Bad Smell in Nose

[Dave L]

Every so often, usually after a sneeze or a sniff, I get a foul smell in my nose that only I can smell. It's hard to describe. It's a combination of many bad smells put together. It makes me not want to eat, because it's not even worth eating anything for the enjoyment of food. (It would probably be good for someone trying to lose weight). :-) I tried to pinpoint the cause, but I haven't been successful. It's usually gone after a night's sleep. A nap doesn't always do the trick. Note that this is a smell that only I can smell. My wife tells me that she cannot smell anything in my breath. I've seen other posts where folks say that their mucous has an odor, but this is not the case with my condition. It's not associated with any infection, such as a cold viurs. Does anyone have this condition or something similar?

[aungmich]

Hello everyone,

I'm so glad I found an active thread talking about this problem. I've had this "bad smell" for about 5 years now. In the beginning, it wasn't as active but recently I've been getting it almost every day. Things such as laughing, sneezing, breathing too hard, shooting a gun, talking too loud, blowing my nose, or coughing will trigger this bad smell. I've even noticed that it's only in one nostril; my left nostril. It's weird though, sometimes I forget I have this condition and I can go for weeks to months without smelling anything but right when I remember or think about it, the smell reappears magically. Also, like what most of you have said, this condition does ruin the taste of food and also gives off a really bad taste in my mouth; almost like metallic taste mixed with chemicals...

Recently, I've found a way to quickly fix this "bad smell" condition but it will not cure it. What I basically do is, bend over while I'm on my knees until my head is touching the floor (this position will bring pressure or blood into your head), then I simply pinch my nostrils together as hard as I can (so that air will not travel in), and lastly, while holding my nostrils,  I breathe in air as hard as I can; sometimes until my ears pop. I recommend doing this for at least 1 to 3 minutes straight or until the smell is gone. You will feel very lightheaded so be careful when you're getting up.

I hope that everyone on this thread will keep in touch and will post when they find out about a cure or different ways to relieve this condition.

Michelle Aung

[Dave L]

It's been several years since I mentioned it to my doctor, who by the way, recently retired. I may bring it up to my new doctor. My doctor did mention that he wanted to see me when the condition was actually occuring. There is an article in our local paper on a disease when people lose their sense of smell completely. It's called anosmia. I don't think that is related to my problem, but reading about what folks go through with that disease is very interesting. Anyway, good luck in finding a cure. Please keep me posted.
Thanks, Dave.

[pamela963]

Yep yep yep....another "what's up with my nose" person here. 50 years old and this has just started in the last year. Luckily, I live in Belgium where doctors are much more likely to spend the time to really look, rather than give me a slip for antibiotics, call it sinusitis and send me on my way.
curious though - Dave - what steps have you taken thus far to figure this out?
Thanks for all the info!!

[Dave L]

It really is a mystery and there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to when it occurs. The other day, I was talking on the phone and I laughed which somehow started the bad smell condition.I noticed that some episodes are more intense than others and this recent one was very intense. And of course, it happened right before dinner which bothered me since I can't enjoy eating when I have this condition. I've also noticed that there is a small variation in the actual smells that occur, which is really bizarre. To describe what the smell actually smells like is very difficult... I look at it this way... Although it is annoying and there is probably no cure, at least it is not a major health issue in probably most cases. In other words, it could be worse. I think all the people that have this condition simply have to deal with it and I would definitely like to know what causes it. Good luck to you and keep me posted on any future developments.
Dave

[AndyMan20]

Hi Dave, I was both relieved and stunned to find all the replies you've had  to your original post. Relieved because I was questioning my sanity, unable to believe nobody else could smell what was casing me so much distress. Stunned to learn that so many people still have no proven, guaranteed way of getting relief.
Sorry, I've got nothing to help, I've only just started suffering, but just wanted to thank you and all who have added their experiences and advice. Let's hope definitive cures soon become available as flying to Washington from England is going to prove a little expensive, not even taking into account the medical costs!
Good luck

[Ffumder1980]

I have been smelling skunk every were I go when I ask my children if they smell it they tell me I'm crazy I was sitting at home just me and my boyfriend I started smelling skunk so I asked him do you smell skunk he says no it happens at different times of the day it also happens in public places but every time I ask someone if they smell skunk everyone thinks I'm crazy