Symptoms
In the case of the stinky nose, bacterial colonization of the nasal mucosa and its decomposition causes an unpleasant odor, which is usually not noticeable by those affected. Therefore, relatives and other close contacts often become aware of the disease first. Paradoxically, when the mucous membrane declines sharply and the nasal cavity enlarges considerably as a result, the sufferers paradoxically feel that their nasal breathing is impaired.
This can be explained by the transformation of the linear airflow that prevails when the nasal cavity is intact into a turbulent airflow that occurs during their disease-related enlargement. With the stinky nose, frequent nosebleeds and purulent nasal secretions can also occur due to the affected nasal mucosa. The symptom complex is occasionally accompanied by crusty and barklike coatings.
Patients with a stinky nose suffer from a great deal of distress. The nose itself does not actually cause them any more problems than a cold. Their fellow men, however, can hardly bear the carrion-like stench that their nose produces through the decomposition of the nasal mucous membrane, but which they themselves cannot smell (anosmia). Such patients can experience considerable social and professional problems.
Therapy
It is particularly important to keep the mucous membrane of the stinky nose moist and supple, as any formation of crusts and bark leads to the decomposition of tissue and thus the formation of a carrion-like stench. Oily nasal drops (Coldastop®) or bromhexine (Lubrirhin®) and the inhalation of salt water (Emser Sole®) as well as regular moisturizing with seawater nasal sprays can contribute to this. Nasal ointments (Bepanthen® Nasal Ointment) can be used to try to achieve an approximate cure.
Taking vitamin A and E should prevent the progressive destruction of the nasal mucosa. In no case should decongestant nasal drops containing xylometazoline or oxymetazoline be used again, as they would only promote the disease. In severe cases, the doctor (in the rain ENT doctor) will help the patient to remove the bark and crusts. In some cases an operation can bring relief. In this case, cartilage parts are transplanted or an artificial passage to the oral cavity is created, which is supposed to induce saliva to moisten the nose.