Hálito

Hálito is a term used in certain languages to denote the air exhaled from the lungs, commonly translated as breath in English. The form with diacritics (hálito) reflects orthographic conventions of languages that mark stress or vowel quality, and related forms such as halito or hálito appear in Romance-derived vocabularies. The word ultimately derives from the Latin halitus, meaning breath or exhalation.

Breathing is a basic physiological process: inhalation brings oxygen to the lungs, exhalation removes carbon dioxide. In healthy individuals, normal breath is odorless or only mildly scented; it can acquire odors from diet, oral hygiene, or infections. The scent depends on volatile compounds released from the mouth, throat, or lungs, especially volatile sulfur compounds produced by bacteria on the tongue and dental plaque.

Halitosis is the term used for persistent or recurring unpleasant breath. It is more common than many people realize and can have multiple causes. Local factors include poor oral hygiene, dental caries, periodontal disease, tongue coating, dry mouth (xerostomia), and tobacco use. Dietary factors (garlic, onions), alcohol, and certain mouthwashes can temporarily alter breath. Infections of the nose, sinuses, or throat can contribute. Some systemic diseases—such as diabetes, kidney or liver disorders, or metabolic conditions—may also produce noticeable breath changes. Certain medications can reduce saliva or release odors.

Diagnosis often involves a clinical examination of the mouth and throat and, if needed, objective tests that measure volatile compounds in the breath. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause: improving oral hygiene, treating dental issues, tongue cleaning, staying hydrated, stopping smoking, and using mouthwashes with antiseptic or enzymatic action. If halitosis persists despite oral care, a medical evaluation is advised to assess non-oral causes.