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Sweet Smell When Breathing - It is a sinus infection or Pseudomonas

Posted by JoAnn @jcwest211, Jul 1, 2025

I have bronchiectasis and sinus issues. I have suddenly begun smelling a sweet smell when I breathe in and out of my nose. Has anyone had this associated with a sinus infection and/or pseudomonas? Thank you

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celia16 | @celia16 | 22 hours ago
In reply to @kirst1974 "For about 2 weeks I have had a sweet smell in my nose. I can smell..." + (show)
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For about 2 weeks I have had a sweet smell in my nose. I can smell other things, but the sweet smell is always there. I don't have a cold or sinus infection. My nasal breathing is clear. I am not sure what would cause this?

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@kirst1974 , As I posted previously upthread, I encountered a period of about 6 months where I had intermittent bouts of a phantom sweet smell ….similar to fabric softener. This was during a period that my sense of smell was malfunctioning. Diagnosed with post covid syndrome. Mine was not due to infection. It was very stressful since I could not control it and I knew it was not real. It did resolve after about 6 months and I hope it doesn’t return.

It might be good to see an ENT. I also saw a neurologist. They can order tests to rule out certain things.
I will also add that I have had incidents of intermittent phantom smells several times over the last 20 years. No cause has been determined, but my tests have come back normal such as brain MRI. My mother also has them. So….idk.

Some people around here have posted theirs was caused by infection.

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kaybast | @kaybast | 3 hours ago
In reply to @kirst1974 "For about 2 weeks I have had a sweet smell in my nose. I can smell..." + (show)
Profile picture for kirst1974 @kirst1974

For about 2 weeks I have had a sweet smell in my nose. I can smell other things, but the sweet smell is always there. I don't have a cold or sinus infection. My nasal breathing is clear. I am not sure what would cause this?

Jump to this post

@kirst1974 I’ve had 2 infections in the left maxillary and culture taken and it was Pseudomonas . I do not remember having that kind of smell !

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