Bad breath is often caused by a number of diseases related to the nose, often associated with the sinuses. Most of these odors are temporary, and usually indicate the presence of mucus secretions or polyps blocking the nasal airway. In this report, Dalili Medical, we will review the causes of this odor and how to treat it. Some may notice a persistent bad odor, and there are many reasons why it may seem like you smell an unpleasant odor, even in the cleanliness of your surroundings. If the bad odor in your nose persists for more than a month, worsens, or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever or chills, severe swelling or pain in the face, changes in vision or eye swelling, severe nosebleeds, or changes in psychological state, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Does bad breath indicate a serious illness?

 

One of the most common causes of bad breath and bad breath, it is usually not serious and responds well to treatment. However, there are some serious diseases that may lead to a bad smell in the nose, and you should pay attention to them, such as:

- Diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels rise to dangerous levels, causing a sour smell in the mouth that resembles the smell of sugars.

- Liver diseases.

- Kidney diseases, which are characterized by an ammonia-like smell.

**Causes of bad nose odor**

. **Olfactory hallucinations (Phantosmia)**Olfactory hallucinations are a condition that leads to sensing smells that do not exist in reality, and these smells vary between unpleasant and beautiful, but most people who suffer from this condition tend to inhale unpleasant, unreal smells.

**The most prominent features of this condition:**

 

- People with the condition often describe the smells they imagine to be rotten, or similar to the smells of burnt materials or some chemicals.

- The patient may feel these strange smells either through one or both nostrils.

- This condition usually appears intermittently, which means that the bad smell may not be present all the time.

There are many causes of olfactory hallucinations, and the most prominent health problems that may increase the likelihood of infection are: the new Corona virus, Parkinson's disease, and sinusitis.

. **Nasal polyps**Nasal polyps are benign, non-cancerous tumors that grow inside the nasal cavity or sinuses, and take the shape of a water drop. This condition occurs as a result of chronic inflammation resulting from some diseases such as asthma or recurrent sinusitis.

**Foreign bodies in the nose**The presence of foreign bodies inside the nose leads to obstruction of the normal airway, which causes secretions to accumulate and leads to inflammation that results in a very bad smell.

**Sinusitis**Sinusitis occurs as a result of a viral or bacterial infection, both of which can cause unpleasant odors in the nose. Therefore, determining the cause of the inflammation helps in developing an appropriate treatment plan. It is worth noting that chronic sinusitis lasts for more than 12 weeks, while acute sinusitis lasts for a period ranging from 7 to 10 days.

.** Parosmia** Parosmia is a health disorder that leads to the perception of smells differently than they actually are, as the patient may feel when inhaling a pleasant smell that it is an unpleasant smell. Parosmia usually results from damage to some tissues in the nose, which may be the result of inflammation affecting the upper respiratory system.

** Rhinolith ** Rhinolith is a rare health condition that occurs as a result of a foreign body entering the nose. Over time, this body may increase in size inside the nose, leading to a group of symptoms, such as:

- Nasal blockages.

- Nasal discharge with a bad smell, often on one side of the nose.

- Sinusitis.

Sinusitis is a common cause of bad breath, and there are several types, including:

- **Acute sinusitis**: Often accompanied by facial pain, in addition to symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, fever, and an unpleasant taste in the back of the nose.

- **Chronic sinusitis**: This type is usually accompanied by a runny nose and a decreased sense of smell.

**Dry mouth**Bad breath can sometimes be attributed to dry mouth, as a lack of saliva in the mouth can lead to changes that cause a bad smell in the nose or an unpleasant taste. Saliva usually helps in:

- Cleansing the mouth of germs and food debris.

- Neutralizing the effect of acids on the mouth.

When the level of saliva in the mouth decreases, this can lead to a range of health problems, such as unpleasant mouth or nose odor. Here are some of the reasons that may cause dry mouth:

Having health problems such as dehydration and some salivary gland disorders.

Using some medications such as pain relievers, diuretics, and antihistamines.

**Nasal polyps** Nasal polyps are fleshy growths or tumors that form in the nose. These tumors are often benign and do not pose a danger, and do not affect breathing. Nasal polyps usually form as a result of exposure to chronic inflammation, such as recurrent or chronic sinusitis, asthma, or allergies. In some cases, large polyps can form in the nose, or a group of polyps can gather, leading to blockage of the nasal passages, causing symptoms such as:

- Changes in the sense of smell.

- Changes in the voice.

- Difficulty breathing through the nose.

- Bad odor in the nose due to the accumulation of fluids and mucus and their retention behind the nasal polyps.

- Postnasal drip.

- Runny nose.

- Headache.

- Feeling of pressure in the forehead and face.

**Chronic kidney failure**When the kidneys are not working well, waste builds up in the body, causing ammonia-like odors, and the person may also feel a metallic taste in his mouth.

The resulting bad odor is accompanied byKidney failure is accompanied by a host of other symptoms that may indicate the condition, such as discolored urine, renal colic, and fatigue. Therefore, a bad smell in the nose may not be the first symptom to appear.

**Postnasal Drip** Foul-smelling mucus, especially when it seems to be flowing down the throat, is a sign of postnasal drip. This drip can be caused by infections such as the common cold, the flu, and nasal allergies, as these conditions often cause the mucus to thicken, making it difficult to drain. In addition to postnasal drip, a sore throat and cough, especially at night, can cause a bad smell in the nose.

**Tooth Decay** Bad breath in the nose is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the gaps created by tooth decay. This odor often travels from the mouth to the nose, and sometimes it can make the problem worse.

**Tonsil stones** Tonsil stones are formed as a result of the accumulation of food, saliva, food debris, and dead cells in the crevices of the tonsils, which leads to the accumulation of bacteria and the appearance of a bad smell in the mouth and nose, in addition to an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

**Olfactory hallucinations** Olfactory hallucinations refer to the sensation of smells that do not exist, as a person may believe that he smells smells around him or in his nose. This condition can develop after exposure to an infection in the nervous system or as a result of a head injury. Sometimes, olfactory hallucinations may occur due to conditions such as Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, or sinusitis.

**Smoking** Tobacco smoking causes a bad smell in the mouth and nose, because tobacco contains chemicals that lead to inflammation and decay of the teeth and gums. Smoking also negatively affects the senses of smell and taste over time.

**Some types of foods and drinks** The process of tasting occurs when food and drink molecules stimulate the sensory receptors located in the upper throat and back of the nose, which makes us feel the taste and smell of foods. Some foods and drinks contain molecules that stimulate taste receptors and produce strong and unpleasant odors in the mouth and nose, such as:

- Garlic and onions.

- Coffee.

- Spicy foods.

**Causes of bad nose odor in children**

 

Bad nose odor in children can be due to several factors, and it is important to identify them and start treatment early to avoid the child losing his sense of smell. Among these causes are:

. **Foreign body in the nose**    Children are more susceptible to foreign bodies entering their noses, and if these bodies remain for a long time, they can lead to inflammation of the mucous membrane, resulting in a bad odor.

. **Bacterial infections**    Bacterial infections can cause a bad odor from the nose. Acute rhinitis and sinusitis in children can also lead to the formation of pus in the nose, which makes the smell worse.

**Nasopharyngeal diseases** Nasopharyngeal diseases are not the main causes of bad odor from the nose. However, if the child suffers from some diseases related to internal organs such as the digestive system, kidneys or pancreas, or if the functions of these organs are weak, this may negatively affect his sense of smell.

**Unhealthy environmental factors** Children who live in unhealthy environments may face multiple problems, such as malnutrition, poor hygiene, doing hard work, and losing weight. All of these factors, in addition to nasal secretions, may lead to the appearance of an abnormal and unpleasant odor from the nose.

**Bad nose: Associated symptoms**

 

Some symptoms and signs appear that indicate an abnormal odor in the nose, including:

**Symptoms of nasal polyps:** Symptoms of nasal polyps include the appearance of a very bad odor in the nose, in addition to a decrease in the sense of smell and taste. Although these polyps may be small and do not affect breathing, in some cases larger polyps can form or be present in large numbers, leading to obstruction of the nasal airways, thus affecting the ability to breathe and smell, and changes in the voice may also occur. Other symptoms associated with polyps include:

- Runny nose.

- Postnasal drip.

- Headache and facial pain.

- Feeling of pressure in the forehead and face area.

- Snoring.

**Symptoms of sinusitis:**

Bad nose odor is associated with sinusitis, and symptoms associated with this include:

 

- Temporary loss of the senses of smell and taste.

