What Causes Foul Odor From Nasal Discharge?

Posted on Mon, 6 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 6 Oct 2014 Answered on

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a foul odor from nasal discharge...recently worked in a dusty area where mouse droppings may have been although I did not notice these
Discharge and odor is from left nostril only, and became an issue this evening

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nasal Endoscopy, Sinus CT Scan

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. A one sided foul nasal discharge must always be investigated.

2. A Nasal Endoscopy and a Sinus CT Scan is strongly recommended.

3. Rat droppings are most likely to cause Leptospirosis and some other rare infections. However, even mild infections of these types will cause more than just nasal symptoms.

4. If the above investigations are normal, anti-allergic medication for dust allergy will suffice.

5. Kindly upload the results here for further treatment advice.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj