An unexpected cause of halitosis

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Dentistry

Background:

• Halitosis, or persistent bad breath, can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
• Common causes include poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, and certain medical conditions.

Observation:

• This report details a unique case of chronic halitosis.
• The halitosis was definitively linked to a long-standing foreign body within the nasal cavity.

Findings:

• The presence of a nasal foreign body was identified as the primary etiology of the prolonged halitosis.
• A review of the literature on halitosis causes was conducted.

Implications:

• This case underscores the necessity of a comprehensive differential diagnosis for halitosis.
• Nasal foreign bodies should be considered in the evaluation of unexplained chronic halitosis, particularly in relevant patient populations.