I keep smelling ammonia

[Riverman]

I keep smelling ammonia (possibly acid)

After a ride I seem to be able to smell ammonia. It's almost like an acid like smell.

I've had my kidneys and liver tested and they've come back negative. I've also been tested for diabetes.

Anyone any idea what may be causing this? I've been told that it may be because my body is going into ketosis?

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

ketosis breath is sweet and fruity (dieting and diabetes, i think), except atkins, which is like rotten veg...urrghh!!! i have worked with people with bith.

 

[SilentSoulDragon]

ketosis (pronounced /kɪˈtəʊsɪs/) is a state of the organism characterised by elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood, occurring when the liver converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies (which can be used for energy as an alternative to glucose).

Its a tough one I've had a look about the web some say it could be because the body has used up all the calories in the body then starts eating away at muscle for energy.

If they think it may be ketosis then they should be able to run a test for a build up of ketones using ketostix.

is the smell mostly in your nose. Other people can't smell it?

 

[Riverman]

I have lost a fair amount of weight since I started cycling so I must be burning fat. Gone from 15 to 13 stone in six months (not blagging) so it's probably unlikely I'm burning muscle.

Thing is the reason I've had all those tests is because for the last 6 months I've had terrible diahrea + nausea. Seem to get worse nausea if I don't have much sleep so I think it may just be that. I get abit of an acid stomoch quite a bit.

is the smell mostly in your nose. Other people can't smell it?

I haven't asked anyone yet sorry. I will do.

It's more I can smell it when I breath in. I would say I'm pretty sure it's not my sweat.

 

[Archie_tect]

Riverman... perhaps you've reached that age when you need discrete absorbant pads? [Joking aside, my dad has, he uses the equivalent of a pant liner which avoids spills.]

 

[davidg]

urine, when it goes off, smells of ammonia....


edit: as does sweat for that matter

 

[Riverman]

It may not be ammonia that I'm smelling. I will have to get hold of some.

 

[davidg]

so you can smell something, but you don't know what it is!?

and there are no other symptoms??!

 

[marinyork]

When you said acid like smell I thought of reflux. I know someone who had this and claimed it got much worse after "rigorous" exercise. Ammonia makes it sound like some kind of sweat related issues (that doesn't mean that's not some other underlying issue). I'd just keep on hassling the medics for tests, that's what'll sort it out. I have no idea but you've done very well on the weight loss.

 

[weevil]

It may not be ammonia that I'm smelling. I will have to get hold of some.

If you take a leak before you go to bed, don't flush. What you smell when you agitate it with your first wee the next day is ammonia. Sorted. And you'll have saved a few litres of water.

If you need a stronger indication, wee into some sort of container so that the water in the pan doesn't dilute it. When your "experiment" is over, pour it on your compost heap, as it's an excellent activator (but only if you're a bloke - something to do with pH, IIRC).

 

[Enso108]

I get the same taste/smell after I've been out for a hard run. I've asked the same question on a running forum and got the same answer as silentsouldragon is suggesting. It soon goes after a protein shake.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I've noticed the same thing, but usually when I'm taking a shower after a ride. I don't seem to notice an ammonia smell when I shower at any other time. Again, I don't know whether it's on my breath orfrom sweat etc on my body. Glad you've asked the question, it's been puzzling me!

 

[threefingerjoe]

Do you still smell it after you shower and change clothes? With me, some man-made fabrics have an odor when I get sweaty. I never have the problem with cotton or wool.

 

[Riverman]

Nah. Not after I shower. I think it's more of an acid smell to be honest. Abit like a mild version of really strong acid. Forgot the name of that stuff one uses in school.

 

[Globalti]

You need to ask your GP to refer you to a proper physician. A physician knows all about the body's chemistry and systems. (Believe me - I cycle with one and he tells me all kinds of fascinating stuff!)