A man receives a check-up during Rights and Justice Community Health Fair in rural St. Andrew, recently. - karl smith

Dear Readers,

H.R. is a 45-year-old female who is very active socially and is definitely not a stay at home person. In recent times, however, she has noticed a recurring problem with bad breath (halitosis). H.R. says that when she mentioned the problem to her mother, her mother agreed that at times there was an odour from her mouth. The problem has persisted although she has tried several remedies. H.R. says that she also has recurring sinus problems associated with a cold in her throat which is sometimes discoloured. She thinks that her sinus problem is responsible for her bad breath and asks Lifeline what more can she do; she has already taken antibiotics, a nose drop and decongestant tablets which helped for a while but the problem recurred.

When bad breath occurs in most individuals it is related to oral sepsis, poor dental hygiene and to digestive problems. The presence of parasites and bacterial overgrowth in the digestive tract can also result in halitosis (bad breath).

Unusual breath odours can also occur in the following conditions:

- Diabetes

- Tonsillitis

- In the presence of a post nasal

drop

- Herpes mouth infection

- Liver and kidney failure

- Lung abscess

One of the first things a person with bad breath can do is to see both their dentist and their family physician for a check-up and treat all gum disease, cavities, sinus- related complains and digestive complaints.

If all physical health related problems are excluded or treated, then the doctor would need to consider mental health problems related to issues of insecurity and poor self-image which can lead a person to insist that the reason he or she has few friends or is avoided by other people is due to bad breath.

Generally speaking, a dentist should be seen fairly regularly (once or twice a year) for oral check-up. Individuals should also brush their teeth after all meals and dental floss their teeth at least once a day.

A good mouthwash to eliminate bacteria combines one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoonful of baking soda diluted with two ounces of water. The undiluted combination of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda also makes a good toothpaste.

Sour breath can also be caused by acid indigestion and gastro oesophageal reflux. Treatment of these conditions with one of the many drugs available from the group of H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (eg. zantac and losec) should resolve this problem. It should also be noted that bad breath can also result from overeating. Taking acidophilus supplements daily assists with healthy digestion.

H.R. should see an ears, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon or attend the ENT clinic at the nearest hospital for proper investigation of her sinus problem. Her sinuses can be x-rayed to confirm the condition and also to determine the extent of the disorder. Swabs can be taken and cultures done to determine which germ is infecting the sinuses if there is a problem. Treatment can be more specific when based on the results of investigations.

Write LIFELINE,

P.O. BOX 1731, KGN 8