Unpleasant smell in the nose. Unpleasant smell from the nose: main causes. How to treat

Bad smell from the nose is mistakenly considered normal among many patients. Actually this is not true. The symptom indicates improper functioning of the nasal cavity organs and the development of a certain disease. Often the child has an unpleasant odor from the nose. Adults are also susceptible to this symptom.

Before considering a specific treatment for nasal stench, it is necessary to understand the classification of odors. Yes this is true! The symptom has several varieties. After this, it is necessary to consider the reasons why an unpleasant odor appears from the nose. But first things first.

Classification of odors

Unfavorable nasal odor can be classified according to several criteria. Many may say that this is useless information. But this is a wrong point of view, since the attitude towards one or another classification helps determine belonging to a particular disease. So, unpleasant odor from the nose is divided according to the following criteria:

• degree of manifestation (episodes, in rare cases, constantly);
• time period (in the morning, periodically throughout the day);
• reason (classification according to this criterion will be discussed in detail below);
• similarity to a specific aroma.

The last two criteria are basic. They are often used by specialists when making a diagnosis. It is noteworthy that the similarity with a specific aroma must be determined by the patient himself, since he feels the stench most acutely. The classification on this basis is as follows:

• the smell of rot (can appear very rarely, or be constantly present);
• burning or burning smell (occurs in rare cases);
• the smell of pus (a clear sign of infectious inflammation that is present on an ongoing basis).

About the reasons for the appearance

If we talk about the value of theoretical information, then this is perhaps the most important. The fact is that treatment should be based on identifying the cause of the symptom and eliminating it. Stinky nose can be caused by many factors. Let's try to consider the main ones.

1. Ozena. This disease is also called “fetid runny nose.” It is noteworthy that so far scientists and doctors cannot name specific reasons for its occurrence. However, there are suggestions that this disease is inherited. Thus, family predisposition plays a key role here.

The pathology is characterized by a pronounced inflammatory process of the mucous tissues of the nasal cavity. Over time, the infection begins to spread to the bone tissue. As a result, growths form in the nasal canals. They give off an unpleasant odor.

1. Bacterial infections. With reduced immunity, the body is often exposed to microorganisms of bacterial origin. Diseases expressed by such pathogens are especially dangerous. The fact is that infections of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses can have chronic forms, which means their treatment is long-term.

In addition, if treated incorrectly, diseases can lead to very serious complications. As a result of such impact, the work of third-party organs and systems is disrupted. The effects on brain function are especially dangerous. Let's take a closer look at these diseases:

• Rhinitis. They can be expressed in acute and chronic forms. The disease is characterized by severe inflammation of the mucous tissues of the nose. Secretions begin to be released from the nasal canals, and there is a smell of pus.

Treatment should be carried out in a timely manner. Otherwise, there is a high probability of the disease becoming chronic. Over a long period of time, rhinitis can progress to the atrophic stage. This is the most dangerous situation.

• Sinusitis. These diseases are associated with inflammatory processes of the nasal paranasal sinuses. Most often, an unpleasant odor from the nasal cavity is associated with this group of diseases. In addition to stench, these diseases are characterized by the presence of purulent discharge, nasal congestion, general weakness and migraines.

Sinusitis is a very serious disease and must be treated under strict medical supervision. If you neglect this advice and let the disease take its course, serious pathologies may appear. This may be blurred vision, facial deformation, or impaired brain function.

1. Parosmia. This disease is defined in the same way as a violation of the function of smell recognition. The causes of the disease are associated with disruption of the functioning of organs such as the trachea, larynx, and nasopharynx. In addition to impaired sense of smell, smells of burning, rot or pus appear from the nose. Typically, the disease manifests itself when there is a disturbance in brain activity. This can be affected by various inflammations, tumors, and poor blood supply. At the first symptoms, you should consult a specialist. He will select the most suitable treatment.

1. Diseases of other systems and organs. It is noteworthy that an unpleasant odor in the nasal cavity can be caused not only by diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Often, stench is caused by organs very far from the nose. Here are some reasons:
   • improper functioning of the pancreas and liver;
   • renal failure;
   • diseases of the skeletal system;
   • endocrinopathy;
   • diseases of the nervous system.

