Signs Of A Sinus Infection
A sinus infection is something you want to deal with right away to prevent it from escalating. However, its not easy to discern between the different symptoms and what they mean. After all, an infection manifests itself in a similar way to the flu or a cold, so you cant always act decisively.
With that in mind, here are some signs you have a sinus infection and should see an ear, nose and throat doctor.
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What Causes A Bad Smell In The Nose
by Cawthra Dental | Oct 4, 2021 | mississauga dentist |
Several conditions may cause a bad smell in the nose, including sinusitis, tooth/ mouth infections, dry mouth, some medications, some foods/drinks, and olfactory damage. Typically, a bad smell in the nose is not life-threatening but can decrease the quality of life.
Sinus Pain And Pressure
Fluid trapped in the sinuses can fill the sinus cavities, causing intense pain and pressure. The sinuses may be sensitive to the touch. A person may have an urge to sneeze but be unable to do so.
The pain can be in the cheeks, around the eyes and nose, or in the forehead because these areas are where the sinuses are. Bending over may make the pain worse.
Sometimes, the pressure and pain are intense enough to interfere with sleep.
Sinusitis may also cause the tissue in the nose to swell.
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Can Balloon Sinuplasty Help Your Chronic Sinus Drainage Issues
From chronic sinusitis surgery to the Clarifix procedure, and from septoplasty to nasal polyp removal, there are a wide variety of treatments to treat the underlying cause of your chronic sinus drainage issues.
One treatment, however, has become increasingly popular in the ENT field. Balloon sinuplasty differs from most other types of chronic sinusitis procedures in that it is minimally invasive and can be performed in-office. The procedure involves the inflation of a balloon that has been endoscopically inserted into the sinus cavity, opening the sinus passageways and restoring proper drainage in less than 20 minutes.
Also unlike traditional sinusitis surgery, balloon sinuplasty aftercare is easy, with patients often return to work within 24 hours. The procedure has provided thousands of patients nation-wide with long-lasting results and sinus relief.
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Best In Class Treatment For Sinus Infections
If youre experiencing the symptoms of a sinus infection, the experienced ENT specialists at Chicago ENT can correctly diagnose your symptoms and help you breathe better.
Our team will work together to customize the ideal treatment plan for your needs. Schedule an appointment at Chicago ENT in Chicago, IL, and get the relief from chronic sinus infections you need!
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Tips From A Dental Hygienist
Metallic taste and sinus infections can negatively affect your overall quality of life. As a Registered Dental Hygienist, I would like to share some tips with you! As always, if you have any health concerns or questions, consult with your healthcare professionals.
Do not regularly drink sugary beverages. Sipping on high sugar beverages will significantly increase your risk for cavities as well as other oral health infections.
Moreover, make sure you are visiting your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings to stay on top of your oral health. Poor oral health not only effects your mouth but it may also affect your overall systemic health.
It is crucial to be aware of your metallic taste symptoms, especially if you have chronic sinus infections.
What Does Sinus Drainage Feel Like
Allergies and sinusitis can often feel very similar stuffy nose, runny nose, wheezing, watery eyes, etc. If your sinus drainage is the cause of the cold, then you will not feel relief from this for days. If allergies are to blame for the sinus drainage, then you will experience relief when you are no longer around the trigger.
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What Are The Treatment Options
Typical treatment options are noted in the individual causes of fungal sinusitis described above. Frequently, some sort of surgery or procedure is required to physically remove the fungus, the mucus that contains it, and sometimes the tissue that has been affected.
Antifungal medications can be used as well, but usually not without a surgery. There have been some studies that indicate that antifungal medications called azoles, such as itraconazole, can be useful in treating allergic fungal sinusitis. With invasive fungal sinusitis, use of antifungal medications is required.
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How Your Sense Of Smell Works
Taste and smell disorders are the cause of many thousands of individuals in the U.S. to see a doctor every year. Fortunately, for most individuals, anosmia is only a temporary problem caused by a seriously stuffy nose from a cold. After the cold goes away, their sense of smell comes back.
However, for some individuals, including many seniors, anosmia is persistent and it could indicate a more serious health condition.
Like your sense of taste, your sense of smell is a part of your chemical senses . You have the ability to smell due to olfactory sensory neurons . Each olfactory neuron has an odor receptor. Substances around you release microscopic molecules whether the substances are pine trees or coffee brewing. These microscopic molecules stimulate the odor receptors.
