Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Smelly Mucus In Nostrils With Headaches, Sore Throat And Cough?
Question: Dear Doctor,
I have had smelly mucus off and on for about a year. Sometimes one or both of my nosrils closes completely and I sometimes get a head ache, soar throat, and/or cough. This usually lasts for about a week to three weeks. The mucus will sometimes run down the back of my throat and my tummy will get upset. I went to a doctor about 4 months ago and she gave me sudogest and it made my breathing difficult. I don't know if this is relevant but I am lactose intolerant and a couple days ago I had an ice cream cone and I had gotten smelly mucus but went away in about a day. I read it is not scientifically proven to get mucusie with dairy. Can you please help me?
I have had smelly mucus off and on for about a year. Sometimes one or both of my nosrils closes completely and I sometimes get a head ache, soar throat, and/or cough. This usually lasts for about a week to three weeks. The mucus will sometimes run down the back of my throat and my tummy will get upset. I went to a doctor about 4 months ago and she gave me sudogest and it made my breathing difficult. I don't know if this is relevant but I am lactose intolerant and a couple days ago I had an ice cream cone and I had gotten smelly mucus but went away in about a day. I read it is not scientifically proven to get mucusie with dairy. Can you please help me?
Brief Answer:
Allergic rhino sinusitis....
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
The smelly mucus is nothing but the secretions from the sinuses. Your history suggests that you also suffering from recurrent sinusitis with associated allergic component.
Taking chilled food or beverages can worsen the sinus issues thus causing post nasal drip and foul smell.
My advice is:
1. Do steam inhalation regularly - Steam helps in reducing the nasal congestion and easy clearance of sinus secretions.
2. Use saline nasal spray as frequently as possible. Saline moistens the nasal mucosa and helps in easy clearance of the sinus secretions.
3. If associated with allergy, try taking steroid nasal spray once in a day. This can reduce the inflammation and allergy in the nose and thus avoiding formation of excess mucus.
4. A mucolytic such as ambroxol or bromhexine helps in lysis of thick sinus secretions and reducion of smell.
Hope with these measures you should be alright. Revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Allergic rhino sinusitis....
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
The smelly mucus is nothing but the secretions from the sinuses. Your history suggests that you also suffering from recurrent sinusitis with associated allergic component.
Taking chilled food or beverages can worsen the sinus issues thus causing post nasal drip and foul smell.
My advice is:
1. Do steam inhalation regularly - Steam helps in reducing the nasal congestion and easy clearance of sinus secretions.
2. Use saline nasal spray as frequently as possible. Saline moistens the nasal mucosa and helps in easy clearance of the sinus secretions.
3. If associated with allergy, try taking steroid nasal spray once in a day. This can reduce the inflammation and allergy in the nose and thus avoiding formation of excess mucus.
4. A mucolytic such as ambroxol or bromhexine helps in lysis of thick sinus secretions and reducion of smell.
Hope with these measures you should be alright. Revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
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. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2545 Questions
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
