To worry about DH's weird breath smell?

[FortunesFave]

He's a fit and healthy 47....he doesn't drink alcohol or do drugs or smoke. He works out and eats an admirable diet.

However...over the past few months I've sometimes noticed a weird smell on his breath. I described it at first as a "Dairy/sweet" smell.

But it's got worse...last night he went to bed before me and when I walked into the bedroom, the whole room smelt of it. It's a sweet sort of smell...not absolutely rank but unpleasant and odd.

He is a health nut and says it must be a yeast imbalance...and has taken some brewers yeast and later some apple cider vinegar.

I just caught a faint whiff of it again though ...(it's evening here in Oz)

He sometimes has a bit of gut pain...and indigestion...that's all I can think of which isn't perfect about his bodily health. He's not a doctor-goer...should I worry?

JAmmine no...I asked how many carbs he's been eating and he said more than usual. He's had a lot of bread ,,,more than usual and also some potatoes.

He has no symptoms of the diabetes type 1 list apart from headaches, some mood swings and he has in the recent past needed to wee a lot but not lately.

But he's always had headaches.

Type 1 diabetes is not unusual in adults! Around 40% of Type 1s are diagnosed over the age of 30. It’s wrong to think of it as only a condition of childhood.

However if your DH has no other symptoms - sudden weight loss, excessive thirst, excessive weeing - then it’s unlikely to be that. He’d also be feeling generally rough.

Just make a routine GP appt so he can have an HbA1C test to check for Type 2 if you’re worried it might be that. He could then also have general tests to rule out less common causes as mentioned above.

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I think it sounds like it could be from an empty stomach. I know when people do a VLCD they get horrific breath, ask him to eat and drink something and see if it goes?

My husband and I have bad breath if we eat too much sugar or he has beer. It used to just be him but I notice it on me too now. So if he has upped his carbs I reckon it might be that.
I have been tested for type 2 because of this and I follow an 18:6 fasting pattern in case it is an early sign. I do have it a lot less now.
We are both early 40s and I reckon it is less than 5 years we have had this.

Pear drop breathes a classic symptom of diabetes.

@FortunesFave

He has no symptoms of the diabetes type 1 list apart from headaches, some mood swings and he has in the recent past needed to wee a lot but not lately.

When did he last have his bloods checked ?

@FippertyGibbett

Pear drop breathes a classic symptom of diabetes.

Pear drop breath is a classic symptom of diabetes.

@BreatheAndFocus

forgive my ignorance but isn't diabetes something you're born with or get through being overweight/eating a lot of sugar?

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition. You can develop it at any age. It’s nothing to do with diet. Type 2 is related to diet and lifestyle.

I’d think your DH isn’t eating enough carbs. He can still go for healthy carbs, but what you’re describing sounds like ketosis, which isn’t a good way to function longterm.

Some can eat to excess and/junk food and never develop type 2.

Others can eat sensibly, healthily, be a proper weight and can develop type 2.

My, then 32 year old daughter, was feeling off colour. Went to see doctor - after some persuasion.

“You need to go to hospital now. Would you like an ambulance?“

He was surprised she was still standing.

Diagnosed with type 1. Out of the blue. No history of it in the family of either type.

Fortunately she’s ok 18 months on.

Doctor. Tomorrow.

mellon he has eaten...just not a lot...not for a man anyway. Fipperty God knows....never! I don't know.

Diabetes.

DH developed type 1 in his 20s.

Has your DH had a virus this year?

Honestly, Google it. Pear drop breath.

Not sure why you’re quoting me, but sorry about your daughter. I have Type 1.

Everyone’s rushing to shout “Type 1” because they’ve been googling, but the pear drop breath isn’t usually the first sign of it.

No one is born with diabetes.

He can't be much of a health nut if he won't see a Dr. He sounds more like your typical male that doesn't care about his health.

Fucking hell, I think I'd rather be fat, fun and happy ... with good breath!

Dh was diagnosed with type 1 at 34.

OP, your husband should go to a chemist ASAP and ask if they can test his blood sugar level. I know this might be difficult depending on where you live and that it is a Sunday.

There is a difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis (please see the attached link). Ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition which needs to be addressed immediately.

www.diabetes.co.uk/blood-glucose/ketosis.html

Ketoacidosis acts very quickly - weight loss, etc. I am speaking from experience before my T1 diagnosis at age 48 with no prior symptoms.

The smell you are describing sounds very much like one of these. Not trying to alarm you, but I would get it checked ASAP.

Fipperty I don't think it IS like pear drops though...everyone else has said that. It's not sharp like that. It's fruity...but not like pear drops.

Had to add that not all diagnoses of Type 1 will have all the symptoms on the list. I was only thirsty maybe 1 day in 3, had no ketone breath smell and barely needed to wee more than normal, but went to the doctor because of weight loss and tiredness and she insisted on an ambulance to A&E and was amazed I hadn't already suffered organ damage. Any of these symptoms can be a sign, not necessarily all at once, and it definitely is an A&E matter if there's a chance it could be Type 1. Best of luck to both of you OP.

agree with all the above.... check for diabetes and ketosis. but deffo diabetes. also look into gut health, i know if i eat too much sugar and high acidic food i can taste my breath from my stomach. finally, has he had a cold or abcess recently? sines infection can absolutely reek

Yes, it very quickly mutated to pear drop breath after people had googled 🙄

There are numerous possible causes, OP, so don’t let yourself get persuaded by one. Get your DH to speak to his GP. Dental problems, sinus issues, liver problems, digestive issues, etc etc etc

@FortunesFave

Fipperty I don't think it IS like pear drops though...everyone else has said that. It's not sharp like that. It's fruity...but not like pear drops.

If it’s sweet or fruity I would be getting him checked.

@pinkbalconyrailing

ketosis or diabetes. can he get his blood sugar checked at a pharmacy if that's 'easier' for him than consulting a dr?

Good idea. It does sound typical.

But the unusual and unpleasant breath that my late husband had turned out to be a symptom of his terminal cancer

Is this why dogs have been trained to detect some cancers? They can pick up the smell sooner than us?

I don't think a low carb diet is a healthy diet, especially not if he is physically active as you say he is.