Once the molecules are detected by the neurons, the neurons send messages to your brain, identifying the smell. The environment has more smells in it than you have receptors, and one molecule can stimulate a group of receptors which creates a unique representation in your brain. Your brain registers these representations as a specific smell.
There are two pathways in which smells reach your olfactory sensory neurons.
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Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Fungal Sinusitis
The symptoms of fungal sinusitis are consistent with other forms of sinusitis and can include the following:
- Pain or the feeling of pressure in or around the face
If you have a known immunodeficiency, fungal sinusitis may also produce the following symptoms:
- Swelling in or around the face or cheeks
- Facial numbness
- Changes in the color of your skin, either towards a more pale or darker complexion
Diagnosis of fungal sinusitis will involve your ENT specialist performing a physical exam, analyzing your symptoms, and considering other conditions that may affect fungal sinusitis.
Why Is Metallic Taste A Problem
Generally, metallic taste can cause poor nutrition since people with metallic taste often have aversions to certain foods. This is because the taste disorder makes foods taste different or even unpleasant. For this reason, people may eat less overall or make poor food choices.
In order to mask the unpleasant taste, dysgeusia patients often choose to eat saltier, spicier, or more sugary foods. As a result, intake of sodium and sugar increases, and may cause complications or have a negative impact on overall health.
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Loss Of Smell And Taste
A side effect of nasal congestion is that you will find it challenging to smell or taste. Again, the swelling is to blame since the scents and aromas you are used to cant reach the top of the nose.
Sometimes, the inflammation presses down on the nervous system, impacting the signal that triggers taste and smell. Allergies and a cold can also cause these symptoms, which is why its vital to speak to a professional ENT doctor if youre concerned.
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Why Do My Nostrils Smell Bad
If you havent been feeling well and find yourself suddenly thinking, Oh man, the inside of my nose smells bad, its time to do a little investigating.
A bacterial sinus infection may be behind why the inside of your nose smells rotten, or why you might notice smells when blowing your nose. When healthy, your sinuses are naturally able to drain mucus . During a sinus infection, however, your sinuses become swollen and potentially congested. This can trap mucus and all that it has filtered from the air, which can, in turn, lead to some rather unpleasant odors.
The fluid that builds up in nasal polyps has also been known to cause bad nasal smells, as does the mucus that accumulates at the back of the throat during postnasal drip.
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Sinusitis Can Cause Loss Of Smell And Taste
According to statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, around 12% of all American adults suffer with sinusitis which equates to over 30 million people. If you havent heard of the term previously, it actually refers to inflammation within the sinuses and the main symptoms include a plugged nose, thick nasal mucus, sore throat, headaches, and a cough . However, theres also another symptom that can come from sinusitis loss of smell and taste.
Have You Lost Your Sense Of Taste
Today, if youve lost your sense of taste, its likely that your first thought is that you might have COVID-19. While COVID-19 certainly can cause a loss of taste and smell, a sinus infection could also be the culprit. The quickest way to tell the difference and make sure youre not spreading the coronavirus to those around you is to get tested.
If a cold or allergy has caused a nasal blockage and loss of taste, then reducing inflammation is key in the fight against a sinus infection. If youve tried all the home remedies and youre still not finding relief, its time to get help.
Our team will work with you to find a treatment plan thats right for your circumstances. Dont let a sinus infection keep you from enjoying your favorite foods. Give ENT Associates of Lubbock a call today.
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Smelling Ammonia All The Time
Urine can vary in color and smell based on the number of waste products in addition to fluids you take in over the course of this day. However, some out-of-the-ordinary scents may indicate you need to seek medical treatment. One such instance is a sweet smell into the urine, which can mean excess glucose in the urine. Another is the smell of ammonia, which includes a robust and chemical-like odor. While urine that smells like ammonia is not necessarily caused for concern, there are some cases where it may be.
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Not Just In Your Head
There can be physical reasons why youre smelling something funky in your nose. These reasons include:
Its important to seek expert medical advice when youre experiencing bad smells that have no obvious source. While it may seem like the odors are all in your head, there could be serious physical issues creating your discomfort. Even if the cause is less serious, with proper medical treatment, those foul smells can be cleared up.
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Talk To A Doctor About Your Bad Nose Smell
If you feel a bad smell coming from inside your nose, it may not be anything serious. However, it can also be a symptom of an illness. Getting diagnosed and treated as soon as possible may be crucial.
Its best to speak to a doctor about it. And the easiest way to do that is with telemedicine options, such as Carefree MD.
Get unlimited access to a 24/7 doctor on call using your phone or computer at your convenience. Speak to a state-licensed physician about your symptoms, get prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy when medically necessary, and receive personalized advice on treatment options.
