Fascinating Diseases You Can Actually Smell

There are a variety of diseases that people can contract, and some of them have very interesting symptoms. One such symptom is an unusual odor emanating from the patient's body. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as bacterial overgrowth or metabolic issues. So let’s dive into five fascinating diseases that have this unique symptom. 

1. Trimethylaminuria Trimethylaminuria, also known as "fish odor syndrome," is a rare metabolic disorder that affects the body's ability to break down a compound called trimethylamine. This compound is found in many foods, including fish, eggs, and liver. People with trimethylaminuria excrete trimethylamine in their sweat, urine, and breath, which produces a strong fishy odor. The odor can be so overwhelming that people with this condition may avoid social situations. There is currently no cure for trimethylaminuria, but dietary changes and certain medications can help manage the symptoms. 

2. Typhoid Fever Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. The bacteria are spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms of typhoid fever include fever, headache, stomach pain, and a distinctive odor that some describe as smelling like baked bread. The odor comes from the bacteria's metabolic processes, which produce a compound called 2-aminoacetophenone. This odor can be detected in the patient's urine, feces, and breath. Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can be life-threatening. 

3. Maple Syrup Urine Disease Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to break down certain amino acids. These amino acids accumulate in the blood and can cause damage to the brain, leading to developmental delays and intellectual disability. The disease is named after the sweet, maple syrup-like odor that can be detected in the urine of affected individuals. This odor is caused by the buildup of certain amino acids that are not properly broken down by the body. MSUD is typically managed through dietary restrictions and close monitoring by a healthcare team. 

4. Phenylketonuria Phenylketonuria (PKU) is another rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to break down amino acids. Specifically, people with PKU are unable to break down an amino acid called phenylalanine, which can lead to intellectual disability, seizures, and behavioral problems. Like MSUD, PKU can cause an unusual odor in the patient's urine due to the buildup of certain amino acids. This odor is often described as musty or mousy. PKU can be managed through dietary changes that limit the intake of phenylalanine. 

5. Helicobacter Pylori Infection Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and cause gastritis and peptic ulcers. In some cases, the bacteria can also cause a distinctive odor that has been described as smelling like rotten eggs. The odor is caused by the breakdown of sulfur-containing amino acids in the stomach by the H. pylori bacteria. This odor can be detected on the patient's breath, and it may be a sign of a more severe infection that requires treatment with antibiotics.