Nasal Odor

Nasal Odor - smells and taste like rotten eggs or sewer

This just started two days ago, never ever had this before.  I'm 53 years old and have had nasal drip but for whatever reason this smell is in my nose and sometimes in my throat.  I feel like everyone can smell it - it that a posisblity or just my imagination since I think it sticks and taste rather gross?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The smell is due to gases produced by the action of certain bacteria on protein and other substances. These bacteria may be present on your tongue, in your mouth, Gums , nose, tonsils, esophagus or stomach. Tonsils are lymph nodes present in the mouth which when inflamed and calcified (tonsillitis with tinsiloliths) also releases foul smell.

To confirm the diagnosis you need a detailed ENT check up and a swab culture of the nasal swabs and discharge done.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.