What does ammonia taste like

Read on to learn more about the possible reasons for breath that smells like urine and the treatment options. Nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, refers to a runny nose or mucus buildup in the nasal cavities. Nasal congestion may occur on its own or link to a condition called sinusitis , which is inflammation or infection of the hollow cavities in the nose and face.

Both nasal congestion and sinusitis can result from bacterial infections, allergies, or irritation of the nasal cavities. They often result in bad breath , which in some people could smell similar to urine. People can treat nasal congestion and sinusitis with one or more of the following, depending on the cause:. A common bacterium called Helicobacter pylori H. Most people, however, do not show any symptoms. Breath that smells like ammonia or urine is a common symptom. Additional symptoms of H.

People should talk to a doctor if they suspect an H. If the doctor diagnoses an infection, treatment may include:. Certain foods react in the body to produce ammonia and its byproducts, which have odors resembling that of urine.

This is common in people who consume a high-protein or ketogenic diet. A high intake of specific foods such as onions and garlic can also lead to bad breath. Excessive alcohol consumption can also affect breath by lowering saliva production. People should check for particular foods in their diet that could be causing the problem and reduce their intake accordingly.

A well-balanced diet with multiple daily servings of fruit and vegetables will also result in a healthy digestive system and potentially better-smelling breath. CKD comprises a range of diseases and disorders that damage the kidneys and limit their ability to filter body waste. This leads to a serious buildup of toxins in the body, including ammonia, which causes urine-scented breath.

Other health complications that can result from CKD include anemia , high blood pressure , abnormal electrolyte levels, fluid buildup, heart disease , increased risk of stroke and heart attack , and kidney failure. An estimated 30 million American adults have CKD. It is not possible to cure CKD, so treatment aims to relieve symptoms and help patients manage the condition.

They filter the blood and help ensure any excess fluids leave the body through urination. They also perform other functions, such as controlling red blood cell production, releasing hormones to regulate blood pressure, and helping the body maintain healthy bones by producing vitamin D. One of the products removed from the blood supply by kidneys is urea. When the kidneys fail to remove all of the urea, the urea breaks down into ammonia.

Hence, the reason people with renal problems often have breath that smells like chemicals or ammonia breath. Additionally, the body is unable to absorb calcium properly as a result of kidney disease. Lack of calcium can lead to bone loss, impacting the jaws and the bone around the teeth. Often something else going on with the body, including some other illness, results in kidney disease.

Some of the common causes of kidney disease are:. Ammonia breath will only subside once you treat the underlying condition. First and foremost, you need to seek the help of a medical professional.

Until then, there are plenty of different ways to mask bad breath. Monitoring your overall health is the most important way to recognize that there might be something wrong.

Your body could be providing clues. So, when you book an annual physical with your primary care physician, go ahead and schedule regular dental checkups at least twice a year.

Talk to your dentist about developing a good oral care routine that includes brushing at least twice a day. Follow that up with regular flossing or cleaning between your teeth to remove food particles from spots a brush might not be able to reach. Bad breath can be unappealing, but it is also treatable, even if there is a deeper issue causing it. Talk to your primary care physician and dentist as soon as possible if you notice ammonia breath, and they will be able to help make a treatment plan that's right for you.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. To help control body odor, the International Hyperhidrosis Society recommends :.

A person can also contact a doctor to discuss the following medical treatments:. Microwave thermolysis is a treatment that uses microwave energy to stop the sweat glands from working properly. A study found that microwave thermolysis was an effective treatment for sweat that produced odors. The U. Botox can be an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis as it blocks the chemical that signals for the sweat glands to produce sweat.

Botox injections can be effective in stopping underarm sweating for months, and possibly up to 14 months. The International Hyperhidrosis Society recommends antiperspirants to help control excessive sweating and body odor. Prescription antiperspirants may contain higher amounts of active ingredients than over-the-counter antiperspirants.

These active ingredients can include metallic salts such as aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Prescription antiperspirants are most effective when people apply them both at night and in the morning. A person can use antibiotics to treat underlying conditions that cause sweat to smell like ammonia, such as trichomycosis.

Diet, exercise, and bacterial infections may all alter body odor. A person living with a health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease may also have sweat that smells like ammonia. A person can try antiperspirants to reduce the amount they sweat, and deodorants to cover up any odors.

A doctor can treat any underlying health conditions to help reduce the ammonia smell in sweat. A look at urine that smells like ammonia, which can have many causes. Included is detail on when to see a doctor and treatments for the condition. Most people will have bad breath at least once in their life, but it is unusual for breath to smell like urine.

Possible causes range from nasal…. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that involves excessive sweating. It may affect the whole body or just specific areas. Although it might be embarrassing…. Excessive sweating of the head and face could be due to hyperhidrosis or craniofacial hyperhidrosis. Learn more. People sweat due to heat, stress, and a range of other causes.

One area of the body that commonly becomes sweaty is the feet. Several techniques can…. Why does my sweat smell like ammonia? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. What is sweat? What is ammonia? Causes of odor in sweat Prevention When to see a doctor Treatment Summary Not all types of sweat have an odor. Causes of odor in sweat.

When to see a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3.

Related Coverage. Why does my urine smell like ammonia? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What causes breath to smell like urine?

Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. What is hyperhidrosis? Medically reviewed by University of Illinois.