1. Foreign objects. A child's nasal odor often occurs due to small objects entering the nasal cavity. It could be beads, paper, dry peas. Foreign bodies cause an inflammatory process in the mucous tissues and lead not only to stench, but also to pain and swelling. Typically, the object must be removed from the nasal canal before direct treatment of symptoms.

Basic principles of treatment

It is quite possible to treat stench with folk remedies based on these components. In particular, here is a good recipe. A collection based on mint, sage and wormwood (equal parts) is poured with boiling water (1 l). The solution is infused in a thermos for about 2–3 hours. After this, tea is consumed three times a day, 200 ml.

Special rinses perfectly refresh the nasal cavity. Here's another good recipe. A squeeze of aloe leaf is added to the water. The concentration should be 1/2. The washing procedure is carried out three times a day. At the same time, the unpleasant smell goes away.

Conclusion

You can dull the unpleasant odor in the nasal cavity using traditional medicine. However, to completely eradicate the symptom, you must get rid of the disease that caused it. Well, here you can’t do without traditional medicine. In addition, do not forget that many ailments that cause bad breath in the nose are fraught with complications.

It is important to contact a specialist on time. Then you can save both time and money. Well, the main thing is that you will maintain your health. After all, you can’t buy it!

An unpleasant odor from the nose is a clinical sign that can be a manifestation of both an otolaryngological disease and another pathological process in the body. This symptom has no clear restrictions regarding gender and age, so it can be diagnosed equally in children and adults.

The treatment program will depend entirely on what caused the manifestation of such a symptom in children or adults. To establish the etiological factor, laboratory and instrumental examination methods are used. Treatment, in most cases, is conservative.

Etiology

Etiological factors that can cause unpleasant odor from the nose can be divided into two groups - specific and nonspecific. The first group includes pathological processes that relate to otolaryngological diseases:

• in any form (including);
• (the most common reason);
• parosmia (impaired sense of smell);
• the presence of chronic otolaryngological diseases.

Nonspecific etiological factors include:

• endocrinopathy;
• gastroenterological diseases;
• kidney diseases;
• pathologies of the osteoarticular system;
• diseases of the nervous system.

In addition, it is necessary to highlight a group of etiological factors that do not relate to pathological processes in the body:

• entry of a foreign body into the nasal cavity;
• surgical interventions in the nasal cavity;
• working with specific substances that have a pungent and unpleasant odor;
• taking certain medications;
• excessive alcohol consumption;
• poor hygiene in the room in which a person spends most of his time;
• poor, unhealthy diet.

Regardless of what clinical picture complements the unpleasant odor from the nose, only a qualified doctor can determine the exact cause. It is impossible to independently compare possible causes and treatment. Such actions can cause serious complications.

Symptoms

The symptom complex will be characterized depending on what caused the unpleasant odor in the nose when inhaling. Thus, with otolaryngological diseases the following symptom complex will be present:

• difficulty breathing through the nose or complete inability to breathe through the nose;
• disturbance of smell and taste;
• nasal discharge, in more complex cases purulent exudate;
• which can spread to the entire face;
• , which can turn into wet with sputum production;
• , up to 40 degrees;
• , excessive sensitivity to light stimuli.

The duration and intensity of the clinical picture will depend on the underlying factor. However, in any case, you need to understand that in the absence of timely treatment, any disease will become chronic, which entails the development of serious complications.

If the cause of the unpleasant odor from the sinuses is a gastroenterological disease, then the additional symptom complex can be characterized as follows:

• which most often appear after eating;
• nausea, which may be accompanied by bouts of vomiting;
• elevated;
• violation of the frequency of bowel movements, changes in the consistency of stool;
• change in taste preferences, loss of appetite.

If there are problems with functioning of the kidneys, the clinical picture may include pain and a feeling of discomfort on the right side, a general deterioration in well-being, and a disturbance in the process of urination.

If the cause of the unpleasant odor in the nasal cavity is the influence of an external negative factor, then additional symptoms may be completely absent. However, if a foreign object enters the nasal cavity, the patient will feel pain, which often spreads to the entire face. Dizziness and swelling of the soft tissues of the face may also be present.

