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What Causes Bad Smell Coming From Nose?
Question: Hi,
My boyfriend's breath smells extremely bad but it's coming through his nose rather than mouth. It's kind of metallic, almost putrid odour similar to a BO you'd find on a crowded bus in the summer. It's got a lot stronger over the last few weeks to the point where I'm finding it difficult to breathe in our home. He cant seem to smell it himself. He has a constant runny nose. Is there anything I can suggest to him with regards to his permanent cold without mentioning the smell so not to hurt his feelings? He's very healthy otherwise and takes his hygine and wellbeing seriously. I appreciate your help. Thank you. XXXXXX
My boyfriend's breath smells extremely bad but it's coming through his nose rather than mouth. It's kind of metallic, almost putrid odour similar to a BO you'd find on a crowded bus in the summer. It's got a lot stronger over the last few weeks to the point where I'm finding it difficult to breathe in our home. He cant seem to smell it himself. He has a constant runny nose. Is there anything I can suggest to him with regards to his permanent cold without mentioning the smell so not to hurt his feelings? He's very healthy otherwise and takes his hygine and wellbeing seriously. I appreciate your help. Thank you. XXXXXX
Brief Answer:
sinus infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
Bad smell coming from the nose is frequently due to sinus infection. Sinus cavities are air filled cavities around the nose. And infection in the sinus cavities can last for months together if not treated.
I am not sure how you will get this problem to his notice. Perhaps you may try explaining the ill effects of persistent runny nose and sinus problems. He can see his doctor / ENT surgeon and get this treated.
He will need tests of his nasal secretions, a culture and sensitivity test perhapsto detect the infecting organism and also to know which antibiotic it is sensitive to.
Meanwhile he can start using decongestant nose drops like otrivin. Decongestant nose drops will open up the sinuses thereby helping in their drainage.
Ventilation of sinuses is very important to get the infection under control.
He should instill 3 drops of otrivin in each nostril 3 times daily and then follow it up with steam inhalation.
He may even need a CT scan of the nose and sinuses.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi
sinus infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
Bad smell coming from the nose is frequently due to sinus infection. Sinus cavities are air filled cavities around the nose. And infection in the sinus cavities can last for months together if not treated.
I am not sure how you will get this problem to his notice. Perhaps you may try explaining the ill effects of persistent runny nose and sinus problems. He can see his doctor / ENT surgeon and get this treated.
He will need tests of his nasal secretions, a culture and sensitivity test perhapsto detect the infecting organism and also to know which antibiotic it is sensitive to.
Meanwhile he can start using decongestant nose drops like otrivin. Decongestant nose drops will open up the sinuses thereby helping in their drainage.
Ventilation of sinuses is very important to get the infection under control.
He should instill 3 drops of otrivin in each nostril 3 times daily and then follow it up with steam inhalation.
He may even need a CT scan of the nose and sinuses.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi
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. Prasad
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