What Could Be Causing Cheesy Pus Smell in Nostril After Rhinoplasty?

Question

Had a rhino 1.5 months ago. 3 weeks ago, I started develop odd smell from just right nostril. When I rub finger inside tip and smell the clear discharge (not runny, just damp), smells like cheese-like pus. No pain or swelling. Surgeon couldn't find anything wrong. Went for second and third opinions from ENTs, nothing obvious. Got CT scan. Only thing was cloudy sinus cavity on LEFT side (smell is from right nostril), so probably not it. Took Levaquin, still smells. What can this be? Thx for help.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Sounds like you have may have an infection, or at least have become colonized with bacteria that don't smell so nice.  Has anyone cultured it?  It may be prudent to have your surgeon take an intranasal culture of the odd smelling discharge.  This will at least direct the appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Abnormal smells following rhinoplasty surgery can be caused by a variety of problems. When these smells are encountered six weeks after surgery they should be aggressively investigated. It’s therefore important to see your surgeon as soon as possible.
                The smell that you describe could be related to a large number of potential problems. These may include nasal or sinus infections, would healing problems, necrotic tissue, crusting with retained mucous secretions, and retained nasal packing.
  
                In the majority of cases nasal cleansing with saline irrigation will solve the problem. In some cases antibiotics may be helpful as well.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

A bad odour can be a sign of infection, therefore you should see your surgeon again for another diagnosis.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Paul,

	Cheesy smell is never good unless you are having wine and cheese at the time.

	You have some form of infection that is going undiagnosed.  See you rhinoplasty surgeon for re-evaluation.  Someone should also have a look inside your nose with an endoscope.  I would advise my patients to use Alkalol nasal rinses as well.  Good luck and be well.

	Dr. P

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

One of the rare infection that needs to be ruled out is fungus infection. Your surgeon should be able to address this. Follow up regularly as scheduled.

What Could Be Causing Cheesy Pus Smell in Nostril After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)

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Answer: Cheesy Smell from Nose 1.5 Months After Rhinoplasty

Answer: What Could Be Causing Cheesy Pus Smell in Nostril After Rhinoplasty?

Answer: What Could Be Causing Cheesy Pus Smell in Nostril After Rhinoplasty?

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What Could Be Causing Cheesy Pus Smell in Nostril After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)

Answer: Cheesy Smell from Nose 1.5 Months After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Cheesy Smell from Nose 1.5 Months After Rhinoplasty

Answer: What Could Be Causing Cheesy Pus Smell in Nostril After Rhinoplasty?

Answer: What Could Be Causing Cheesy Pus Smell in Nostril After Rhinoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.