Is there a cure for fish odor syndrome?
Currently there is no cure for fish odour syndrome, a condition which causes an unpleasant fishy smell that can affect breath, sweat, pee and vaginal fluids.
What causes fish odor syndrome?
The disorder is most commonly caused by an inherited deficiency in flavin monooxygenase 3, the vital enzyme for the metabolism of trimethylamine, which is the compound responsible for the unpleasant odor.
How do I know if I have trimethylaminuria?
A doctor may be able to diagnose trimethylaminuria by asking a person about their symptoms and carrying out a few tests. A urine test can show whether a person has high levels of trimethylamine in their urine. A doctor may give the person an oral dose of choline first, as this causes the production of trimethylamine.
Is fish odor syndrome rare?
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It’s also called “fish odour syndrome”. Sometimes it’s caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn’t always the case. There’s currently no cure, but there are things that can help.
How do you stop Trimethylaminuria?
Treatment for trimethylaminuria is focused on removing and preventing the bad odor. Options for treatment include diet modification, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) supplements, antibiotic treatment, and probiotics. Other supplements such as activated charcoal can help remove extra trimethylamine from the body.
How do I get rid of trimethylamine?
The use of slightly acidic soaps and body lotions can convert trimethylamine on the skin into a less volatile form that can be removed by washing. If the disorder is acquired due to excessive doses of L-carnitine, choline or lecithin, symptoms disappear with reduction of dosage.
Why does my boyfriend smell like fish?
For example, a strong foul or fishy smell can be a sign of infection or a sexually transmitted condition. See a doctor if these changes occur. Some things can change the smell of semen, such as when it mixes with urine.
How common is fish odor syndrome?
Trimethylaminuria is a rare metabolic disorder. More than 100 cases have been reported in the medical literature. Some clinicians believe that the disorder is under-diagnosed since many people with mild symptoms do not seek help.
How do you test for trimethylaminuria?
A urine test is used to diagnose trimethylaminuria. The person’s urine is tested to look for higher levels of trimethylamine. Testing can be done by giving choline by mouth followed by urine collection a certain number of times over a 24 hour period.
Why do I smell like rotting?
Trimethylaminuria is a disorder in which the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a chemical compound that has a pungent odor. Trimethylamine has been described as smelling like rotting fish, rotting eggs, garbage, or urine.
How do I get rid of TMAU?
Currently there is no cure for TMAU, but treatment options, including avoidance of choline-containing foods, may help reduce odor production for those afflicted with the disorder. Choline is an essential nutrient that is needed by your body for many functions related to life.