Most of us experience body odour at some point, but some smells could be more telling than others.
Sweating from intense exercise or sweltering heat often produces a pungent smell – but when does this odour indicate something more serious?
In some cases, a sudden or unusual change in body odour, particularly when paired with other symptoms, may indicate an underlying health condition.
Here’s some GP-approved guidance on warning signs to watch for and advice on when it’s time to consult a healthcare professional.
What is body odour?
“Body odour, or B.O. as we might casually call it, arises from bacteria breaking down sweat, leading to those distinct aromas,” explains Dr Anita Raja, a Birmingham-based GP.
Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice agrees and adds: “Body odour is a natural phenomenon that many people experience, yet it often raises questions and concerns regarding its implications for health.
“While body odour is a normal aspect of human physiology, certain scents can signal underlying medical conditions.”
What types of body odours should we be concerned about?
“In my years as a GP, I’ve encountered a varied bouquet of scents, each telling their own story,” says Raja. “Patients often walk in questioning certain odours – perhaps someone with liver issues who might have noticed a sickly-sweet note, or an individual suffering from a lung infection whose breath had an unappealing whiff.
“In addition, a sweet, fruity odour might suggest diabetes, while a sour scent could be related to metabolic disorders or even excessive perspiration.”
Fishy or mouldy smells could be a red flag for health issues, according to Asif.
“A strong fishy scent can be associated with trimethylaminuria, a genetic condition that affects the breakdown of specific compounds,” he explains. “It may also indicate a urinary tract infection or other infections.
“Whereas, a mouldy or musty odour could suggest a fungal infection or other medical concerns.
“In addition, a smell resembling ammonia may indicate kidney issues, as the body struggles to filter excess urea effectively.”
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What are the warning signs of a more serious health problem?
Unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue, or a fever alongside a change in body odour should prompt a visit to the doctor.
“Losing weight without any changes to your diet or exercise routine may point to a metabolism or hormone imbalance or another serious condition, like cancer,” Asif points out.
“Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest may also signal underlying health issues.
“Furthermore, rashes, irritation, or changes in skin texture might suggest an infection or other dermatological condition, and fever or chills could suggest an infection.”
It’s also crucial to mention any new issues with urination and bowel movements to your GP.
“Any alterations in urination or bowel habits may indicate kidney or digestive problems,” Asif adds.
When should you consult a healthcare professional?
“Monitoring the change for a few days is reasonable, especially if there are no other symptoms present,” Asif advised.
“However, if the odour persists, intensifies, or is accompanied by concerning signs, consulting a healthcare provider is the best course of action.”
If you notice an enduring change in body odour that may raise concerns about underlying health issues, medical tests might be necessary to determine the cause.
“Blood tests can assess diabetes, kidney function, liver health, and metabolic disorders and a urine test can help identify infections or kidney issues,” said Asif. “Whereas, a skin biopsy or scraping may be conducted to assess for infections, cancer or an autoimmune condition (where the body produces antibodies against itself and can manifest with skin changes).
“Evaluating a patient’s diet may also reveal if certain foods are contributing to the change in body odour.”
