Bad odor in nose after surgery ten years ago

[rosesmommy]

I had surgery about ten years ago to correct a deviated septum.  I have had a strange foul odor in my nose since then.  I don't notice it all the time, but when I do it smells like dirty gym socks.  Also, I have a constant nasal drip from my left nostril causing me to carry a kleenex with me at all times (especially when exercising).  I have always had this secret fear that the doctor left something in my nose during surgery???  Also, when I get colds, I almost always get sinusitis for several months after that produces very thick green phlegm from my sinuses into my throat (worse in the morning).  Thank you.

[National Jewish]

This sounds like a continued problem with your sinuses.  I would get another CT scan when you are having these symptoms to see what is going on in the sinuses.  There is no other way to evaluate whether there is an infection or blockage without such a test.  It is also possible that you may have a chronic fungal infection in one of the sinuses that flares up on and off.  An antifungal is needed to treat this.  It takes a special type of culture to determine.  Seeing your ENT is the place to start in this process.