The Truth Behind Bad Smell in Nose: Causes & Treatments

Published September 26, 2023

A bad smell, in general, and no matter the source, is enough to make us feel uncomfortable. Our nostrils are exposed to a lot of scents. In a day, we’re bound to experience stinky situations. It may be from going outside, from leftover foods to the pets we haven’t paid a bath. The list is endless. 

Yet, it is an entirely different case when faced with a foul smell from our noses. And if this is the first time it happened to you, you’re not going crazy. It does happen. Some people may experience a bad or strange smell in their noses. Possible causes include issues with the sinuses, nasal passages, and mouth. 

In this health write-up, we will discover the truth behind the foul smell in your nose. We will dive into its possible causes, treatments, and prevention. We’ll also learn how probiotics have a role in healing it. Let’s waste no more time and begin. 

Why Do I Have a Bad Smell in My Nose?

When something is wrong with our body, it manifests in many ways for us to sense it. This bad smell is a telltale sign of an underlying infection or condition. Yet, the good news is that most of these issues are minor and temporary. Most diseases that influence a terrible smell in the nose are not life-threatening. Yet, if it is severe or chronic, it can negatively impact someone’s quality of life. It may also demand medical attention. 

Bad Smell in the Nose Causes

1. Acute or chronic sinusitis 

Sinus infection, or sinusitis, affects around 31 million individuals in the United States. It causes symptoms such as sinus inflammation and nasal congestion. The two interfere with a person’s sense of smell. 

It can also cause bad breath. More importantly, a discolored, nasty, uncomfortable-smelling discharge in the nose and back of the throat. All influence to make a bad smell in the nose. 

Acute sinusitis typically lasts for three weeks up to two whole months. Chronic cases, however, last longer than eight weeks. A species of bacteria usually causes it. Viruses, fungi, and mold can also cause it. 

2. Dental issues and poor oral hygiene 

Cavities, or holes in the teeth, can accumulate bacteria. It can then emit unpleasant gasses like sulfur when they scramble. Cavities usually happen due to tooth decay or gingivitis. The two can include inflamed gum or gum disease. 

These unpleasant gasses can transform into foul-smelling odors. They can also travel through small holes in the back of the mouth that link to the sinuses. As a result, a bad scent in the nose is born. 

Poor oral hygiene heightens the number of food particles in the mouth that cause decay. It increases the risk of developing a bad taste or smell in the mouth. 

Dental issues can also increase the likelihood of accumulating plaque. It is a thick film of bacteria that causes tooth decay. Moreover, it inflames the problems between the teeth and gums. 

3. Certain foods, drinks, and medications 

Foods and drinks are loaded with microscopic molecules that trigger our sense of smell. Most of our capacity to enjoy the taste and smell of food and beverages is anchored on molecules traveling to the sinuses. It is through a passageway near where the roof of the mouth binds to the nose. 

All foods release smell as our bodies break them down and begin digesting. Yet, certain foods, drinks, and distinct drugs may linger in the mouth. They may trigger a bad smell in the nose. Read the list below: 

• Garlic and onions 
• Coffee 
• Spicy foods 
• Nitrates and nitrites 
• Amphetamines 
• Phenothiazines 
  

4. Dry mouth 

Dry mouth or xerostomia. This condition develops when the flow of saliva is inadequate. Most people with it feel continuously parched. They also have swollen nasal passages. 

Saliva constantly washes unwanted microbes and particles from the mouth. It also neutralizes acids. Suppose there is not enough of it. A person will likely experience conditions that spark a terrible smell or taste in the mouth and nose. For instance, bad breath and tooth decay. 

A dry mouth is also a usual side effect of several medications. Causes of dry mouth are: 

• Breathing through the mouth 
• Dehydration 
• Pain medications
• Decongestants 
• Antihistamines 
• Diuretics 
• Salivary gland conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome 

5. Smoking and tobacco use 

Tobacco products have chemicals that stain and weaken the teeth and gums. As it happens, it increases the risk of tooth and gum disease. It also gives the breath an unpleasant odor. 

Smoking can also lessen someone’s ability to taste and smell food properly. It may cause someone to smell odors that they perceive as foul. 

6. Phantosmia 

Individuals battling with phantosmia smell things that are not there. It occurs when a condition hijacks a person’s sense of smell. 

Everyone with it smells a slightly different scent. Yet most people experience something that smells: 

• Burnt 
• Metallic 
• Similar to chemicals 
• Rotten 
• Decayed 
• Similar to feces 

Phantosmia only affects 10% to 20% of individuals with smell disorders. Yet a wide range of conditions may cause it. It includes: 

• Colds and flu 
• Sinus infections
• Migraine headaches 
• Nasal polyps 
• Epilepsy 
• Head injury or stroke 

Some conditions that cause hallucinations. Schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease 

7. Digestive conditions and other medical conditions 

Some digestive issues, such as acid reflux, can also cause bad breath and foul taste in our mouth. Also, although relatively benign health dilemmas are usually behind a foul or unusual odor in the nose, it is rarely associated with more severe health conditions, which may include: 

• Diabetes, which may cause a sweet odor 
• Liver disease, which may trigger a strong musty smell
• Kidney disease, which may bear an ammonia-like smell 

What Is Olfactory Hallucinations?

