perspiration odor

Question

Hello,
I have CF with significant symptoms recently (2789 5G coupled with D508) I'm 50. I noticed recently a change in odor of my sweat: the soap is not enough to stop it. Previously I was sweating a lot, but was almost odorless.
Do you think this much stronger smell means worsening of the disease?
And also the fact that I barely get warm and sweat a lot, this can change in an hour, despite a fairly stable room temperature?
This idea of ​​increasing problem worries me a lot, and if it is not associated, thank you to say it. And if it does, thank you also to tell me.
Do CF people sweat more than others? Could this be related to a peripheral temperature of the body abnormally cold?
THANK YOU to be there to inform us, and answer me. Cordially.

Answer

Hello,

I have not found any information indicating that a change in odor of sweat could reflect a worsening disease.
The sweat, consisting essentially of water and salt but also in low concentrations of other substances such as toxins, is initially odorless. Growth of bacteria present on the skin, especially on hairy areas like the armpits or sole of the feet, are responsible for a possibly unpleasant smell that good personal and clothing hygiene can usually remove or mitigate. This is especially important in cystic fibrosis because the enhanced salt concentration of sweat promotes the microbial growth following damp skin and clothes.
But other factors can affect the body odor. Among them:
• antibiotic treatment may alter the microbial flora of skin and promote the emergence of fungal infections. Patients or their relatives, often notice a change in body odor at the time of antibiotic treatments;
• the high protein diet (meat, eggs, etc..), spices, garlic and onion, cheese, coffee are known to give the body a peculiar smell, stronger and possibly perceived as unpleasant. In contrast, populations with a vegetarian diet are deemed to have a less strong body odor;
• dress material, more or less breathable;
• endocrine disruption: the hormonal changes observed during pre-menopause often result in sudden changes in skin color and sweating with cold sweat and hot flushes even though the ambient temperature remains stable. Moreover, a chronic feeling of cold and difficulty to heat can evoke a failure of the thyroid gland.
I suggest you discuss your symptoms and the possible actions with your family or CF center doctor.
I also remind you the importance of salt supplementation and adequate hydration, especially in hot conditions.
Wish to have answered your question.
Cordially.
Marie-Laure MADEC

11.06.2012