Talk to a doctor about those funky smells by signing up for a Carefree MD membership today!
The Carefree MD blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed doctor or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree MD Card is not insurance and Carefree MD is not an insurance provider.
An Introduction To Your Sinuses
You have four pairs of sinuses located around your nose and eyes. These air-filled chambers vibrate, adding tonality to your speech, and the mucous membranes that line them filter the air you breathe.
The membranes, or mucosa, can produce up to a quart of mucus per day. As the mucus continually drains away down the back of your throat, it traps bacteria, germs, and viruses. The mucus also keeps your throat and nasal cavities from feeling dried out and scratchy. When you have a sinus infection, your sinus cavities swell and stop draining. The trapped mucus can become infected, causing even more congestion and inflammation, which causes further swelling and blockage. Its a vicious cycle. When this happens over and over, or happens and doesnt go away for weeks or months, you have sinusitis.
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How Common Are Smell Disorders
Your sense of smell helps you enjoy life. You may delight in the aromas of your favorite foods or the fragrance of flowers. Your sense of smell is also a warning system, alerting you to danger signals such as a gas leak, spoiled food, or a fire. Any loss in your sense of smell can have a negative effect on your quality of life. It can also be a sign of more serious health problems.
One to two percent of North Americans report problems with their sense of smell. Problems with the sense of smell increase as people get older, and they are more common in men than women. In one study, nearly one-quarter of men ages 6069 had a smell disorder, while about 11 percent of women in that age range reported a problem.
Many people who have smell disorders also notice problems with their sense of taste. To learn more about your sense of taste, and how it relates to your sense of smell, read the NIDCDs Taste Disorders publication.
First Of All Why Do Sneezes Smell
A sneeze is a sudden expulsion of air likely due to an irritant or irritation in the nasal cavity, Dr. Del Signore says. Usually, these irritants are allergens , environmental pollutants or germs like viruses. In other words, things your body wants to flush out.
These expelled particles are typically the source of your sneezes scent, Dr. Del Signore says. So, if you get a whiff of pollen after you sneeze, thats probably because the annoying airborne allergen found its way up your nose.
Your sneezes smell can also mimic the odor of your breath, Dr. Del Signore adds.
And while a random stinky sneeze isnt a cause for concern, some scents like the four listed below can indicate certain health issues if they occur frequently.
Tip
If youve been experiencing weird smelling sneezes regularly, see your doctor, who can perform a proper health assessment and help you determine whats going on.
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Throat Irritation And Cough
As discharge from your sinuses drains down the back of your throat, it can cause irritation, especially over a long period of time. This can lead to a persistent and annoying cough, which can be worse when lying down to sleep or first thing in the morning after getting up from bed.
It can also make sleeping difficult. Sleeping upright or with your head elevated can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your coughing.
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How To Stop Postnasal Drip
A combination of preventative measures and medications can help put a stop to postnasal drip. Healthcare providers may recommend:
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Staying hydrated, which can also help to thin mucus
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Use a humidifier or vaporizer to keep the air moist
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Propping yourself up with extra pillows when you sleep, so the mucus doesnt collect in the back of your throat
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An oral medication such as guaifenesin , which can thin mucus
Its important to keep in mind that treatment for postnasal drip usually depends on what might be causing it. For instance, if your symptoms are caused by allergies, the first step might be trying to pinpoint what you are allergic to and avoiding those foods or triggers to the extent possible.
As a next step, there are several over-the-counter and prescription medications that can provide additional relief. They can help treat postnasal drip by calming down inflammation and thinning or drying up the mucus. Lets take a look at the different types of medications that you and a healthcare provider can consider to help stop postnasal drip.
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What Is Metallic Taste
Metallic taste is a taste disorder medically known as dysgeusia. It is an abnormal or impaired sense of taste, or an unpleasant alteration of taste sensation. Dysgeusia is usually described as a persistent metallic, sour, bitter or other unusual, bad taste in the mouth. Some common metallic taste causes are:
- Cancer treatment
How Does Sinus Infection Cause Bad Breath
Sinusitis clogs up the nose and causes dryness in the mouth. Plus, the mucus in the infected sinuses smells bad, so it leaves an unpleasant odour when the air you exhale comes in contact with it, leading to bad breath. While a good oral care routine is important to not make the condition worse, halitosis that occurs due to an inflamed nasal tract does not go away on its own. Bad breath due to sinus can only go away when the sinus is treated.
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