely diagnosis and appropriate lifestyle modifications, possible health problems can be effectively prevented and managed. If you notice an abnormal stool odor, do not ignore it and consult a doctor promptly for further examination and treatment. While staying vigilant, don't be overly nervous, a reasonable diet and a healthy lifestyle are the foundation for maintaining digestive health.