The sense of smell, facilitated by the nose, is one of the most crucial senses for humans. It helps us identify our surroundings by detecting odors emitted by objects in our environment. The nose enables us to differentiate between good and bad food and also helps us recognize chemical or smoke smells that may indicate danger.

The sense of smell is highly sensitive, detecting pleasant and unpleasant odors, including those caused by nasal passage issues.

Various conditions that lead to bad odor in the nose

Various health conditions can produce an unpleasant or foul odor in the nose. Most of these conditions are minor, but it is critical to remain vigilant and seek medical attention to receive proper treatment.

Nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that are usually painless. They develop within the nose's lining and are common in people with a history of certain diseases, such as asthma, allergies, recurrent infections, or nasal inflammation.

Small polyps may not cause any symptoms. However, as they grow, they can block the nasal passages or sinuses, causing a variety of symptoms, including:

• Nasal congestion
• Prolonged runny nose
• Headache
• Loss of taste and smell, or smelling unpleasant odors
• Nosebleeds
• Postnasal drip
• Sinus pressure
• Hearing loss
• Sleep disturbance

Sinusitis

Sinusitis, also known as sinus infection, is a condition in which the tissues that line the sinuses swell or become inflamed as a result of viral or bacterial infections, allergic reactions, or irritation.

Sinus symptoms are very diverse. Acute sinus symptoms typically resolve within 7–10 days, whereas chronic sinusitis lasts over three months. The symptoms of sinusitis vary depending on the duration and severity, including:

• Bad breath or impaired sense of smell
• Cough
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Fever
• Headache
• Pain in the face
• Nasal congestion and green or yellow mucus discharge
• Sore throat and postnasal drip

You may also notice an unpleasant odor in your nose due to a buildup of nasal mucus.

Read more: Sinusitis Recurs Frequently? Prevent In This Way

Postnasal drip

Postnasal drip is a condition in which excessive mucus accumulates in the back of the throat and flows from the nose into the throat. Mucus from the nose, mixed with saliva, may drip unnoticed to the back of the throat before being swallowed. The more mucus produced, the more noticeable it will be.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria accumulate on the teeth, producing acids that erode the enamel layer. This process produces plaque, which, if not removed, hardens into tartar.

Plaque bacteria can cause cavities, bad breath, dental infections, and an unpleasant odor coming from the nose.

Tonsil stones

Tonsil stones are formed when saliva, mucus, food particles, and dead cells become trapped inside the tonsils. These substances harden into tonsil stones. Bacteria can grow inside tonsil stones, resulting in bad breath that can be expelled through the nose.

Read more: Symptoms Of Tonsil Stones And How To Prevent Them

Chronic kidney disease

When the kidneys are not functioning properly, waste products and toxins accumulate in the body, causing various complications. One of the symptoms of advanced chronic kidney disease is an ammonia-like odor that can be smelled on the breath and tasted in the mouth.

If you notice a bad odor coming from your nose for over a week, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Additionally, you should check if you have a bad odor in your nose accompanied by other symptoms such as facial swelling, nasal congestion, blurred vision, headache, or any other distressing symptoms. If you have a bad odor in your nose, you can seek medical consultation services by downloading the AI Care app from the App Store or Play Store.

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