Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Is Strange Smell Normal During Flu With Cough And Diarrhea?
Ive had what appears to be the flu for the past 6 days. Lower back pain, eyes hurt, mild diahrea, cough,weakness. and mild nausea. On day 5 i suddenly noticed a strange smell in my nose (which i d had in the past during a sinus infection). But this time its not just a smell but an overall heightened sense of smell. Is this common during the flu? How long may it last and anything I can/should be doing to get through it?
Wed, 9 Dec 2020
Hi,
Strange smell that is enhanced is possible during some stage of any rhinitis. be it flu or anything. With your detailed history of back pain, pain in eyes, mild diarrhea, coughing, nausea and weakness are surely indicative of viral infection. It is possible to have secondary bacterial infection that can cause sinusitis and thus the altered smell.
I would advise you to consult an ENT surgeon for nasal endoscopy to know whether there is just rhinitis, any mucopurulent discharge, congestion and so on. This will give an idea about the present status. Do a CT scan of sinuses to know the status of sinusitis and relevant tests of blood. All these will give an appropriate diagnosis and thus allow any additional treatment such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicine, decongestants. Chronic sinusitis will need surgery after a course of the above medicines. Take nasal decongestant drops and steam inhalation.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
Strange smell that is enhanced is possible during some stage of any rhinitis. be it flu or anything. With your detailed history of back pain, pain in eyes, mild diarrhea, coughing, nausea and weakness are surely indicative of viral infection. It is possible to have secondary bacterial infection that can cause sinusitis and thus the altered smell.
I would advise you to consult an ENT surgeon for nasal endoscopy to know whether there is just rhinitis, any mucopurulent discharge, congestion and so on. This will give an idea about the present status. Do a CT scan of sinuses to know the status of sinusitis and relevant tests of blood. All these will give an appropriate diagnosis and thus allow any additional treatment such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicine, decongestants. Chronic sinusitis will need surgery after a course of the above medicines. Take nasal decongestant drops and steam inhalation.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
I find this answer helpful
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Influenza
Loading Online Doctors....