Olfactory hallucinations are called phantosmia. It is a condition that causes one to detect smells that aren’t present in your environment. It can happen in one or both nostrils. The odors are primarily foul. For some, these may also be pleasant, such as freshly baked sweets. 

Yet most people report smelling: 

• Burning rubber
• Garbage
• Rotting food 
• Burnt toast
• Tobacco smoke 
• Chemicals 
• Metallic odor
• A moldy or stale smell 

Common phantosmia causes are: 

• Colds 
• Sinus infections 
• Upper respiratory infections 
• Allergies
• Nasal polyps 
• Migraines
• Certain medications
• Exposure to toxic chemicals 
• Smoking

Many people can also acquire it after a COVID-19 infection. 

When phantosmia results from colds, allergies, or infections, the phantom odors should diminish once you recover. 

For neurological cases of it, treatment is more challenging. There are different courses of action here. Some people may need chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Once your healthcare provider pinpoints its root cause, they’ll sign you up for the appropriate treatment. 

Treatments for Bad Smell in Nose

The best way to effectively heal a bad odor in the nose depends on the underlying dilemma. Still, here are the top treatments for reducing and eliminating a bad smell in the nose: 

1. Saltwater Rinse 

Saltwater rinse is one great way to lessen the intensity of foul odor in the nose temporarily. 

Boil 460 milliliters of water. Leave it to cool. Combine an equal ratio of salt and baking soda, one teaspoon into the water. Do so when it is still warm. Stand over a sink pour some of the blend into the cupped palm of one hand. Lean over the sink. Sniff the mixture into one nostril at a time. Repeat it a few times. 

You can opt to use a soft rubber ear bulb syringe. Also, a commercial nasal saline rinse product. 

2. Hydration 

Dehydration is another culprit for the bad smell in our noses. How much liquid one needs each day differs from one another. It is due to varying age, activity levels, and diet, among other considerations. 

People whose bodies do not produce enough saliva can use artificial saliva. They can also try sugar-free candies or gums. The two promote saliva production. Foods that demand a lot of chewing can also promote it. These are fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. 

3. Good Dental Hygiene 

Good oral hygiene can improve and heal several conditions that trigger a terrible smell in the mouth and nose. 

• Brush your teeth properly for 2 minutes twice every day 
• Floss daily 
• Clean the tongue every day. Use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper
• Clean dentures and other dental gear every day. 
• Chew sugarless gum for 5 minutes every meal.
• Cut back on foods and drinks that influence dehydration. Cut coffee and alcohol.
• Do not smoke 
• Prioritize dental checkups and cleanings 
  

4. Medications

Some over-the-counter medications may alleviate conditions that influence a bad smell in the nose. 

1. Nasal decongestant spray. It helps shrink inflamed nasal passageways. It also improves sinus drainage. 
2. Antihistamine. It blocks inflammation. It aids in opening swollen nasal and sinus pathways. 

Some conditions that cause unpleasant nose odor require medical attention. Sinus or nasal infections that are persistent generally need antibiotic treatment. 

A physician may also prescribe certain medications or therapies. They ought to help manage conditions that cause a bad smell in the nose. Here are: 

1. Topical nasal corticosteroids sprays.They help ease nasal and sinus inflammation. 
2. Surgery. It can reverse structural problems like nasal bone defects. Also, nasal polyps and blocked airways. 

How to Get Rid of Bad Smell in Nose Naturally?

1. Drinking plenty of fluids. 

2. Use saline nasal spray. 

3. Elevate your head while sleeping to prevent mucus accumulation in nasal passages. 

4. Adding moisture to the air in a humidifier can keep your nasal passage hydrated. 

5. Practice good nose hygiene. 

6. Steam inhalation. 

7. Eat spicy foods 

Preventing Bad Smell on the Nose

Making specific lifestyle changes is essential. They ought to safeguard you from developing a bad smell in the nose. Consider the following: 

1. Practice good dental hygiene 

2. Stay hydrated 

3. Eat fiber-rich foods 

4. Avoid foods and drinks that cause dehydration 

5. Use antihistamines and decongestants for nasal inflammation 

6. Limit garlic and onion intake 

7. Do not smoke

8. Switch medications that are associated with dry mouth 

9. Regularly have dental checkups 

Probiotics for Treating Bad Smell in Nose

Probiotics are excellent for treating various health conditions. It also aids in healing bad breath and sinus issues. 

Probiotics have a positive impact on oral health. It lessens the risk of bad breath. It has been studied to help fight bad bacteria in the mouth and throat. All of these work to better overall breath odor. 

Bionaze, for one, is an impressive, high-quality probiotic supplement. It is specifically formulated for chronic sinus, ear, nose, throat, and mouth issues. It resolves a range of conditions. It aids in post-nasal drip, tonsil stones, and bad breath, among others. Adding Bionaze to your health regime is beneficial for managing bad smell in the nose. You’ll find your overall oral health will improve. It also supports upper respiratory health.