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Halitosis and Helicobacter pylori. A possible link?
E Tiomny1, N Arber, M Moshkowitz
1Department of Gastroenterology, Tel-Aviv Souraski Medical Center, Ichilov Hospital, Israel.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|October 1, 1992
Summary
This study suggests a link between bad breath (halitosis) and Helicobacter pylori infection, especially in families. Treating H. pylori infection with specific medications effectively eliminated halitosis in observed cases.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- The precise cause of halitosis remains unclear in many individuals.
- Familial occurrence of halitosis suggests potential shared etiological factors.
- Helicobacter pylori infection is a common gastrointestinal pathogen with diverse clinical manifestations.
Observation:
- Three couples experiencing halitosis were studied.
- All participants presented with evidence of active Helicobacter pylori infection.
- Halitosis symptoms were present in one or both partners within each couple.
Findings:
- Treatment with colloidal bismuth subcitrate and metronidazole led to the eradication of H. pylori.
- Significant improvement and complete resolution of halitosis symptoms were observed post-treatment.
- The study highlights a potential correlation between H. pylori infection and halitosis.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider H. pylori infection as a potential cause of halitosis, particularly in familial cases.
- Further research is warranted to validate the association between H. pylori and halitosis.
- This finding may open new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for managing halitosis.