Foul Smell in Nose AFTER Sinus Surgery

[ricocsk]

I've been reading a lot of posts about "smells" in the nose, but I haven't seen anything with my particular circumstance.
Three weeks ago, I had sinus surgery. I had thickening in the frontal and maxillary sinuses, and a couple of polyps removed. Recovery was going fine until yesterday when I began to have this smell in my nose. I have a relative who has chronic bad breath. The only way I know to describe the smell is to say that it smells like my aunt's bad breath. It can be very faint, but at times will come on very strong like opening a garbage can and getting an intense wave of bad smelling stuff. I'm also getting a lot more drainage down my throat and have actually had to blow my nose more these last two days than I did the first three weeks after surgery.

I have been using saline spray numerous times a day since my surgery, so I can't figure out why I would start having these problems now.

[rustyjarz]

bellboots. You're still recovering. 3 weeks is the start. The smell your experiencing is the infection draining. Well according to ENTs I've spoken to. Continue with the douching. If you have antibiotics make sure you taken them. This will pass.

[bellboots]

I had sinus surgery 3 weeks ago... not only have I not bounce back, similar to your experience. I went from having the smell and taste of fried eggs for 4 days 24/7. Notable I have not had any fried eggs nor has anyone else. Weird I thought...  I now have ear wax as a lovely palate pleaser.  Is this normal?  It honestly makes me very sick to my stomach.  I was so looking forward to the relief that sinus ... ugh!

[bekks44]

This is like two years later apparently from when you posted this but I had surgery two weeks ago, septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and polyectomy. I just started having a wet dog smell as well and im scared it is infection, did you ever end up calling your doc about this?

[eldjmiller]

You need to get to your doctor immediately!! It is so easy to retain an infection in your nasal passages because they are so tight. You have already waited way too long.

[Mackleberry]

After three months of the "smell" and multiple visits to the ENT I solved the problem myself by adding Hydrogen Peroxide to the NetiPot saline solution.  I did a 1 oz Hydrogen Peroxide to 8 oz of distilled water ratio and after two days at twice a day the smell was gone for good. It stings a little while the solution is in the nose but the discomfort was mild compared to the smell.   A person should NOT increase the mixture ratio as it will severely burn the inside of the nose.  Finally I can breath clearly and there's no foul odor!

[drkprasad]

I has Sinus surgery about 10 days back.  I had my first check about 3 days back and my next is in another 4 days.  The doc removed one of the 2 stents and said he will remove the 2nd at the next checkup.  He also warned me that it might come out on its own in between  -- which is what happened.  I have been doing the Nasal irrigation with NetiPot 3 to 4 times a day and that seems to have helped a lot.  I have been very careful and have avoided blowing my nose for the first 1 week, however much i wanted to.  Today, shortly after my nasal irrigation, I gently blew my nose and out came I think the Stent and some gunk with that.  I am so relieved.  For the last 3 days, my nose has been real smelly - hard to describe the smell.  It is so bad my wife decided to sleep in the guest room.  After I blew away the gunk and the stent, I don't think I smell as bad (I will know tonight, I guess).

I think I am already breathing better.  I am still getting headaches once or twice a day but I think this surgery was worth it.  It's too early to tell but I am very optimistic and encouraged by the results to date.  I am also promising myself to do this NetiPot frequently and 'keep my nose clean'.