[NPInfo] Malodous pt

[Terri Fowler]

Can you smell the odor and what does the odor smell like? Chasing 
zebras…I recently watched a medical program on TV that discussed a rare 
genetic disease in which patients have a fishy odor that despite all 
efforts (deodorants, bathing, etc…) remains. The odor is very strong and 
noticed by others, which really interferes with the patient's life. The 
condition is called Trimethylaminuria and is a genetic condition that 
prevents the body from breaking down trimethylamine. Trimethylamine is a 
compound that is absorbed from food and a build up in the body leads to 
a fishy odor. Urine test for elevated trimethylamine is how the 
condition is diagnosed. No treatment has been identified; however the 
odor can be reduced with diet modification (reducing foods that contain 
high amounts of trimethylamine). I know this is a rare condition and 
probably not at all what is causing the odor in your patient however I 
just thought I would throw it out there.

Terri Fowler



jamestblackwell at aol.com wrote:
> Anybody out there have any suggestions on what to do for a 40-ish y.o. woman who has body odor affecting her quality of life and employment status?? She bathes regulary, has tried different antiperspirants, and the usual suspects have been eliminated.
>
> James Blackwell, NP
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