What is uremic fector?

Uremic fetor is a characteristic ammonia-like odor of the breath and sweat of individuals with kidney failure. It is caused by the buildup of urea in the blood, which occurs when the kidneys are unable to remove waste products from the body. Uremic fetor is a classic finding in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. Treatment of uremic fetor involves addressing the underlying cause of kidney failure through dialysis or kidney transplantation. In some cases, special mouthwashes or oral agents may also be used to help control the odor.