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Nasal odor when inhaling

I get a strong unpleasant odor in my nose when I inhale which, as best as I can describe, smells like a jar of water that has been standing for a very long time and then uncovered just for my benefit.   It's a musty, stale and very strong odor.   Unlike with atrophic rhinitis, it seems, there is no one else that can smell this- just me (thankfully!).    It comes and goes year round, lasts for as long as a week then subsides for a few days.   It seems to reappear whenever I am fighting a cold as well.  I do not have a runny nose or congestion and my sense of smell seems fine (other than this strong layer of mustiness).    I am 50 and it started about 2 years ago.  I am prone to sinus infections and had 4 last year until I was put on a corticosteroid (fluticasone proprionate) which has stopped the sinus infections, but not this foul smell!   ENT suggested it may be a small infection that should eventually cure itself, but that was over a year ago.    I have tried nasal irrigation for weeks at a time but with no change.    Any ideas?    Many thanks!
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Avatar universal
Thanks Paderla.   I will try the things you suggest, though even during the humidity of summer (I live in Boston) the symptoms continue so I am not sure that will help.    Are you suggesting there is an ongoing sinus infection of some type that is causing this smell?   I haven't had an acute sinus episode in a year since I have been taking the corticosteroid nasal spray, but the smell is overpowering (especially today!).      I will set up another appointment with my ENT, but I am not hopeful...
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello and hope you are doing well.

As suggested it could be the sinus infection which is causing the odd odour to recur. The stasis could promote this smell from the sinuses, proper drainage of the sinuses may help to reduce the stasis of secretions and consequently the smell. Check with your doctor to see if you need any surgical intervention for proper drainage of the sinuses. In the meantime practice good breathing exercises, humidify your room and do steam inhalations.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
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