Nasal Surgery

I had nose surgery about a month ago and have had some sinus infections. Now I have this horrible odor that my wife can even smell coming from sinuses. My doctor says just keep using saline rinses. Anyone have this problem?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi

I know and understand how exasperated you must be feeling. Thick, yellow, foul-smelling nasal discharge is usually a symptom of sinus infection. The color of discharge may differ with the type of micro-organism causing the infection. Please consult your ENT or seek another ENT’s opinion about it. You will need antibiotics and nasal decongestants for this but take them under medical supervision.

Steam inhalation will help liquefy the discharge and clear it faster. You could try that.

Let me know what your doctor says. If you need more help, please feel free to contact. I’ll be happy to answer your queries.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

This smell thaty you are having from your sinuses can be due to post nasal drip. Post-nasal drip (PND) occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the sinuses. The excess mucus accumulates in the throat or back of the nose. It can be caused by rhinitis, sinusitis, or laryngopharyngeal acid reflux. It can be enhanced or sometimes even caused by allergies.In your case,I feel sinuses are the causes.The doctor is right in prescribing saline rinses because they decrease the inflammation of the sinuses and hence decrease production of post nasal drip.

However the golden rule for sinusitis and post nasal drip is steam inhalation. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot (but not boiling water) may help to soften, and loosen, the build up of mucus in your nose. You may also find that adding some menthol crystals, or eucalyptus oil, to the water, helps to ease your symptoms of catarrh.

If however the bad smell continues then other causes like nasopharyngeal infections like bronchitis,throat infections or infected tonsils,dehydration or less intake of water causing dry mouth, orodental problems and disorders of lungs or kidneys have to be probed.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Ray773]

Thanks for the email. This is driving me crazy. I cant get rid of the smell. I will do the steam inhalation and get back with the doctor. Another doctor gave me two weeks of Augmenting but I still have the problem. I appreciate the advise.

[Ray773]

Thanks for the advise. I will do the steam treatments and the crystals. Hopefully that will help. I will keep you posted.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hello

There is another thing that comes to my mind. You could get a culture and cytology (cell) examination of your nasal discharge. This may help in identifying the cause. Drink plenty of fluids. Try deep breathing exercises.

Please consult another ENT and I would appreciate if you keep me posted. All the best!

[mycell]

helloo ii had a septoplasty done a yr back. i suffered the same as u did.a bad smelling nose ,the was thick nasal mucus but clear  not yellow. i wanted to know what surgeries you had?   what is the color of your mucus? and have you done any ct scan?