What your nose reveals about your health
Your sense of smell does more than just help you detect odors. It can actually give you important information about your health and wellness. Our noses have the power to bring back memories, change our moods, and even tell us if something is wrong with our bodies. Here are five health problems that your nose might be able to reveal.
Runny nose
If you have a runny nose, it could mean you have a cold or flu infection. These are common reasons for a runny nose and may come along with sneezing, congestion, and a sore throat. They usually go away on their own if you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Another possibility is COVID-19, which can also cause a runny nose and stuffiness.
Nosebleeding
Nosebleeds can indicate different health conditions. Dry air can cause cracked sinuses, making it easier for bacteria to infect them and cause bleeding. A rare genetic disorder called Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) can weaken blood vessels, causing frequent nosebleeds with no clear reason. Allergies, hemophilia, nose picking, blood thinners, and nasal sprays can also make your nose bleed.
Decreased sense of smell
When you can't smell things well, it may indicate different health issues. Nasal growths, like polyps, can block your sense of smell. COVID-19, colds, or sinus infections can also make it hard to smell. High blood sugar in diabetes can damage your sense of smell. It could also be an early sign of neurological conditions like Parkinson's, Huntington's, multiple sclerosis, or motor neuron disease.
Phantom smell
Smelling something that isn't there, called a phantom smell, can indicate certain health issues. It could be a pleasant or bad smell, and it may happen in one or both nostrils. Possible causes include seizures, head injuries, brain tumors, or conditions like Parkinson's disease. Sinus infections can also affect your sense of taste, making things taste bad or bland.
Red nose
A red nose can indicate a health condition called rosacea. This condition causes the middle of the face to become flushed and, over time, especially in men, the skin on the nose may thicken and redden, resulting in a condition called rhinophyma. In severe cases, it can even affect the shape of the nose and make it harder to breathe.
