Overview

• Body odour, caused by bacterial breakdown of sweat, can serve as an early indicator of underlying medical conditions when it deviates from the norm.
• GPs identify specific odours linked to diseases: sweet or fruity scents may indicate diabetes, sour smells point to metabolic disorders, and fishy odours suggest genetic or infectious conditions.
• A mouldy or musty smell could signal fungal infections, while ammonia-like odours may be a sign of kidney dysfunction due to excess urea in the body.
• Red-flag symptoms accompanying odour changes include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, fever, skin changes, and altered urination or bowel habits, warranting immediate medical consultation.
• Doctors recommend targeted diagnostic tests, including blood and urine evaluations, skin biopsies, and dietary assessments, to pinpoint the causes of odour changes and associated symptoms.