Why do I still have bad breath even after successful *Helicobacter pylori* eradication?
Disease description:
I’ve had persistent halitosis, so I underwent an examination and was diagnosed with *Helicobacter pylori* infection. However, I’ve now completed treatment and am fully cured. Today, however, I suddenly noticed that the bad breath has returned. I’d like to know: Why do I still have halitosis even though my *H. pylori* infection has been successfully eradicated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Even after successful eradication of *Helicobacter pylori*, halitosis may persist, potentially due to factors such as excessive stomach fire or kidney yin deficiency. When excessive stomach fire occurs, patients may experience gingival swelling and pain, accompanied by facial edema, dry mouth, halitosis, and yellow tongue coating. Oral administration of heat-clearing and swelling-reducing medications is recommended. Once the symptoms of excessive stomach fire subside, halitosis typically resolves spontaneously.
