A:
Using CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) for sleep apnea can lead to nasal dryness and crusting and sometimes an abnormal odor. The humidifier on the CPAP machine helps, but is not always enough. Performing nasal irrigation to clean out the nose in the morning may alleviate your symptoms.
However, multiple causes of abnormal smell in the nose are possible. The most common causes are nasal or sinus infections.
Less common causes include:
- Dental problems
- Head injury
- Chemical exposure
- Vitamin deficiency
- Tumors of the nose, nasopharynx (uppermost part of the pharynx) or sinuses
- Certain medications
- Partial complex seizures (a type of epileptic seizure)
If nasal irrigation to clean out your nose does take the smell away, call your doctors office for advice and to arrange an appointment. Your doctor might refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist if the problem persists.
