Characteristics of Halitosis Caused by Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori infection is a significant factor in causing diseases such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. When Helicobacter pylori multiply in the stomach, they produce urease, an enzyme that breaks down urea in the stomach into ammonia and carbon dioxide. Ammonia has strong irritant and volatile properties, leading to halitosis (bad breath) in patients. The main characteristics are as follows: 1. **Persistence**: Unlike transient halitosis caused by poor oral hygiene or food residue, halitosis caused by Helicobacter pylori infection may persist for a long time. Even after oral cleaning, bad breath does not disappear immediately, and improved oral hygiene often proves ineffective. 2. **Specific odor**: The bad breath may have a distinct "fishy" or "rotten" smell. This is due to the accumulation and decomposition of residual food in the stomach caused by gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis, gastric ulcers, and other lesions triggered by Helicobacter pylori infection. 3. **Other symptoms**: In addition to halitosis, Helicobacter pylori infection may also be accompanied by gastric symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion. These symptoms may coexist with bad breath. If a patient suffers from persistent halitosis along with the above symptoms, it may indicate Helicobacter pylori infection, and prompt medical consultation and examination are recommended.