Foul-smelling nasal drainage

Hi, I have been sick for the last week or so with headaches, sinus-aches, nasal drainage down the back of my throat causing stomach upsets, and loads of other symptoms related to a cold.  My question for you is:  Mostly my nose is not running except down the back of my throat, but occasionally I will sneeze and it's a very gross, foul-smelling, bloody, lumpy discharge.  It is somewhat clear.  I have had siusitus in the past, so I am not really worried about a little bit of blood.  My concern is the foul-smelling drainage.  It seems to be stuck in my nose and mouth, making me gag occasionally, it's that bad.   I am strongly against taking antibiotics for a viral infection, and the doctor here seems to be very much so pro-antibiotics.  For this reason, I have not gone to the doctor yet.  Should I be concerned about the putrid smell?  All I can imagine is rotting flesh or something up there causing this.  Should I be concerned or stick it out and just let my own defenses fight this off?  

Thanks for your help.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

I think i remember answering your question in ENT forum?  Anyways, go to your doctor, sounds like a sinus infection.

[Andi1979]

I am only new to this forum, so it couldn't have been me that you remember answering.  I looked through most of the other forums and couldn't find anything relevant.  Maybe you could direct me to the question that you remember answering that sounds relavent.  

I am avoiding going to the doctor, because they push antibiotics on me.  I want to know if I can use an alternative method to heal, or does the foul-smelling discharge mean that I have something that can't heal without an antibiotic??  

Thanks for your help.

[ciarao7]

i am also getting this taste and am imaging the worst.. did you get any ans ?

[Andi1979]

No answers, but today I have woken up, with my sore throat gone and the smell is gone as well.  I think what ever infection it was, my body has been fighting it off naturally.  I'm glad I could do it without antibiotics!  I'm not out of the woods yet, I starter coughing up some gross stuff from my lungs.  I didn't even think anything was down there.  

If you are getting the taste as well, you haven to make your own decisions about the antibiotics.  Keep up your fluids.  I hate drinking water when I'm sick, but forced myself to keep on drinking regardless of my sore throat.   Good Luck Ciarao!

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Glad you got by without antibiotics.  Nasal steroids help many sinus infections and rhinitis.  Sinus saline rinses help too.