Regardless of what clinical picture occurs, you should seek help from a doctor and not self-medicate. In most cases, it is possible to remove unpleasant odor from the nose only with an integrated approach to treatment.

Diagnostics

If you have such a symptom, you should first contact an otolaryngologist. Also, if necessary, you may need to consult the following highly qualified specialists:

The first step is to conduct a physical examination of the patient to determine the complete clinical picture and collect a personal history. To clarify the root cause factor, the following laboratory and instrumental research methods can be used:

• UAC and BAC;
• bacterial culture from the nasal mucosa for microscopic examination;
• endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity;
• CT scan of the nasal sinuses;
• allergen test;
• if necessary, CT scan of the kidneys, gastroenterological examinations.

In general, the diagnostic program will depend on what clinical picture is present at the moment.

Treatment

A doctor can tell you how to get rid of an unpleasant odor only after the root cause of such a clinical manifestation has been established.

Drug treatment may consist of taking the following drugs:

• antiviral;
• antibiotics;
• antihistamines;
• antifungal;
• vitamin and mineral complexes;
• local vasodilators (for a runny nose);
• painkillers.

Physiotherapeutic procedures may also be prescribed. If the cause of such a symptom is a gastroenterological disease, then an additional diet may be prescribed.

Smell is one of the senses a person needs to live a full life. And its violations impose tangible restrictions on the emotional state and become a real problem. Among the disorders of smell, there are also those when the patient is haunted by a smell that actually does not exist. Everyone is interested in the question of the origin of unpleasant symptoms, but only a doctor can help determine the source of disorders in the body.

Smell is perceived through the reaction of olfactory receptors located in the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity to certain aromatic molecules. But this is only the initial section of the corresponding analyzer. Next, the nerve impulse is transmitted to the areas of the brain responsible for the analysis of sensations (temporal lobes). And when a person smells odors that are not there, this clearly indicates some kind of pathology.

First of all, you should divide all the reasons into two groups. The smell may be very real, but is not felt by others until the patient speaks to them at close range. This is likely in the following situations, covering the practice of ENT doctors and dentists:

• Fetid runny nose (ozena).
• Sinusitis (sinusitis, sinusitis).
• Chronic tonsillitis.
• Caries, pulpitis, periodontitis.

These diseases are accompanied by the formation of pus, which gives an unpleasant odor. A similar situation may occur in those who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, peptic ulcer, cholecystitis and pancreatitis). Food that enters the digestive tract is processed less well, and during belching or reflux, molecules of unpleasant aroma come out. A similar problem may not be noticeable to others if they do not get close.

Some people have a lower olfactory threshold. They smell better than others, so sometimes they encounter misunderstandings from others. Some aroma may be too weak to be detected by anyone else. And this feature should also be taken into account by the doctor.

A separate group of causes are those that are associated with damage to any of the sections of the olfactory analyzer. The emerging odors do not reach others, since their formation, transmission and analysis in a particular person are disrupted. And although the basis for an unpleasant aroma may be some other (quite real) one, the final result is present only in the patient’s mind and poses a problem specifically for him.

There are quite a lot of conditions manifested by impaired sense of smell (dysosmia or parosmia). They include both respiratory pathology with inflammation of the nasal mucosa, for example, rhinitis or ARVI, and other disorders in the body:

• Hormonal changes (during pregnancy, during menstruation or menopause).
• Bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse, drugs).
• Taking certain medications and chemical poisoning.
• Endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus).
• Systemic diseases (scleroderma).
• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Brain tumors.
• Neuroses or depression.
• Psychosis (schizophrenia).
• Epilepsy.

It is also necessary to remember about the so-called phantom odors, which are associated with some kind of stress in the past and left a strong impression. In similar situations they can come to the surface. As you can see, the source of an unpleasant odor can be hidden among a large number of diseases. And some can be quite serious. But you shouldn’t immediately get scared and look for a dangerous pathology - the causes of the disorders will become clear only after a thorough examination.

Why people imagine certain smells is a rather serious question and requires further research.

Symptoms

Any pathology has certain signs. To identify them, the doctor evaluates the patient's complaints, analyzes the factors that precede the appearance of an unpleasant odor, and conducts a physical examination. You should understand when an extraneous odor is felt, whether it is constantly present or occurs periodically, how intense it is, what contributes to its disappearance, and what additional symptoms are present in the clinical picture. Sometimes this alone makes it possible to establish the cause of dysosmia, but not always.

