smell in nose

[noseissues]

I have had four surgeries over 7 years for cosmetic reasons on my deviated septum. The last time I had surgery I was warned that I may be left wth nasal drip due to the amount of procedures I have had...I accepted this and after my last operation in May 2008 I have had nasal drip which is aggrevated by dust and pollen etc I keep this at bay with cetirizine hydrocholride. Although the tip of my nose is always wet the thing that really gets me down is a pungent smell that seems to come with it when i breathe through my nose or touch my nose It's as if I'm disturbing something. I have only experienced this since my last surgery, I can only describe the smell as rotten and I worry that others can smell it...I asked my family and they said they cannot smell anything when I breathe through my nose. I don't have any bad tastes in my mouth. I still have a deviated septum after all that and now it smells! Please help, this smell is really getting me down!

[laaz]

If you were warned about this nasal dripping, why would you go ahead and have another surgery done??  Better to leave well enough alone. but now it is to late for that.  Maybe you have atrophic rhinitis from the surgeries or vasomotor rhinitis from these surgeries, could have disrupted the nerve endings inside your nose.  What was the cosmetic reason for- if I may ask?  Ever try going to Mayo Clinic in Rochchester Minnesota?  or  John Hopkins clinic ?            Take care.      Laaz            

[TCN]

I know exactly what you are talking about.  I had sinus surgery and subsequent emergency surgery due to severe post op bleeding.  Due to the splinting and packing in my nose I ended up with a large perforation in my septum.
I get my nose debrided every 4-6wks.  I have been told it can't be fixed.  I have seen 2 additional reputable surgeons that specialize in this type of repair.  It is has been 3 yrs. and I always get that pungent odor when it needs debridement.  Most of the time when the ENT looks with an endoscope after emptying my nose I have an active sinuse infection.  My family does smell it.  It is just so embarassing, and there is nothing I can do about it.
I would have the ENT look down your nose with an endoscope.  That may give you a hint.
Good luck!