From the Guidelines
Elderly men may develop an ammonia-like body odor primarily due to age-related changes in metabolism and kidney function, which can be exacerbated by dehydration, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. As men age, their kidneys often become less efficient at filtering waste products from the blood, including urea, which breaks down into ammonia 1. This condition can be further complicated by the high prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in older adults, particularly those with chronic disabilities or comorbidities, which can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and contribute to the development of ammonia-like body odor 1.
Some key factors that may contribute to this issue include:
- Dehydration, which is common in older adults who may have a diminished sense of thirst
- Certain medications like diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix) or hydrochlorothiazide, which can worsen dehydration
- Medical conditions including kidney disease, liver problems, or uncontrolled diabetes, which can impair the body's ability to filter waste products and contribute to the development of ammonia-like body odor
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria, which is more common in older adults, particularly those with chronic disabilities or comorbidities, and can lead to UTIs and contribute to the development of ammonia-like body odor 1
To address this problem, elderly men should increase their daily water intake to at least 6-8 glasses, maintain good personal hygiene with daily bathing using antibacterial soap, wear clean clothes made of natural fibers, and consult with their doctor about any medications that might be contributing to the issue. A balanced diet lower in protein may also help reduce ammonia production in the body. If the odor persists despite these measures, a medical evaluation is important to rule out underlying kidney or liver disease 1.
From the Research
Possible Causes of Ammonia-Like Body Odor in Elderly Men
- The exact cause of ammonia-like body odor in elderly men is not directly addressed in the provided studies, but some possible explanations can be inferred:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to the production of ammonia, as seen in the study 2, where a urinary tract infection with Proteus mirabilis caused hyperammonemia in a 3-year-old boy.
- Kidney disease, such as chronic kidney disease, can affect the body's ability to excrete ammonia, leading to a buildup of this substance in the body, as discussed in the study 3.
- Other medical conditions, such as metabolic acidosis or distal renal tubular acidosis, can also affect ammonia levels in the body, as mentioned in the study 3.
Relationship Between Ammonia and Body Odor
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that ammonia-like body odor is a common symptom of any specific medical condition in elderly men.
- However, the study 4 mentions that ascitic fluid with an ammonia odor can be a symptom of bladder rupture, which may be related to urinary tract issues.
- The study 5 discusses the health effects of ammonia exposure, but it does not address body odor specifically.
Sensory Perception of Ammonia
- The study 6 discusses the loss of smell in the elderly population, which may affect their ability to detect ammonia-like body odors in themselves or others.
- However, this study does not provide direct evidence to explain why some elderly men may have an ammonia-like body odor.