The aroma that haunts the patient may have different colors. Those who drink citrus tea often feel a foreign burning smell, and hot spices can cause a feeling of the presence of sulfur in them. Simultaneously with the distortion of smell, taste also changes, since they are closely related. A bad runny nose, for example, can create the illusion that onions have become sweet and smell like apples.

ENT pathology

The first thing you should think about when complaining of an unpleasant odor is diseases of the ENT organs. When the nasal mucosa is damaged, the sense of smell is invariably impaired, but the patient may not always feel the smell of pus or rot. Most often, a similar symptom occurs with sinusitis, chronic tonsillitis or ozena. In the latter case, the smell is so pronounced that others notice it. But besides this, you need to pay attention to other symptoms:

• Impaired nasal breathing.
• Nasal discharge (mucopurulent or purulent).
• Heaviness in the projection of the paranasal sinuses.
• Dry mucous membranes and crusting.
• Sore throat when swallowing.
• Traffic jams on the tonsils.

If we are talking about acute sinusitis, then the purulent process in the sinuses invariably entails an increase in temperature and intoxication with headaches, but chronic sinusitis gives less pronounced symptoms. With tonsillitis, disorders of the kidneys, heart, and joints are often detected (the result of sensitization to streptococcal antigens). If the sense of smell is impaired due to ARVI, then in the clinical picture, in addition to a runny nose, against the background of intoxication there will be other catarrhal symptoms, for example, redness of the throat and lacrimation.

Pathology of the nose, paranasal sinuses and pharynx is the main cause of the appearance of a foreign odor, which can be perceived by others only upon close contact with the patient.

Digestive tract diseases

An unpleasant odor can also haunt those who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Impaired digestion of food is the main mechanism of this symptom. The smell of rotten eggs is disturbing in hypoacid gastritis (with reduced acidity) or duodenal ulcer; it does not appear constantly, but after eating. The clinical picture also contains other signs of dyspeptic syndrome:

• Belching.
• Nausea.
• Bloating.
• Changing the stool.

Many people feel discomfort in the stomach or pain in the epigastrium. And concomitant gastroesophageal reflux causes heartburn and further esophagitis. If the gallbladder is affected, then an additional symptom will be a feeling of bitterness in the mouth.

Psychoneurological problems

Many patients with neuropsychiatric status disorders perceive an odor that is not really there. It can have either a real prototype (illusion) or be based on non-existent connections (hallucination). The first situation can also arise in a healthy person who has suffered severe emotional stress, but it often becomes a constant companion for those who suffer from neurosis or depression. Additional symptoms of the pathology are:

• Decreased mood.
• Emotional lability.
• Irritability and anxiety.
• Feeling of a “lump” in the throat.
• Sleep disorders.

Characteristic signs will also be somatic functional disorders that arise due to an imbalance of nervous regulation (increased heart rate, increased sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, etc.). Unlike neurotic reactions, psychoses are accompanied by profound changes in the personal sphere. Then there are various hallucinations (auditory, visual, olfactory), overvalued and delusional ideas, when the perception of the surrounding world and behavior are disrupted, and there is no critical understanding of what is happening.

The feeling that you suddenly began to smell like rotten meat can occur with epilepsy. Olfactory and gustatory hallucinations are a kind of “aura” that precedes a convulsive attack. This indicates the location of the focus of pathological activity in the temporal lobe cortex. After a few seconds or minutes, the patient develops a typical attack with clonic-tonic convulsions, short-term loss of consciousness, and tongue biting. A similar picture also occurs with a brain tumor of the corresponding localization or skull injuries.

Neuropsychic disorders, as a cause of foreign odor, are perhaps the most serious situation that cannot be ignored.

