Question: I have "nose odor" and have been prescribed 500 mg amoxicillin for a month and it isn't helping much. Can you help?
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
Bad odor in the nose is due inflammatory changes in the lining of the nose. This could be because of allergic or non-allergic causes. Phlegm lodged at the back of the throat can also cause this problem. A decongestant like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) would clear this blockage so the postnasal drip drains better, and a nasal wash can help remove phlegm from the nose and sinuses. This can temporarily decrease the postnasal drip and lessen the phlegm buildup.
A prescription nasal steroid spray decreases swelling of the nose and sinuses and also decreases phlegm production. It helps your sinuses drain and prevents phlegm from collecting in your nose and sinuses. A nasal steroid spray acts best after a nasal wash. The spray, however, does not provide immediate relief of symptoms and may take several weeks of routine use to become effective.