Scientists claim that partner selection is often based on body odor.
There is an opinion that smell plays a key role in choosing a partner with an optimal genetic makeup. A person is capable of emitting pheromones — substances that attract the opposite sex. However, sometimes certain smells emanating from the body should be perceived as a warning signal indicating the presence of a serious illness.
Medical studies show that some diseases have a unique "aroma." How do the smells of various diseases manifest, and what should one pay attention to when new smells appear?
Olfactory Diagnosis
Doctors have long begun to use unpleasant odors emanating from a person as one of the methods for the primary diagnosis of various diseases. An unpleasant smell can serve as a bright indicator of disturbances in metabolic processes, which often occur against the backdrop of the development of certain pathologies.
Bacteria residing on the skin displace healthy colonies, and the products of their vital activity begin to smell differently.
Smell of Acetone?
If sweat starts to smell like acetone, it is worth paying attention to the following possible pathologies:
Endocrine diseases related to diabetes
Digestive system problems
Liver and kidney dysfunction
Infections caused by microbes, bacteria, and viruses
All these conditions can lead to an imbalance in the body, which, in turn, causes general dysfunction. Diabetes is the most common cause of the acetone smell, which is related to insulin deficiency. Glucose begins to break down poorly, and its excess leads to changes in blood composition and worsens metabolism, resulting in an increase in ketone bodies. The body actively eliminates them, including through sweat, which leads to a sharp acetone smell. This condition can be dangerous to health and often precedes diabetic coma.
The smell of acetone may also indicate kidney problems. In this case, in addition to the characteristic "aroma," symptoms such as swelling, urinary disturbances, back pain, and high blood pressure may manifest, as well as an acetone smell from the mouth.
If the acetone smell from the skin is accompanied by rapid weight loss while maintaining appetite, irritability, and insomnia, this may indicate thyroid dysfunction.
Smell of Cat Feces
Sometimes a person may emit a smell reminiscent of cat feces. This also signals possible problems in the body. The smell of urea may appear in cases of:
Kidney and liver diseases
Endocrine pathologies and vegetative-vascular dystonia
Tuberculosis
Obesity
Dysfunction of the digestive system
The most common cause of such an "aroma" is kidney problems. If their function is impaired, it negatively affects the entire body. The smell of urea in this case will be sharp, and it cannot be dealt with using ordinary means — deodorants will not help.
The problem arises because the breakdown products of proteins are eliminated through the sebaceous glands. Doctors speak of uricidosis, which can be a consequence of chronic nephritis, pyelonephritis, and uremia.
Smell of Vinegar
Sometimes a person's sweat may have a vinegar smell. It is important to note that this is often accompanied by increased sweating. The causes that can lead to such a problem may include:
Endocrine disorders
Deficiency of vitamins D and B
Infectious-inflammatory diseases of the lungs
Mastopathy
In cases of endocrine system failures, there may be a lack of iodine, which leads to an unpleasant smell. Tuberculosis can be recognized by the vinegar smell, as this condition is also accompanied by symptoms such as severe cough, fatigue, weakness, and high fever. Women should pay attention to such a smell, as it may indicate serious breast problems.
Other Options
If the body odor has changed and become unpleasant, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Different smells can indicate various pathologies, some of which may be difficult to treat.
