What Causes An Odor Coming From Inside The Sinus?

Posted on Sat, 28 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 Jun 2014 Answered on

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I smell an odor from inside my sinus. I have hade a lot of sinus infection and ear infection, but at this time I do not have any problem. I have been to 3 doctors all think I am crazy. I have been given mupirocin ointment,
and other antibiotics, So far I still have that smell in my head. I was using a Q-tip to apply the ointment when I touched what I think is bare bone in the upper part of my left sinus.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Investigations

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.

I can understand when 3 Doctors feel that you are crazy, because it is you who is suffering - odor from sinus. You are giving history of lot of sinus infection and ear infection.
Was this diagnosed on clinical examination or a CT scan of the para-nasal sinuses (PNS) and mastoids were done?

My advise would be to ask for proper investigations of the blood and ENT::
Blood investigation - routine and sugar,
Ct Scan of PNS (Para nasal air sinuses)
ENT Endoscopy to see the exact interior of ear, nose and throat.
X-ray of the chest as there can be silent infection which cause foetor ( feeling of odor)

Once these investigations are done, one can be sure about the source, and get a proper treatment.

regards,

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T