Why do I smell ammonia when used it?

Ammonia is a pungent gas with a characteristic smell. It is produced when urea, a waste product of protein metabolism, is broken down by bacteria. When urea is broken down, it releases ammonia, which is then converted into ammonium ions. These ammonium ions are then excreted in urine.

People can smell ammonia for several reasons, including:

Kidney disease: When the kidneys are not working properly, they cannot effectively remove urea from the blood. This can lead to a build-up of urea in the blood, which can cause ammonia to be produced.

Liver disease: The liver helps to convert ammonia into urea. When the liver is not functioning properly, it cannot convert ammonia into urea effectively. This can lead to build-up of ammonia in the blood, which can cause ammonia to be produced.

Gastrointestinal infections: Bacteria that cause gastrointestinal infections can produce urea, which can then be broken down into ammonia. This can lead to the production of ammonia in the digestive tract, which can cause people to smell ammonia.

Certain foods: Certain foods, such as asparagus, garlic, and onions, can produce urea when they are broken down by the body. This can lead to the production of ammonia in the digestive tract, which can cause people to smell ammonia.

Incontinence: People who have difficulty controlling their bladder or bowels may smell ammonia if their urine or feces come into contact with their skin.

If you are experiencing a persistent smell of ammonia, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.