Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

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
Report Abuse
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
I find this answer helpful

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Nasal irrigation


Loading Online Doctors....
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