Taiwanese man’s extreme nasal sensitivity shocks doctors

A startling medical case originating from Taiwan has brought to light the distressing ordeal of a 50-year-old restaurant proprietor whose nasal issues unraveled a disturbing revelation. Disclosed on the medical talk show “Doctor Is So Hot” by the director of an ear, nose, and throat clinic in Taiwan, this incident was hailed as one of the most unforgettable encounters in his two-decade-long career.

Hailing from Taichung, the patient, beset by a perception of excessive nasal sensitivity, sought an unconventional appointment, intrigued by the peculiarity of his condition. During the examination, Dr. Wu Zhaoguan, along with two other physicians and nursing staff, were immediately struck by an offensive odor emanating from the patient, initially attributing it to the clinic’s sanitation. However, the source of the malodor was none other than the patient himself, oblivious to its presence.

Upon removing his double-layered mask for a nasal evaluation, a pregnant nurse was compelled to exit the room to contend with nausea induced by the overpowering smell. The patient, convinced of his unusually acute sense of smell, which he took pride in, was confronted with a stark reality far removed from his assumptions.

An inspection of the patient’s nasal passages revealed a buildup of pus and mucus in both nostrils, with the left exhibiting a large black scab intermingled with blood due to severe inflammation. Dr. Wu was alerted by the remarkably clean nasal hairs, prompting further inquiry into the patient’s hygiene practices, which left him astounded.

The patient’s habit of trimming his nasal hair with scissors, also employed for callus removal and fungal infection treatment on his feet, emerged as a significant factor. Years of wearing sandals for work had resulted in calloused heels and foot fungus, which he tended to with the same scissors sans proper sterilization, merely resorting to wiping them with toilet paper.

This practice introduced fungal spores into his nasal passages, culminating in the formation of a fungal ball within his nose. The ensuing sinus infection, compounded by bacterial presence and skin damage from scissor use, emitted an odor akin to that of a deceased rodent.

Unaware of the origin of the stench for six months, the patient attributed it erroneously to poor hygiene among his restaurant staff until a perceptive employee suggested seeking medical attention for his heightened nasal sensitivity.

“If you can’t smell the fragrance, don’t come into the garden of love.” – Rumi

Upon enlightenment from medical professionals, the patient was overwhelmed with remorse for unjustly accusing his staff and promptly adhered to the prescribed treatment regimen, encompassing antibiotics, surgical excision of the fungal mass, and meticulous sinus irrigation.

Subsequently, his condition exhibited marked improvement approximately one month later.

This case underscores the perilous repercussions of lax hygiene practices and underscores the imperative of seeking medical guidance when confronted with unusual health manifestations.