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Hi, I Have Had A Stuffy Nose And Difficulty Breathing

Posted on Sun, 5 Jul 2020

Question: Hi, I have had a stuffy nose and difficulty breathing for the last 10 week. It has been awful. The nose is no longer stuffy but the left side of the nose near the brides keeps swelling up and when it does it feels like there is no filter for the oxygen. I also have a bad smell in the left side of my nose, it smells of rotten cheese. I am at my wits end. I hope you can help.

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (14 minutes later)

Thank you, in my previous question I meant to write swelling near the bridge of the nose. The swelling comes and goes.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Recurrent sinusitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

According to the symptoms you have described, it seems to be recurrent sinusitis.

The foul smell emanating from the nose could be due to the stasis of nasal secretions and the recurrent infections due to the latter.

You would require a thorough evaluation of the nose and the paranasal sinuses including X-ray or CT scan of the sinuses. Once we get a clear picture of the nose and the sinuses, the further management can be planned.

Meanwhile you can use the following medications and measures:
1. Intranasal steroid nasal spray
2. Isotonic saline nasal spray
3. Do steam inhalation regularly
4. Drink frequent sips of warm water
5. Avoid sleeping in front of the air conditioner or fan

Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Dear Dr XXXXXXX

Thank you for your reply. Just to add inside the nose is dry and the swelling appears to be fluid.
Why would fluid build up at the side of the nose?
Thank you
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The fluid build up is due to the presence of infection and inflammation

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Welcome back

1. The fluid build up is due to the presence of infection and inflammation in the soft tissues secondary to the stasis of the nasal secretions in the cavity.

2. We need to clear the stagnated secretions, hence, isotonic saline would be more appropriate. This would as well reduce the dryness in the nasal cavity.

3. My sincere advise to you is to consult an apt ENT specialist and get the nose and sinuses thoroughly evaluated.

4. As mentioned in my previous response, please use the intranasal steroid nasal spray and saline nasal spray. It would give you some relief till you meet the doctor.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar