How Can I Tell If Halitosis Is Due to Acid Reflux, GERD or Sinusitis?

Halitosis is a dental problem that sometimes has causes outside of the mouth. The source of the halitosis can be either gastrointestinal or even nasal. Pinpointing the problem takes some observation and possibly a little help from your physician.

Nasal Source

• Sinusitis can be a cause of halitosis, the problem being infection in the sinuses. To tell if this is your problem, look for swollen lymph glands, headaches, fever and mucus that is yellow or green in color. According to a 2008 eMedicine report by Dr. Ashutosh Kacker, halitosis that originates in the nasal area, including the sinuses, will have a cheeselike odor or one that is unlike normal halitosis originating in the mouth. In addition, those with runny noses are more susceptible to this type of halitosis. Clear away the sinusitis to make the halitosis disperse.

GI tract Induced Halitosis

• Dr. Kacker's report describes halitosis from the GI tract as "extremely rare" aside from the odorous burps associated with gastrointestinal conditions. However, a 2007 study by the Department of Gastroenterology in the Tel Aviv Medical Center found that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could possibly cause halitosis in some patients. Seventy-two of the 132 patients in the study were found to have issues with halitosis. Another cause of halitosis from the GI tract has been linked to the treatments for GERD and acid reflux. A 2006 study published by the American College of Gastroenterology found a correlation between a proton pump inhibitor used to treat GERD and halitosis. Although the study was done on a small group of people, it found that three quarters of the participants using the pump to treat GERD also had trouble with halitosis. Prevacid (or lansoprazole), one of the common treatments for GERD and acid reflux, has been reported to have halitosis as a symptom.

Proper Diagnosis

• The only way to properly diagnose halitosis is to see your physician. Through imaging technology, physical assessment and patient history, your physician can figure out the source of your halitosis.