"Your Breath Smells"—Boyfriend's Comment Saves Woman's Life…What Happened?

Visited Hospital After Bad Breath Was Noticed... Diabetes Complication Discovered
"Unusual Odor Is a Warning Sign of Metabolic Abnormalities"

Bad breath is often dismissed as a simple oral hygiene problem. However, sometimes it can be a sign of a life-threatening disease. Recently, the case of a woman in her 40s who, after her partner pointed out her halitosis, visited a hospital and was diagnosed with an acute complication of diabetes, has brought renewed attention to the significance of bad breath as a 'metabolic warning sign' rather than just a minor inconvenience. Experts stress that if an unfamiliar odor is accompanied by generalized symptoms such as weight loss or fatigue, one should visit the hospital immediately.

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According to the Daily Mail in the UK on July 28, Alice Dogruyol, 49, who lives in London, was told by her boyfriend one day that her breath was particularly unpleasant. Shocked, she dramatically increased how often she brushed her teeth, drank water frequently, and constantly carried oral freshening sprays, paying maximum attention to her hygiene. However, the distinctive sour and strong odor persisted and would not go away.

Dogruyol recalled, "My boyfriend said my breath smelled like nail polish remover, and I could actually taste a similar chemical flavor in my mouth." At first, she thought it was merely an oral hygiene issue, but when repeated fungal infections and sudden, unexplained weight loss followed, she eventually sought medical attention.

Upon detailed examination, Dogruyol was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as well as diabetic ketoacidosis, a critical emergency complication. The abnormal breath that had bothered her for years finally disappeared only after she began appropriate insulin therapy.

Why does the breath smell like 'remover'?

The unusual odor Dogruyol experienced is a typical symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a fatal metabolic disorder that occurs when the body is severely lacking insulin and cells are unable to use glucose for energy. When the body cannot utilize glucose, it rapidly breaks down fat as an alternative energy source, causing an excessive accumulation of acidic byproducts called 'ketone bodies' in the blood.

One type of ketone body, acetone, is expelled from the body through the lungs during respiration. This is why patients' breath gives off a sweet, sharp, chemical odor reminiscent of nail polish remover or rotting fruit. If ketoacidosis is not treated promptly, the ketone bodies accumulate and acidify the blood, leading to severe thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and deep, rapid breathing. As the condition progresses, symptoms can escalate to reduced consciousness, shock, coma, or even death, making immediate emergency treatment essential.

"Bad breath is also a health indicator"

However, experts explain that detecting an acetone odor in one's breath does not always mean diabetic ketoacidosis. Similar odors can occur when following extremely low-carbohydrate diets, ketogenic diets, or during prolonged periods of fasting due to increased ketone levels in the body.

Experts advise, "Most cases of bad breath are caused by periodontal disease or oral bacteria. However, if a persistent volatile odor such as acetone or ammonia is present in the breath, and is accompanied by weight loss or severe fatigue, kidney or liver disease, or diabetic complications should be suspected."

Especially for people with diabetes or those at high risk, experts emphasize that whenever blood sugar levels remain above 250 mg/dL, ketone levels should be checked frequently using urine or blood test strips. During stress situations such as a cold or flu, blood sugar measurement should become even more rigorous, and if abnormalities occur, one should immediately seek help at an emergency medical facility.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.