What is Fish Odor Syndrome
Fish odor syndrome or Trimethylaminuria is a rare metabolic condition in which the patient cannot convert the chemical trimethylamine into trimethylamine N-oxide.
When trimethylamine builds up, it produces a fishy odor that lingers in the person’s breath, urine, sweat, and vaginal discharge.
Some patients with Trimethylaminuria give off a strong fishy odor, while others have a moderate smell. Additionally, the odor may vary in intensity depending on the situation. For instance, the following factors seem to make the symptoms worse:
- Menstrual period
- Stress
- Sweating
- Eating foods such as beans, eggs, and fish.
Other than the moderate to strong odor, patients with Fish Odor Syndrome appear generally healthy.
It’s also worth noting that Fish Odor Syndrome is more common in women than men. Researchers still do not know why, but they suspect that it has something to do with the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
What Causes Fish Odor Syndrome?
Before we enumerate the different ways to get rid of the fishy odor, let’s first establish what causes Fish Odor Syndrome.
Patients with Fish Odor Syndrome have problems with the enzyme flavin monooxygenase 3 (FMO3). This enzyme is responsible for the conversation of trimethylamine to trimethylamine N-oxide.
Because genes are involved in this condition, reports emphasize that Fish Odor Syndrome is usually inherited.
How to Get Rid of the Fishy Odor
The treatment for Fish Odor Syndrome focuses on preventing and removing the strong smell. The following measures could help get rid of the fishy odor:
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