{"id":4260,"date":"2025-09-04T14:32:50","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T12:32:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.praxisklinik-goethe10.de\/?p=4260"},"modified":"2025-10-22T14:57:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T12:57:42","slug":"stinky-nose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.praxisklinik-goethe10.de\/en\/stinky-nose\/","title":{"rendered":"Stinky nose: When Ozaena determines life"},"content":{"rendered":"
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An unpleasant odour from the nose is usually first noticed by those around you and causes irritation. For those affected, however, it is often barely noticeable because the disease is associated with a reduced sense of smell. This symptom is often caused by a chronic disease of the nasal mucosa, known as stinky nose or ozaena. It changes the mucous membrane permanently and affects far more than just breathing. A closer look at the causes, typical signs and consequences helps to better understand the disease and find ways to achieve noticeable treatment success.
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What is a stinky nose?<\/h3>\n

Stinky nose - technically known as ozaena - is a rare form of chronic rhinitis. It is a persistent inflammation of the nasal mucosa that persists over a long period of time and does not resolve on its own like a normal cold. As a result of this permanent irritation, the mucous membrane dries out considerably and produces less secretion. As a result, dead mucosal cells and bacterial residues thicken to form thick, greenish-brown crusts. These crusts release an intense, unpleasant foul-sweet odour.<\/p>\n

Important to know: A stinky nose does not develop overnight, but develops slowly over months or even years.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div> \t

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Causes of ozaena: how a stinky nose develops<\/h3>\n

Several influences can lead to a chronic inflammation of the nose turning into a stinky nose. Some people are more susceptible due to the condition of their mucous membranes, while infections or hereditary factors play a role in others. Several causes often interact and together trigger the typical changes inside the nose. Possible triggers are, for example<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div> \t

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\r\n\r\n\t \r\n Chronic infections <\/span>\r\n<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n <\/span>\r\n <\/span>\r\n <\/span>\r\n<\/span>\r\n<\/h4>\r\n
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Recurrent infections of the nose can severely weaken the mucous membrane. In many cases, the bacterium Klebsiella ozaenae is involved. It belongs to the so-called gram-negative germs. This refers to bacteria that have a special cell wall structure and are therefore often more resistant to certain antibiotics.<\/p>\n

Klebsiella ozaenae is not uncommon in the nose and throat. However, if the mucous membrane is damaged or dried out, the bacterium can multiply rapidly and exacerbate the inflammation.<\/p>\n

Over time, the mucous membrane regresses and the nasal cavity expands. These changes pave the way for new infections - a vicious circle that favours the typical changes of a stinky nose.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div> <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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Some people naturally have a more sensitive nasal mucosa, which produces less secretion and dries out more quickly. This is comparable to the dry skin type, which is characterised by a lack of moisture and too little sebum production. As a result, the skin is also rough and flaky.<\/p>\n

In addition, the mucous membrane can lose its protective and barrier function over the course of a lifetime - e.g. due to frequent infections, environmental stress or operations. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hormonal changes during the menopause and certain deficiencies can also affect the condition of the nasal mucosa.<\/p>\n

Without sufficient moisturisation, fine injuries occur that pave the way for inflammation. In the long term, the tissue retracts and the nasal cavity widens. These changes significantly favour the development of a stinky nose.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div> <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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Excessive and long-term use of decongestant nasal sprays can cause considerable damage to the nasal mucosa. The constant constriction of the blood vessels causes the tissue to dry out, lose its resistance and become more susceptible to inflammation. In the long term, such changes favour the development of a stinky nose<\/p>\n

You can find out more about this in our blog post: Nasal spray addiction: What are the consequences?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div> <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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The shape and condition of the nasal cavity can also play a role. Some people have naturally wide nasal passages in which the air flows too quickly and the mucous membrane dries out more.<\/p>\n

In other cases, changes only occur in the course of life. After operations (e.g. when Reduced turbinates<\/a> or after accidents, it can happen that parts of the nasal mucosa or turbinates are permanently damaged. However, the turbinates are important because they moisturise, warm and filter the inhaled air.<\/p>\n

If they recede too much, the nasal cavity becomes unnaturally wide. This allows air to flow through unchecked and the mucous membrane dries out more quickly. As a result, the natural protective function of the nose is lost. It is precisely these conditions that favour the development of ozaena.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div> <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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Stinky nose occurs more frequently in some families, which indicates a genetic predisposition. Presumably, both the sensitivity of the nasal mucosa and the tendency to infections are inherited. As a result, several family members may develop similar problems with dehydration, crust formation or recurring infections.<\/p>\n

Even if the exact genes have not yet been identified, the following applies: anyone with a family history may have an increased risk of developing stinky nose.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div> <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\t

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What are the consequences of a stinky nose?<\/h3>\n

Oceana affects far more than just the mucous membrane of the nose. The changes inside the nose affect breathing, sense of smell and general well-being. In addition, there are symptoms that can affect everyday life and sometimes also put a strain on the social environment. Typical consequences of a stinky nose are<\/p>\n