What is Fruity Breath?

Fruity breath, referred to as a fruity acetone breath, is a common yet overlooked side effect. This condition is described as a sweet-smelling breath odor similar to that of fruit. Fruity breath occurs as the body attempts to release high levels of acetone from the body.

Fruity breath may be caused by certain medications or health conditions such as hyperglycemia (high blood-glucose levels), diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA, or when the body cannot utilize glucose as an energy source). This odor may be accompanied by the following:

• dryness of the mouth and feeling thirsty
• loss of appetite
• the need to urinate more often
• upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, or abdominal pain
• abnormal breathing, breathing quicker and more deeply

Fruity breath can be a sign of life-threatening conditions and should be taken seriously.

How is Fruity Breath Treated?

Patients who suffer from a breath with fruit-like odor and other symptoms with no apparent cause of the odor such as smoking or ingesting potent foods should contact their healthcare provider to ensure their safety. Mild breath odor may be reduced through maintaining proper dental hygiene, or using mint or parsley products.

Treating fruity breath requires treatment of the underlying condition that is inducing the odor.