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HEALTH FAMILY PROBLEMS RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION & CAREER Dear What's The Problem, I have been suffering from halitosis since I was seven years old and I wonder what I can do about it? I don't smoke, or drink, but sporadically I have to spit out excessive amounts of phlegm which has built up in my throat. At one point I thought my problems might have been caused by a sinus defect, but x-rays have shown this is not the case. Ibraheem Gafba, Nigeria Advice : Dr Mark Hamilton Halitosis is bad breath and we all get it from time to time, but some people suffer from it more than others. Mild forms of sinus trouble do not always show up in x-rays. If Ibraheem is coughing up phlegm then it could be a sign that he is getting some phlegm dripping down from his nose into the back of his throat and a short course of anti-biotics might help the problem. If he finds that his symptoms are getting better after taking these anti-biotics then I think he probably does have a mild form of sinus trouble. Ibrahim could also try using a mouthwash, eating parsley, which has traditionally been used to cure bad breath, or chewing sugar free gum. The What's the Problem? website is providing general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the What's the Problem? website. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.		FURTHER INFORMATION   The bad smell usually comes from the breakdown of proteins in the diet by bacteria which normally live in the mouth. But other factors can influence this including: i) Tooth decay and gum disease ii) Smoking iii) Diet iv) A dry mouth    INTERNET LINKS Oral health   What is halitosis?   Bad breath research   BBC Health on halitosis   The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites