Warning-sign checks
Body odour: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911Get emergency help for fruity or acetone-like breath with vomiting, stomach pain, deep or rapid breathing, severe drowsiness, or confusion.
These can be signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous build-up of acids in the blood.
This is especially important if you have diabetes, but it can be the first sign of diabetes.
Difficulty breathing, fainting, severe confusion, or being hard to wake also requires emergency care.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
- Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
- Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
- Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
- Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
- Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
- Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
- Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
- Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen todaySeek same-day medical advice if odour occurs with:
- A painful, red, warm, or swollen area of skin
- Pus, spreading redness, or fever
- Strong vaginal odour with pelvic pain, fever, or unusual discharge
- A wound that smells unpleasant or is becoming more painful
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointmentBook a routine appointment if the odour is new and persistent, has no clear explanation, or does not improve with self-care.
Arrange an assessment if sweating is excessive, occurs at night, disrupts daily activities, or has suddenly changed.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Body odour. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.