Smelly mucus in nose can be due to lots of factors, consisting of infections and allergies. It generally resolves itself, but if it persists, see a doctor to obtain the right diagnosis.
Smelly discharge from nose is a common condition, however may be an indication of a sinus infection. Furthermore, an unpleasant-smelling thick discharge with a foul taste could be a sign of chronic sinus problems. Nevertheless, it is possible to stop this scent and alleviate your symptoms with the proper treatment.
What Causes Smelly Mucus in Nose?
1. Sinusitis
The sinuses are air-filled cavities situated behind the forehead, eyes, cheekbones and bridge of the nose. They filter the air breathed in, making use of mucus to trap any dirt, bacteria, or other possibly harmful particles. The mucus passes from the sinuses to the nose and throat, where it leaves the body. Throughout infection or allergies, the sinuses end up being inflamed, and can not successfully drain the mucus from the head. This might lead to an unpleasant-smelling microbial infection. If these symptoms continue for three months or more, this might indicate a chronic sinus infection.
Sinus problems is defined by the following symptoms:
Congestion and obstruction of the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through your nose- Thick yellow/green mucus appearing in the nose or throat
- Lessened sense of taste and scent
- Pain and swelling in the face, specifically around the nose, forehead, eyes and cheeks
- Tooth and upper jaw ache
- Coughing, particularly during the night
- Earache
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
- Feelings of tiredness, impatience and queasiness
Severe sinus problems is temporary and is typically due to catching a cold. Patients with intense sinusitis may likewise establish fever. With persistent sinus problems, the symptoms last for longer, and you might feel progressively worn out.
2. Post-Nasal Drip
When the sinuses do not produce sufficient mucus, the mucus thickens, makings it challenging to clear from your head. Thick mucus collecting in the sinuses and the back of the throat is called post-nasal drip. This allows bacteria to develop, which may produce bad breath. Thus post-nasal drip can also cause smelly mucus in nose. Post-nasal drip is a secondary condition that may issue of rhinitis, sinus problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease or swallowing disorders. Acid reflux and heartburn may likewise support the development of post-nasal drip.
Symptoms: The symptoms of post-nasal drip vary, however commonly consist of coughing, sneezing, trouble breathing, pain or inflammation in the throat, regular need to clear the throat and the development of small yellow/white masses in the back of the throat, called tonsil stones.
Treatment: As post-nasal drip is commonly an outcome of other health conditions, it can be treated by targeting those main conditions, for example, using allergy medications or prescription antibiotics. You can ease the congestion by drinking great deals of hot beverages and soups to flush out the mucus. Gargling with salt water might also help.
3. Rhinitis
Rhinitis is the swelling of the nasal passages, which can cause a runny, smelly discharge from the nose. Other symptoms include itching and regular sneezing, in addition to a basic run-down feeling. Rhinitis can either be short-lived, usually triggered by an infection or an allergic reaction, or chronic, where the symptoms last 6 weeks or more.
Symptoms: Allergic rhinitis may be triggered by seasonal allergy to pollen, a condition frequently known as hay fever, or the patient might suffer all-year round due to allergies versus dust, mites, and animal proteins. During an allergy, the body produces extreme histamine, which causes fluid to leak from the blood vessels of the nose into the surrounding locations, leading to a smelly nasal discharge, itching, swelling, and watery eyes.
Treatment: Treatment for rhinitis depends upon the cause. Infectious rhinitis will usually clear by itself, but you can speed the process by resting and taking vitamin C to combat the infection. With allergic rhinitis, you may have the ability to determine the irritant yourself by trial and error, or your doctor can perform an allergy test. You can then avoid exposure to the causative representative, or if this is not possible, take anti-histamine tablets.
What to Do with Smelly Mucus in Nose?
To detect sinus infection, your doctor will conduct a case history and perform a physical exam. He or she may also take an X-ray or CT scan of your head if you are not responding to the initial medication.
Drugs are typically the first treatment choice for sinus problems. Decongestants will allow the smelly nasal discharge to clear and will reduce the swelling in the sinuses. Your doctor may also recommend steam treatment or breathing in the vapor from a hot shower to loosen the mucus.
If the symptoms continue for more than 10 days, you could be recommended prescription antibiotics. In rare cases, surgery may be performed to allow for sufficient drain from the nose.
Home Remedies for Relief
To treat your disease at home, ensure you take great deals of rest to permit your body to recuperate. You’ll also need to drink lots of water and fruit juice to water down the thick smelly mucus and stimulate drainage. Nevertheless, avoid beverages consisting of caffeine or alcohol (quit it), as these can dehydrate you and cause the sinuses to swell further.
Some people find that using warm pads on their nose, cheeks and eyes relieves the pain and swelling felt from sinus problems. In addition, keeping your head elevated while you rest can help to promote drain and avoid that stuffy sensation you get when you wake up.
Finally, attempt making use of a nasal lavage to wash out your sinuses. Prefilled containers, such as Sinus Rinse, can be bought from your regional pharmacy, or you can utilize a bulb syringe or neti pot and fill this with sterilized, filtered water. Mix in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda. Tilt your visit the side over a sink, and squeeze the solution into your upper nostril. The liquid will flow through your nasal passages and out your other nostril or your mouth. Repeat on the other side. When you’ve completed, wash the irrigation gadget with contaminant-free water and leave it to air-dry.
I have actually been suffering with post nasal drip for the past 6 months I have not had the ability to see a doctor yet. But I have a question regarding my nose. Lately when I blow my nose I get stuck with this really bad smelling mucus in my nose and it would only disappear if I do a nasal wash. Can anybody inform me if this relates to the post nasal drip? Or what can be triggering this? Has anyone have experienced this prior to and what have they done to resolve it.
Postnasal drip is drain from the nose and sinuses dripping down the back of the throat. There could be a number of reasons for this drainage. One is an allergy to breathing in something. A second reason is a non-allergic, non-infectious swelling in the sinuses that can remain after a cold. A 3rd factor is chronic sinusitis.
Swelling in the sinuses can block sinus drainage. This can cause the mucus to gather in your nose and sinuses. In time this collection of mucus can smell truly bad. If the mucus is thick, a nasal wash might be needed to remove it from your nose and sinuses.
As long as you are not on a fluid limitation you need to be drinking 6 to 8 8-ounce glasses of non-caffeine non-alcoholic fluid daily. This will thin the mucus so that it moves more easily.