Is a bad smell and severe headaches normal 4 weeks after sinus surgery?

Question

I had sinus surgery for a chronic infection in my left sinus. They also did septum correction. My post-op checks went great and I had no problems healing. However, I now have an awful smell that I can't get away from. The surgery was 4 weeks ago and this smell started this past week. I also have intense sinus type headaches. Advil helps with the pressure pain but I've been taking it pretty much non-stop for the past week. Is all of this normal?

Samir Undavia, MD · Answer

I would be evaluated by your sinus surgeon. While we don't expect you to be fully healed, you should start feeling pretty good any 2-4 weeks. If you have a bad smell, perhaps you have an infected nasal crust that needs to be removed, or you have a sinus infections which needs antibiotics.  Typically antibiotics, with sinus rinses and possibly a decongestant usually solves the problem. Good Luck!

Bradford (Brad) Mechor, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Based on your symptoms it is possible that you have an infection and should see your surgeon. It is possible that the smell may be related to crusting in the sinus cavities and a nasal rinse would be helpful. Depending on the extent of surgery performed, it can take several weeks to months to heal and so nasal rinses +/- a nasal steroid should be used regularly during the healing period

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