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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Ammonia Odor?

What would cause an ammonia odor? My brother uses a sinus irrigation(much like a waterpik, not a netti pot), and has recently noticed an ammonia smell, or the smell of eucalyptus. He does not think that he is excreting it through his skin, but perhaps is associated with his sinuses. No new meds, no new foods. Thanks, a confused sister
Tue, 28 Dec 2021
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi,

Your brother is having altered smell due to one of the following reasons:
Sinus irrigation basically causes irrigation of nose also and the nose has sensory fibers at the top which might have altered signals due to change of temperature, edema or something that might have been added to the treatment.

Infection can also cause this. Some viral infection can altered the sense of smell. I would advise him to have rhinoscopy by an ENT Surgeon to see for such changes and get treated accordingly. He should never try such sinus irrigation or treatments that have no scientific basis.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
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What Causes Ammonia Odor?

Hi, Your brother is having altered smell due to one of the following reasons: Sinus irrigation basically causes irrigation of nose also and the nose has sensory fibers at the top which might have altered signals due to change of temperature, edema or something that might have been added to the treatment. Infection can also cause this. Some viral infection can altered the sense of smell. I would advise him to have rhinoscopy by an ENT Surgeon to see for such changes and get treated accordingly. He should never try such sinus irrigation or treatments that have no scientific basis. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon