An E.N.T. doctor explains what can cause a bad odor after you blow your nose.
So what on earth can be causing that foul odor coming from your nose after you blow it?
“Bad odor after blowing the nose is usually caused by old mucous in the sinuses or a sinus infection,” says Dr. Stacey Silvers, MD, of Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in NYC, who is board certified in otolaryngology.
“Occasionally acid from the stomach has been seen in the back of the nose,” continues Dr. Silvers.
“This alone can cause a bad odor from the nose, but can also lead to higher incidences of sinus infections.
“Chronic sinus problems don’t present with fever or congestion, but may simply present with fatigue, pressure over the cheeks and forehead, and a bad odor in the nose after blowing.”
Is there a remedy ?
Dr. Silvers explains, “A natural sinus wash like a neti pot can be very helpful if the sinuses are the cause.”
Your local drug store carries neti pots (sinus rinse device), and you can also buy sinus rinse solutions that come in a packet. If this doesn’t solve the problem, Dr. Silvers says:
“…then see your doctor or your ENT for a nasal/sinus exam and a culture.
“A child with a bad nasal odor may have a chronic adenoid infection or a foreign body in the nose (especially if there is mucous draining from only one side).”
An NYC expert in ear, nose and throat care, Dr. Silvers has been named among America’s Top Physicians and Surgeons in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology numerous times since 2003.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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