Additional diagnostics

Smells that others cannot smell are a reason for a detailed examination. It is possible to find out the cause of what is happening only on the basis of a comprehensive diagnosis using a laboratory and instrumental complex. Based on the doctor’s assumption based on the clinical picture, the patient is recommended to undergo additional procedures:

• General blood and urine analysis.
• Blood biochemistry (inflammatory markers, liver tests, electrolytes, glucose, hormonal spectrum).
• Nasal and throat swab (cytology, culture, PCR).
• Rhinoscopy.
• X-ray of the paranasal sinuses.
• Computed tomography of the head.
• Echoencephalography.
• Fibrogastroscopy.
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

To obtain maximum diagnostic value, the examination program is developed on an individual basis. If necessary, the patient consults not only an ENT doctor, but also other specialists: gastroenterologist, neurologist, endocrinologist, psychotherapist. And the results obtained make it possible to establish the final cause of the violations and eliminate the unpleasant odor that seemed to patients.

An unpleasant smell from the nose brings a lot of inconvenience not only to the person who is faced with such a problem, but also to those around him. Its appearance indicates the presence of a disease in the body, so such manifestations cannot be ignored. Malodor occurs when the immune system stops fighting the effects of numerous microorganisms, which immediately begin to multiply rapidly. As a result, the mucous membrane and bone tissue become inflamed, pus appears in the nose, which is the cause of the terrible smell.

Sometimes there is a disorder of smell, a heavy aroma is felt only by himself. Odor from the nose may appear after the formation of dry crusts in the nasal passages, as well as during infectious diseases of a bacterial nature.

Doctors identify several types of unpleasant symptoms. The patient can smell:

• pus – is felt constantly, usually occurs during infections;
• burning – felt periodically;
• rot - depends on various factors, therefore it is stable or episodic in nature.

The foul aroma is not, in some cases it disappears periodically and appears at a certain time of the day.

Important! To clarify the cause of the disease and the prescription, consult an ENT doctor.

Causes of the disease

Doctors identify the main causes of unpleasant odor from the nose:

• nasopharyngeal diseases;
• diseases in which the smell of rotten meat from the nose is the main sign of recognition of the disease;
• foreign body in the nasal passage - often found in children;
• diseases of organs and systems - possibly with diabetes, endocrine disorders, renal failure;
• acute and chronic rhinitis, during inflammation, pus collects in the nasal and maxillary sinuses, so there is an unpleasant odor from;
• allergy;
• Bacterial infections are the most common culprit behind the smell of pus in the nose.

With diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the patient may experience a disorder of smell - parosmia. The disease is characterized by the fact that the patient feels a heavy aroma of rot and acetone. Symptoms of parosmia appear with sinusitis, influenza, traumatic brain injury, and mental disorders. The main causes of odor in the nose and damage to the olfactory functions are caused by infectious diseases of the nasal sinuses during winter. In the initial stages, the disease affects the mucous membrane of the hymen, and later bone and cartilaginous tissue. Unfortunately, the exact causes of bad nose and the occurrence of this disease have not yet been identified. However, doctors name the factors that lead to ozen:

1. Underdevelopment of the paranasal and frontal sinuses.
2. Excessively wide nasal passages.
3. Heredity - atrophic rhinitis in one of the parents can cause the development of the disease.
4. Degeneration of the nasal mucosa.

• strong physical activity, especially with poor nutrition. In this case, the release of ammonia occurs due to the breakdown of fatty deposits;
• unfavorable environmental conditions, including poor conditions, non-compliance with sanitary rules.

An unpleasant odor usually occurs at the age of 7-8 years, more often in girls. There is constant nasal congestion and purulent discharge. Children complain of headaches, fatigue, decreased tone, and drowsiness. The symptoms are similar to, so parents begin to intensively treat it, which leads to complications of the disease.

Important! When the stage is advanced, it spreads to the larynx.

In adolescence, there is usually no purulent discharge, but dry formations appear in the form of crusts that cover the mucous membrane and cause an odor from the child’s nose. The causes of pus in the nasopharynx are caused by various factors, so you should definitely visit a doctor to establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

During the examination, the patient is prescribed:

• CT scan of the nasal cavities;
• endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx;
• bacterial culture from the nasal mucosa

Treatment methods: drug therapy and more

After the examination, the patient is recommended to undergo conservative or surgical treatment of unpleasant odor in the nose.

Conservative therapy is aimed at fighting infection and eliminating dry crusts.

