What Causes Occasional Yeast Like Smell In Nose?

Posted on Mon, 27 Oct 2014

Question: I have an occasional yeast smelling in my nose. It is not too unpleasant, but does that imply a possible infection? I've started taking a new form of calcium supplement...is it possible it's related? For years now I've had a slight all-year-round runny nose.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
As below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Get an ENT consultation to rule out Chronic Sinusitis, possibly of fungal origin. Fungal conditions can range from mild fungal allergy to invasive infections.

2. Sometimes a nasal swab, endoscopy and a plain Sinus CT may be required to conform the presence of any fungus.

3. Since you have a year-round cold, blood tests for allergy,anemia, blood sugar levels and thyroid hormone levels should be done.

4. It is unlikely to be related to your calcium supplement. The simplest way to rule this out will be to discontinue this supplement and observe the result.

5. Symptoms due to mild yeast overgrowth can be managed by anti-allergy medication and steroid nasal sprays.

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

Regards.

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