Relationship of Halitosis with Gastric Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Background: Halitosis is a common human condition; however, the pathophysiological mechanism of halitosis is still unclear. Halitosis is mostly attributed with oral pathological conditions, in addition, halitosis resulting from gastrointestinal disorders is not rare either. Halitosis is often reported with symptoms related to Helicobacter pylori infection, epigastric pain and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Objective: Halitosis can stem from a number of gastric conditions and one of the most common causes of halitosis include the presence of a gastric infection with Helicobacter pylori. This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence ofhalitosis in patients presenting with Helicobacter pylori infection and epigastric pain. Additionally, to review whether there is a correlation between H pylori infection and halitosis; moreover, to determine whether halitosis is a valid indication for H pylori infection. Methods and Materials: This case control, comparative study was done at Medicine department of Isra University hospital and Civil hospital, Karachi during the period of January 2019 to December 2019. Participants were enrolled only after taking verbal and signed consent. Prior permission from the hospital management was taken as well. Result: Halitosis and H pylori are statistically significant with p value of 0.026. There was a clear correlation between halitosis and H pylori infection, and it may be a common contributor to halitosis.