Drug treatment includes:

• rinsing the nasal passages with hydrogen peroxide solutions and physical agents;
• taking antibiotics;
• laying turundles with a proteolytic effect;
• prescription of streptomycin, xanthinol nicotinate;
• physiotherapy: electrophoresis, diathermy (heating the nasal mucosa with electric current).

If the causes of unpleasant odor in the nose lie in systemic diseases, first of all, treatment is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease.

Surgery

With an advanced form of the disease, in most cases, it is impossible to do without surgical intervention. Surgery is also necessary in cases where the unpleasant symptom is caused by a displacement of the nasal septum.

Traditional treatment

Alternative medicine offers its own methods of treating foul odor from the nose. It should be remembered that folk remedies are only an addition to the main method of therapy.

1. Herbal mixture of wormwood, sage and mint. Steam 5 tbsp in 1 liter of boiling water. l. crushed herbs, infuse in a thermal container for about two hours. The finished mixture is taken 200 ml 3 times a day.
2. Bulb onions. Grind a medium-sized head on a fine grater, add ¼ tbsp to the mixture. boiled water and ½ des. l. honey Leave the mixture to infuse for 30 minutes, filter. Instill the resulting liquid into the nasal passages: 2-3 drops 5-6 rubles/day.
3. Rinse the nose with an extract of aloe with water, a solution with sea salt.

If you experience an unpleasant odor from your nose, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the exact cause of the symptom. Otherwise, it can lead to serious consequences.

An unpleasant odor from the nose can be felt both by the patient himself when inhaling and by the people around him. The nose stinks especially strongly in the presence of chronic or untreated diseases of various organs and systems. An unpleasant aroma causes significant inconvenience to the patient, interfering with the usual way of life, causing fatigue and headaches. But even if the smell from the nose is not accompanied by other symptoms, the seriousness of this condition should not be underestimated. Correct diagnosis and adequate treatment will help eliminate stench.

Causes

Strange smell from the nose occurs for a number of reasons. But most often, a patient will feel a bad smell in the nose when inhaling if there is inflammation in the nasopharynx, which is caused by pathogenic microorganisms. In a situation where the immune system is weakened, intensive development of bacteria occurs. During their life, microbes produce toxins that provoke an inflammatory process and contribute to the formation of pus. The presence of pus in the nasopharynx causes a foul odor, as well as other associated symptoms.

If you have an unpleasant odor in your nose, you should take this symptom seriously and should definitely seek help from a specialist. However, it is not only bacterial infections of the nasopharynx that cause foul odor from the nose. An unpleasant symptom may be the result of pathology of other organs and systems of the human body.

Sinusitis

A patient may feel an unpleasant odor and bad breath (even immediately after clearing the nasal passages) if he has a disease such as sinusitis. In this case, inflammation of the nasal mucosa occurs, which is dangerous by the development of serious complications in the form of purulent sinusitis and sinusitis. Along with the fact that the nose smells unpleasant, sinusitis is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• nasal congestion;
• the presence of a viscous secretion, which is often greenish-yellow in color;
• general weakness;
• headache;
• elevated body temperature.

Important! It should be remembered that with the development of bacterial infections accompanied by the release of pus, treatment should be carried out using antibacterial drugs.

Rhinitis

An undertreated runny nose or incorrectly prescribed therapy for various types of rhinitis can cause an unpleasant odor from the nose. There are several types of rhinitis that can cause putrefactive sensations when inhaling:

• Atrophic rhinitis - the main distinguishing features of which are the presence of dry crusts on the nasal mucosa, temporary loss of the ability to perceive odors, and dryness in the nasopharynx. The causes of this disease are unknown, most likely ozena is a hereditary disease, and can also occur in people who abuse vasoconstrictor drugs for the nose. Experts note that, according to statistics, atrophic rhinitis is more common in adolescence and mainly among girls.

Important! Dry crusts in the nasal passages that form during atrophic rhinitis cannot be removed independently.

As a rule, treatment of ozena is not complete without the use of antibiotics and medications that improve metabolic processes in the tissues and nasopharyngeal mucosa.

• Prolonged rhinitis caused by bacterial or viral infections in the final stages of the disease can cause the nose to stink. This stage is accompanied by the release of a small amount of thick purulent secretion from the nasal passages.

