Unpleasant Taste and Odor in Mouth and Nose Persisting for a Week
I’m a 39-year-old white male, standing at 5’11” and weighing 226 pounds. I manage Type 2 Diabetes effectively and have a diagnosis of Hypothyroidism. My medications include Metformin and Levothyroxine, and I rarely smoke or drink alcohol. The peculiar sensation began last Monday (March 24) while I was unwinding with my girlfriend on the couch after enjoying a sub from Jersey Mike’s. About an hour post-meal, I experienced an overwhelming aroma of onions—almost as if they were being pushed into my face. Although that initial feeling subsided, it would repeatedly surge back with similar intensity for the next several hours. I assumed one of us must smell strongly of onions, so once I left her place, I took an extended shower, which temporarily alleviated the issue. However, upon waking on Tuesday, instead of the onion scent, I was greeted by what resembled the smell of oregano, which I still associated with our previous meal. Despite brushing and flossing meticulously, the odor lingered. When Wednesday arrived, I noticed a shift; the morning scent morphed into something akin to Lysol, only to transition to a burning tire odor as the day progressed. On Thursday, I visited Urgent Care where the medical staff suspected a sinus infection and prescribed antibiotics. Now, on my final day of medication, I’ve noticed no improvement whatsoever. Considering the possibility of allergies, I began using Flonase over the weekend, but to no avail. Additionally, a Covid test returned negative. I am in the process of scheduling an appointment with a physician this week, yet in the meantime, I am seeking advice or guidance on what steps to take next, as this situation is increasingly impacting my mental well-being. It’s distressing to try to sleep and wake up to this smell, or to avoid social situations because I feel self-conscious about my scent. I truly need assistance.
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 1:30:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds frustrating to experience persistent unpleasant tastes and odors, especially as they are affecting your daily life and mental well-being. Based on what you've described, it’s essential to consider several potential causes while you await your physician's appointment.
What You Might Be Experiencing
The symptoms of abnormal smells and tastes can result from several factors, including:
- Sinus Issues: Since sinus infections can affect your sense of smell, lingering symptoms after antibiotic treatment may be related to sinus inflammation or infection that hasn't fully resolved.
- Neurological Causes: Rarely, altered taste and smell can indicate neurological conditions, but this is less common.
- Medications: Sometimes medications can cause dry mouth or changes in taste, which might enhance certain smells or tastes.
Next Steps to Consider
Here are actionable steps you can take while you wait for your appointment:
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Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. This can help reduce any dryness in your mouth and nasal passages which could affect your taste and smell.
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Nasal Rinse: Consider using a saline nasal rinse (like a neti pot or saline spray) to help clear any nasal congestion that might still be present.
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Oral Hygiene: Continue your meticulous oral hygiene routine, but also consider rinsing your mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda to neutralize any unusual tastes.
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Avoid Triggers: Pay attention to foods or smells that seem to enhance your symptoms or coincide with them. Keeping a diary of your experiences may help identify potential triggers.
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Monitor Symptoms: Take note of any changes in your symptoms, including when they worsen or improve. This information can be helpful for your physician.
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Mental Health Support: Since you mentioned that this issue is impacting your mental well-being, consider stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or reaching out to a support network to discuss your feelings and concerns.
Encouragement
Managing mysterious symptoms can be quite distressing, and it’s important to prioritize your mental health while addressing these physical symptoms. Maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about how these odors affect you, and don't hesitate to express any anxiety or distress associated with this issue during your upcoming appointment. You're actively taking steps to address this, which is commendable, and I hope you find relief soon.
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