Do you have "healthy" breath?

In a way, apparently we all have "healthy breath".  As a physician and cosmetic surgeon in Southwest Florida, I try to stay up with medical and health news. In that capacity, I read a truly interesting article recently that gave new meaning to “breathe”.

Usually, we think of breath tests or alcoholic breath when you are pulled over by the police and told to breathe, to check for evidence of alcohol in your system.

Doctors are now analyzing patients breath.  By examining a patient's exhaled breath they can monitor for kidney or liver disease. 

For example, elevated levels of hydrogen in your breath may be an indication of bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine signaling irritable bowl syndrome.  Acetone in the breath may mean diabetes.  Each person's breath is unique. It is sort of like a patient's fingerprint.  

Studies are now being conducted to standardize these tests.  Watch this blog for updates.