Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does A Phantom Scent Indicate After Recovering From A Sinus Infection?
Question: Hi there. I had a weird cold/sinus infection a week or so ago and now, for the past week... I’ve had a horrible smell in my nose and taste in my mouth. It’s not always there but sometimes I’ll take a big inhale and it makes me dizzy the smell is gross. I do feel like I have decent amount of post nasal drip but otherwise I don’t feel sick anymore.
Could this be related to recovering from the infection?
Could this be related to recovering from the infection?
Brief Answer:
Features of Acute sinusitis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting the query,
The symptoms you are facing is of Acute sinusitis. The altered sensation of smell is due to the damage to the sensitive olfactory nerve endings by the toxins produced during acute infection. Do not worry! It is transient and the symptoms will disappear once the inflammation and infection in the nose and the sinuses clear off.
The sense of dizziness is due to the sudden flush out of carbon-dioxide from the upper respiratory tract.
My sincere advice to you is:
1. To drink plenty of warm water. This hydrates as well as rejuvenates the nasal mucosa and clears the thick secretions from the sinus cavities.
2. Use saline nasal spray, 1 puff in each nostril, 5-6 times a day. Saline clears the mucus, removes the toxins from the nasal mucosa thereby reducing the toxic effects on the sensitive nerve endings.
3. Avoid coffee, chilled food and beverages and smoking if any.
Hope this answers your query. I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Features of Acute sinusitis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting the query,
The symptoms you are facing is of Acute sinusitis. The altered sensation of smell is due to the damage to the sensitive olfactory nerve endings by the toxins produced during acute infection. Do not worry! It is transient and the symptoms will disappear once the inflammation and infection in the nose and the sinuses clear off.
The sense of dizziness is due to the sudden flush out of carbon-dioxide from the upper respiratory tract.
My sincere advice to you is:
1. To drink plenty of warm water. This hydrates as well as rejuvenates the nasal mucosa and clears the thick secretions from the sinus cavities.
2. Use saline nasal spray, 1 puff in each nostril, 5-6 times a day. Saline clears the mucus, removes the toxins from the nasal mucosa thereby reducing the toxic effects on the sensitive nerve endings.
3. Avoid coffee, chilled food and beverages and smoking if any.
Hope this answers your query. I will be available for the 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. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2542 Questions
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
