What Causes Foul Smell In Nose And Mouth At Night?

Posted on Sat, 6 Jun 2015

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

Sat, 6 Jun 2015 Answered on

Sat, 4 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a sudden and significant change in smell and taste. Before yesterday, I had little or no sense of either smell or taste, then in the middle of the night I was awakened by a very strong, foul, slightly sweet and nauseating smell that was in both my nose and mouth. Even after brushing my teeth, everything I have eaten or drunk (coffee, juice, milk & and pancake) tastes and smells like it did last night. Is a sudden change in taste or smell indicative of a stroke or heart attack?

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide more information,this could be due to regurgitation

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am
I had gone through your question and I really appreciate your concern
Foul smell in nose and mouth can be caused by any of following conditions
Infection of nose or paranasal sinuses.
Nasal polyp
Regurgitation of food into mouth

Apart from this bad taste in mouth can be produced by metformin or pioglitazone you are taking for diabetes
I would like further information to help you better
history of acid reflux
are you having sore throat or running nose

You need not to worry it is not indicative of stroke or heart a attack which may manifest as chest pain palpitations, sweating or muscle weakness and speech disorders

Please revert back to me with details I have asked, so that I will be able to tell you more precisely
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (4 hours later)

I do have a history (over 10 years) of acid reflux, hence the omeprazole and famotidine (sp). I take 40 mg of omeprazole in the AM, 40 mg of the famotidine at night, along with the Simvastin. This is the first time I've ever had the lingering taste, and especially the odor, remain for more than a couple of hours. It's now 18 hours since I was awakened, and every single thing I taste is like that very foul odor. I even think i smell like it, however those close to me tell me they cannot smell it on me or my clothes. I have to agree that it is likely an acid reflux issue, and if it doesn't clear up by Monday, I will call my doctor and go from there. Thank you for your time and thoughts.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please consider these guidelines

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Looking at your description and sudden appearance of bad taste pointing towards acid reflux
Until you visit your doctor I would advise you following guidelines
You should do gargling with antiseptic mouthwash or warm saline water
You can also take mouth freshners
Avoid acid reflux by these measures
Don't lie down immediately after food
have small and frequent meals
Have lots of fresh fruits and steamed vegetables
Avoid fried and spicy food and carbonated drinks.

In my opinion your doctor should either increase the doses of omeprazole or switch over to other drugs like pantoprazole or rabeprazole.

Hope this answers your question, please feel free to a ski for more clarificationI will be happy to help you
wish you good health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D