What Causes Sweet Smell When I Breathe In Through Nose?

Posted on Sun, 17 May 2015

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

Sat, 16 May 2015 Answered on

Mon, 8 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : What could be causing a sweet smell when I breathe in through my nose. I am caucasian male 67 years old in good physical condition. I do not have diabetes.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Inflammation of the upper respiratory system

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

smells can originate from the upper respiratory system, liver damage, diabetes or consuming volatile substances (like alcohol for example). If you haven't noticed the different smell after consuming a particular drink then the other cause may apply. The most common one is the first.

Inflammation of the upper respiratory system (rhinitis, sinusitis etc) may cause a smell. If you're having symptoms like nasal congestion etc then it could be it. Sometimes the symptoms may be only minimal or even absent.

Liver damage may cause a smell, but it's unlikely that the smell would have been the first sign of this condition!

I hope I've helped!
Kind Regards!

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