- Chronic headache attacks.

- Feeling tired and exhausted.

- Postnasal drip and feeling of pressure in the face.

**Snoring**

**Sinusitis Symptoms:**

Some symptoms are associated with a bad smell from the nose as a result of sinusitis, including:

- Temporary loss of the senses of smell and taste.

- Chronic headache attacks.

- Feeling tired and exhausted.

- Postnasal drip with a feeling of pressure in the face area.

**Symptoms associated with postnasal drip:**

Some symptoms associated with bad nose odor and postnasal drip appear, including:

 

- Coughing, especially at night.

- Sore throat.

- Sometimes, mucus may leak into the middle ear due to poor drainage, leading to pain and ear infection.

How to wash the nose with saline solution to get rid of bad smells**

 

You can prepare a solution to wash the nose at home to get rid of unwanted odors. Here are the steps:

1. Boil two cups of water and then let it cool slightly.

2. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda with warm, sterile water.

3. Stand at the sink and put some of the solution in your hands. Inhale the solution through one nostril while closing the other, letting it flow out of your nose naturally.

4. Repeat the process with the other nostril.

5. Continue rinsing your nose as many times as needed.**Treatment of bad smell from the nose after surgery**

Preventing bad smell in the nose after rhinoplasty is the best treatment. It is recommended to clean the nose daily with a saline solution to help prevent nasal secretions and nasal infections. It usually takes four to six weeks for the final shape of the nose to stabilize, and during this period, it is preferable to maintain the cleanliness of the nose through regular washing.

If the surgeon used a nasal mesh inside the nose and the bad smell persists for a long time, it is recommended to visit the doctor to ensure that there is no mesh remaining inside the nose.

**Treatment of infections inside the nose after surgery**

 

If the bad smell is caused by an infection, it is necessary to take antibiotics regularly under the supervision of a doctor. The smell of the nose usually improves over time thanks to the body's natural defense system.

Antiseptic ointments such as gentamicin or murocin can be effective in treating nasal infections. However, these ointments should be used after consulting a doctor to avoid any side effects.

**Treatment of bad smell of nasal discharge**

 

The best way to get rid of bad smell of nasal discharge after surgery is to clean the nose properly. Blowing your nose in the first few days after surgery can cause damage to the nose, so it is recommended to wash your nose with a natural saline solution using a syringe, which is an effective option.

You should avoid using cotton swabs to clean the inside of your nose, as lint can remain inside the nose. With a wound in your nose, this can lead to inflammation due to lint remaining.

**Bad smell due to sinusitis**

Does sinusitis cause bad smell? To determine whether bad smell in your nose is due to sinusitis, you should look at other accompanying symptoms. Symptoms of sinusitis, in addition to bad smell, include a decreased sense of smell and taste, the following symptoms:

- Headache

- Facial pressure

- Runny nose

- Fatigue and pain

Treatment of sinusitis depends on whether the infection is viral or bacterial. Bacterial infections usually require antibiotics to heal. While antiviral medications are available, they are not always used. In many cases, viral sinus infections go away over time, whether or not medications are taken. Rest and hydration are usually recommended regardless of the cause or severity of the infection.

**Home Remedies for Bad Breath After Rhinoplasty**

 

Several methods have been suggested to treat bad breath after rhinoplasty. Here are some of them:

- Saline nasal irrigation: Saline nasal irrigation is an effective home remedy for relieving bad breath. A saltwater solution can help temporarily reduce the severity of the odor.

**Drink enough water** Many conditions that lead to bad breath are the result of a lack of fluids in the body. The amount of fluids an individual needs each day depends on several factors, including age, activity level, and diet. People who do not produce enough saliva can use artificial saliva or eat sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva production. Eating foods that require extensive chewing, such as fruits and vegetables rich in fiber, can help increase saliva production.

**Monitor your oral health**Oral and dental health contributes to treating problems that lead to bad breath. The recommendations provided by the American Dental Association include:

- Brush your teeth with a toothbrush containing fluoride for two minutes daily.

- Floss daily.

- Clean your tongue daily with a toothbrush.

- If you wear dentures, be sure to brush them daily.

- Chew sugar-free gum for 5 minutes.

- Reduce your intake of coffee and alcohol, as they reduce body fluids.

- Avoid smoking and using tobacco products.