Weird Smell in my Nasal passage will not go away.

[jpp2000]

I have had nasal problems for years, nasal polyps, sinus surgery sinus infections etc. For many years I have experien ced smells that reside in my nasal passages. I recently had nasal polyps removed for a second time and am on an aggressive treatment of antibiotic, antihistamine, and allergy medications.
Since I have had this smell for many years when people ask me to identify it, I can't because I have only this smell to reference so I can not compare it to anything else.
What I have noticed, and what I have yet to read in my research is that WHEN ANY OTHER SMELL IS PRESENT, I CAN SMELL MY WEIRD SMELL IN PLACE OF IT. So, if a strong smell is present, I smell my smell stronger. It appears the smell comes and goes, but it actually gets triggered by other smells. I have spoken to my ENT and she hasn't got a clue. I wonder if there is some kind of study being done on this phenomenon? I have cleaned out my Sinuses with alkalol(not misspelled) and a baking soda and salt water solution on a regular basis, but it does nothing to reduce the smell. I can even put vicks vaporub under my nose to try to overpower the smell but nothing helps.
Are there any real Doctors out there that can come up with a solution? I'm totally at a loss...

[Sevans11]

The internet is an amazing tool if you just ask the right question.
On finding this post, I was amazed at how many other people have this indescribable smell in the sinus.  
I have recently had nasal surgery for polyps and a large mass that actually broke apart much of the interior nasal cavity.  On reflection I was slowly loosing my sense of smell for over 2 decades.
After reading these posts I am drawn to the connection between out of control yeast infection (Candida) and this odour.
I am a 54 year old male and yes men do get Candida and let me tell you this is one of the most horrific things I have had to deal with.
I will try to do a yeast busting process and see if this relieves the odor.

On a similar issue since my surgery I also have a constant ringing in my ears combined with headaches that although not immobilizing are draining.  Has anyone been experiencing this and how did you deal with it.
Thank you all for sharing.

Sevans

[tixuarlam]

I think I'm having the same problem as others have stated here I've been smelling this weird stuff which only I can smell it has been almost 2 weeks now, it smells like garbage and when I clean my nose using a soft tissue paper I see yellow stuffs but it is dry not the regular color like the grey ones.  And whenever I am lying on my bed the weird smell is strong unlike when I'm just sitting and this cause me to stay up late because I am irritated with the smell. I try to blow my nose but nothing comes out and I can still smell it. Will it also affect my breath? Please help I'm a graduating student and I can't afford to skip classes and activities because of surgery solutions.

[Preacher13]

I just started getting this too! It smells like old oil or maybe overheating electronics. I believe it may be a side effect of the sulfur based antibiotic I just began taking for cellulitis in my knee.

I guess we'll see if it passes when the meds are done...

[Preacher13]

I just started getting this too! It smells like old oil or maybe overheating electronics. I believe it may be a side effect of the sulfur based antibiotic I just began taking for cellulitis in my knee.

I guess we'll see if it passes when the meds are done...

[jazzyish]

I had this smell issue for almost a year when I was in middle school. I have gone years without having this problem and then out of nowhere I have it again. It has been a week. The only thing I can think of that I have changed is trying to add more protein to my morning routine.  I feel I will have some control on how my body heals because the one thing that is majorly different this time is I have more knowledge. I have been using essential oils as my natural form of my health care. There is no doubt in my mind that they will work for this. For now I am going to assume it is fungal/candida or possible digestion issue. I will let you know in a few weeks what I have found!

[Lambie_]

sounds like an underlying problem. I have another issue but still, my doctors have not been able to help me. I've given up on them & now I'm planning on going to a Functional M.D. They get to the underlying causes.