We know that bronchiectasis causes mucus buildup in the lungs, which leads to bacterial growth and respiratory infections. What might surprise you, however, is that this chronic lung condition can also cause bad breath and foul-smelling sputum.1
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a condition where unpleasant odors persistently emanate from your mouth. These odors are caused by sulfur-producing bacteria that live on the surface of your tongue and the inside of your throat.2
Factors that typically contribute to bad breath, include:3
- Poor oral hygiene (gum disease, tooth decay, etc.)
- Certain foods and drinks (garlic, onions, coffee, etc.)
- Smoking and tobacco products
In some cases, halitosis can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as:4
- Dry mouth
- Respiratory infections
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Kidney problems
Additionally, certain seasonal conditions like post-nasal drip, which can also develop from the conditions mentioned above, will cause bad breath to occur due to the production of excess mucus mixing with the sulfur-producing bacteria in your mouth.
The Outcome?
Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat5 paired with unpleasant odor and foul smelling sputum.
What Causes Foul Smelling Sputum?
When mucus builds up in the lungs, due to a chronic lung condition like bronchiectasis, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in repeated inflammation, lung infections, and chronic cough accompanied by foul-smelling sputum.6
Moreover, the odor of mucus itself can be unpleasant, particularly if it has been stagnant in the lungs for a long time.
If you’re experiencing foul-smelling sputum, it’s crucial to seek advice from a healthcare provider, as they can help identify the root cause of the odor and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Dealing with Green Foul Smelling Sputum
Aside from the odor, the color of your sputum can provide valuable information about your lung health. For instance, if your sputum is green, it may indicate a bacterial infection.
The green color is due to the presence of white blood cells and other inflammatory cells that your body produces to fight off the infection.7 As these cells break down, they can release chemicals that contribute to the odor.
How Can I Prevent Foul-Smelling Sputum?
Managing mucus buildup is an important part of your bronchiectasis treatment plan. Your clinician may prescribe techniques like chest physiotherapy to help loosen and thin mucus from the lungs.
Devices like high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy help clear lungs regularly to avoid mucus buildup and respiratory infections that may cause bad breath.
Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, whether or not you have bronchiectasis, to prevent the buildup of mucus and bacterial infections in the lungs and other parts of the body.
Here are a few tips on reducing foul-smelling sputum caused by a lung condition:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus.8
- Practice good hygiene: Brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, and washing hands frequently can help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause infections.
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke: Smoking can irritate the lungs and contribute to bad breath and foul smelling sputum9. If you are living with a chronic lung condition, you’ll want to avoid smoke (whether it’s tobacco or from wildfire smoke) altogether.
- Follow prescribed therapy: Taking medications and performing airway clearance therapy as prescribed by a doctor can help prevent mucus buildup and repeated infections that cause foul smelling sputum.
- Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help keep mucus thin and reduce irritation in the airways.10
Does Bronchiectasis Cause Foul Smelling Sputum?
Bronchiectasis can cause foul-smelling sputum due to the chronic infection and inflammation of the airways.
This cycle of infection can lead to the buildup of mucus and bacteria in the lungs, resulting in the production of sputum that may have a foul odor. In fact, the Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science names bronchiectasis among its list of lung diseases that may cause halitosis.11
If you suspect you have bronchiectasis or are experiencing any symptoms such as coughing up sputum, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it’s important to talk to your doctor about having a high-resolution CT scan to properly diagnose this condition.
For more information on getting tested for bronchiectasis and finding relief from your symptoms, you can request a patient packet today!
Your Source for Bronchiectasis Resources
Stay connected to our blog to find more resources, research, and lifestyle tips on bronchiectasis management and treatment options.
By keeping informed and taking proactive steps toward managing your condition, you can improve your quality of life and breathe easier.
Resources
[1] Colgate. “Bad Breath From Lungs: Oral Hygiene May Not Be The Cause.” Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/bad-breath/bad-breath-from-lungs–oral-hygiene-may-not-be-the-cause-
[2] Better Health Channel. “Halitosis or Bad Breath?” Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/halitosis-or-bad-breath
[3] Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Halitosis (Bad Breath).” Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/halitosis-bad-breath
[4] Cleveland Clinic. “Bad Breath (Halitosis).” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17771-bad-breath-halitosis
[5] Better Health Channel. “Halitosis or Bad Breath?” Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/halitosis-or-bad-breath
[6] Penn Medicine. “What Is Bronchiectasis?” Retrieved from https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/bronchiectasis
[7] Medical News Today. “What does green, yellow, or brown phlegm mean?” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318359
[8] Medical News Today. “19 Home Remedies for Phlegm and Mucus.” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321134
[9] Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Halitosis (Bad Breath).” Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/halitosis-bad-breath
[10] Medical News Today. “19 Home Remedies for Phlegm and Mucus.” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321134
[11] Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science. “Halitosis as an Issue of Social and Psychological Significance.” Retrieved from https://www.jrmds.in/articles/halitosis-as-an-issue-of-social-and-psychological-significance.pdf
