Causes of Bad Odor Sweat During Infections

Q: Hello, I am 21 and I recently had a sore throat and fever. So I took some extra strength Tylenol for about 3 days for my symptoms. I would get these night sweats, so I would wake up with my shirt all wet. Well, I got all better but now I started having this yucky body odor that I did not have before I got sick. It’s this sweaty cheesy smell that I am getting even after I take a shower. I take showers at night and by the time I wake up I already smell. I did not have this problem before. What could have caused it and what can I do about it?
– By A.J.

Reply:

It is common for bugs causing infections of upper respiratory tract ( throat, sinuses or mouth ) to give malodorous sweat. These infections produce certain toxins in the body. It is body’s way to excrete out toxins and by products of infective bugs from the body in urine, sweat or as coatings over tongue.

I would suggest you to wait for sometime, this cheesy smelling sweat will subside on its own.

Sweat can also become malodorous due to ingestion of certain food items like garlic, onion, fish and spices. You may avoid such food for some time.

Things You Can Do

  • Drink plenty of water. Fevers usually cause some degree of dehydration. So hydrating yourself after fever would be good. Hydration would also be important for speedy elimination of toxins from the body.
  • Bathe yourself before sleep and in the morning too.
  • Eat more of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid fatty stuff and caffeinated drinks.

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “Reducing Bad Smelly Sweats Caused by Fever?

  1. Morgan Davis

    I had a fever and it finally broke, and I started to sweat in my sleep. It has an old fruit smell, even though I showered, I can’t get rid of it. I feel like my room smells super strong of it and even when I’m driving in the car, I can smell it, but my husband says he can’t. Why do I smell it and how can I get rid of it? It is so bad, it makes me want to throw up!

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      The smell may be confined to your nose or sinus. Are you having secretion in your nose?

      For now, try inhaling steam and drain the nasal secretions as much as possible.

      Use your favorite perfume to mask that smell!

      Reply
  2. Steve

    When my butt gets sweaty like after working out, my butt starts feeling hot almost like a burning sensation around the anus area and sometimes the buttocks skin. What could be causing this and anything to be worried about?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It’s alright. Just make sure that you are taking regular baths to wash off that excess sweat.

      Do you have any fever?

      Reply
      1. Steve

        No fever. I feel the tingling/hot sensation more when I’m sweaty but also right now sitting at work. I shower daily – not sure what is causing this.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Nothing pathological. You just need to manage the condition.

          Bathe daily. Wear loose cotton underwear. This is to ensure that the excess moisture accumulating there gets absorbed and the area stays dry.

          Reply
  3. Anonymous

    Good day sir/madam

    Yeah so here we go
    Symptoms include:
    *Bloated
    *Flatulent
    *Pain on the left side of the abdomen
    *Partial anul leakage-watery
    *Soft stool-narrow,yellow with black sparks
    *Gaining weight
    *Pain under the ribcage on the right side
    *big stomach.previously had abs
    Thank you in advance

    Reply
  4. anonymous

    I did n she concluded that its IBS,I have been taking IBS medication n there hasn’t been any change,but I guess I’ll have to go back and request an ultrasound. Thank you for your time

    Reply
  5. R lee

    I was just diagnosed with pneumonia and my sweat smells BAD, like strong urine. They didn’t give me an IV in the hospital but told me to stay in bed and drink plenty of fluids (which I had already been doing) but I can’t get past the smell! My fever is so high I’m sweating so much my skin is wrinkled as if if I’d stayed in the bath too long.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Keep taking adequate amounts of fluid.

      It’s normal to get this kind of smell with so many antibiotics. Take care.

      Reply

Ask Your Medical Question

Your Question will be answered by a specialist M.D. in 1-2 days.

To prevent unauthorized comments, we request you to solve a simple problem: *