• Allergic rhinitis can provoke drying of the nasopharynx, the formation of foul-smelling crusts, burning and itching in the nasal passages. These factors can provoke the development of inflammation, which will lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the nose.

Other factors

The presence of a foreign odor in the nose is not always associated with pathologies of the nasopharynx. If you smell an unpleasant odor, you can assume there are abnormalities in the work:

• gastrointestinal tract;
• pancreas;
• kidney;
• liver;
• joints and bones;
• endocrine, nervous and other systems.

Unfavorable environmental and sanitary conditions in which a person lives, lack of adequate nutrition, weakened immunity, heavy physical activity, sudden weight loss - all this also provokes the appearance of a foreign smell in the nose.

Treatment

To understand how to treat a disease accompanied by stinky nose, a correct diagnosis must be made. When seeking help from a specialist (otolaryngologist), be prepared to carry out additional diagnostic procedures, for example, rhinoscopy, endoscopy of the nasal cavity and x-ray examination of the sinuses. It is also important to take general blood and urine tests, and do a bacterial culture of nasal secretions to determine the resistance of microorganisms to various antibacterial drugs.

Drug treatment

If the cause of the unpleasant odor when inhaling is various, accompanied by the development of pathogenic microorganisms, then treatment should be aimed at eliminating the pathogen.

When treating unpleasant odor from the nasal passages, the cause of the disease should first be eliminated.

1. So, if an unpleasant symptom is caused by the action of viruses, then antiviral drugs are used (Groprinosin, Amizon). If a putrid odor in the nose occurs due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics (Azithromycin, Augmentin) should be used.
2. To eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa and remove thick viscous secretions, use vasoconstrictor drops (Nazol, Nazivin, Vibrocil, Evkazolin).
3. Physiotherapeutic procedures (UHF, inhalation, electrophoresis, Yamic catheter, magnetic therapy) are effective in the complex treatment of nasopharyngeal diseases, while eliminating unpleasant odor.

Alternative medicine methods

Treatment with folk remedies has a positive effect on the dynamics of recovery and reduces the severity of accompanying symptoms. Most often, to eliminate an unpleasant odor, rinsing the nasal passages with antiseptic solutions is used.

• Saline solutions are used as rinsing agents. You can buy them at the pharmacy (Aquamaris, Nosol) or prepare them yourself at home from ordinary table or sea salt (a teaspoon of salt per 200 ml of warm boiled water). A drop of iodine can be added to the saline solution to increase the effectiveness of the procedure.
• Also, to liquefy purulent secretions in the nose, moisturize the mucous membrane and eliminate fetid crusts, decoctions of medicinal herbs such as chamomile, sage, and eucalyptus are used.

Steam inhalation also helps to moisturize the mucous membrane, eliminate unpleasant odors, and destroy pathogenic microorganisms.

• Inhalations over a decoction of bay leaves are considered a good remedy in the complex treatment of sinusitis. To do this, take fifteen medium-sized leaves and fill them with hot water. The procedure should be carried out three times a day, lasting ten minutes.
• Procedures using essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus).

Important! Steam inhalations can be carried out only in the absence of elevated body temperature and allergic reactions to the components of the solution.

It is also important to carry out procedures aimed at generally strengthening the immune system:

• a varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals (fresh fruits, vegetables, berries);
• consumption of plant phytoncides that have a pronounced antimicrobial effect (garlic, onion);
• use of honey and seaweed in the daily diet;
• daily walks in the fresh air;
• hardening;
• avoid stress;
• give up bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol).

Prevention

As you know, any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Therefore, to avoid unpleasant smell from the nose, you need to follow simple recommendations.

• promptly treat upper respiratory tract infections;
• avoid hypothermia;
• use vasoconstrictor drugs according to the recommendations for use;
• If symptoms of various diseases occur, do not self-medicate.

An unpleasant odor from the nose is an alarming symptom that cannot be considered normal. This symptom may indicate the presence of a number of serious diseases of various organs and systems of the human body. At the same time, the putrid odor from the nose and purulent discharge do not go away on their own, being a source of additional infection. Therefore, it is necessary to take the appearance of an unpleasant symptom seriously.