Do you smell fishy? Have you been struggling with this condition for the longest time? Then it could be trimethylaminuria, also called ‘fish odour syndrome’. This lifelong health condition is a genetic disorder typically present from birth and continues throughout a person's life. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, explains its cause and ways to reduce its symptoms.
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Fish Odour Syndrome
“Trimethylaminuria is a condition, in which a volatile, fish-smelling compound called TrimethylAmine (TMA) accumulates and is excreted in the urine,” said Dr Tayal, adding that TMA is also found in the sweat and breath of these patients.
“People suffering from Trimethylaminuria are not able to convert TMA into non-odorous TrimethylAmine N-oxide (TMAO) in the liver due to an enzyme deficiency. The disease is diagnosed by checking the levels of TMA and TMAO levels in urine.”
Caused By A Faulty Gene
Dr Tayal said, “Trimethylaminuria is primarily a genetically inherited condition and occurs due to deficiency in the liver enzyme Monooxygenase which converts back TMA to odourless TMAO.” “It may sometimes be also seen in individuals with other liver diseases, altered gut bacterial flora, viral illness, during childhood and due to excessive intake of choline,” he added.
According to Britain's National Health Services (NHS), many people with trimethylaminuria inherit a faulty version of a gene called FMO3 from both their parents. This means they have two copies of the faulty gene.
"The parents themselves might only have one copy of the faulty gene. This is known as being a ‘carrier’. They usually won't have symptoms, although some may have mild or temporary ones," NHS explains.
Key Characteristics Of The Condition
The primary symptom of trimethylaminuria is a strong and offensive body odour that resembles the smell of rotting fish. This odour can be present in the breath, sweat, urine, and other bodily fluids. The odour may be constant or sporadic, and it can have a significant impact on a person's social and emotional well-being. Sweating, stress, certain foods, such as fish, eggs and beans, and periods can make things worse.
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No Cure But Certain Measures Can Help Reduce Symptoms
According to Dr Tayal, there is no cure for trimethylaminuria. However, certain measures, such as using a low pH soap, eliminating fish from the diet and use of gut antimicrobials may help in reducing the symptoms temporarily, he highlighted.
Here are other things you can try, which can help reduce symptoms:
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Relieve stress, as it can worsen symptoms
- Wash your clothes frequently
- Use antiperspirant
Bottomline
Living with trimethylaminuria can be challenging, and individuals affected by this condition may benefit from support groups and counselling to cope with the social and emotional implications. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, management, and ongoing support.