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Is smelly nasal mucus genetic?

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Dear MR,

What you describe as ekiboobe (smelly nasal mucus) can be quite distressing. This often results from conditions such as a common cold, nasal allergies, sinusitis (infection or inflammation of the sinuses), or growths in the nose such as nasal polyps.

These conditions can lead to the overproduction of mucus, which, when trapped or infected, may start to smell bad. Viruses usually cause the common cold and spread easily through infected droplets in the air or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.

On the other hand, nasal allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, may be inherited and tend to run in families.

These allergies cause inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to persistent sneezing, congestion, and mucus production. If the mucus becomes thick and foul-smelling, it could mean a secondary bacterial infection has developed, what we call sinusitis.

This condition may also be accompanied by facial pain or pressure, a reduced sense of smell, bad breath, and general discomfort. Nasal polyps, which are soft, non-cancerous growths in the nasal passages, can also block mucus drainage, leading to a buildup of infected mucus with an unpleasant odour.

While the symptoms may appear to run in families, it does not necessarily mean that the condition itself is genetic.

Because families live in close contact, members are likely to pass infections such as colds to each other. Similarly, exposure to the same environmental allergens, such as dust, mould, or pet dander, can affect several family members, especially if they share a genetic predisposition to allergies.

To determine the exact cause of your symptoms and whether treatment such as antibiotics, antihistamines, or nasal sprays may be helpful, I recommend visiting an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. A proper diagnosis will guide the most effective treatment.

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