When it comes to taste, Americans may experience changes after they turn As we age, several factors can contribute to a loss of taste and smell, including dental issues, dry mouth, certain medications, alcohol consumption and smoking. In addition, less mucus production in the nose, a loss of nerve endings and changes in the taste buds can occur as we age, affecting smell and taste.
Are you experiencing a loss of smell or taste? Our otolaryngology specialists at Keck Medicine can help. Previous Next. View Larger Image. Several viruses and conditions, including COVID, could be the culprits behind a loss of taste and smell. They may refer you to a specialist for tests if they're not sure what the problem is. Treating the cause might help. For example, steroid nasal sprays or drops might help if you have sinusitis or nasal polyps.
A treatment called smell training can also help some people. To find out more about smell training, see:. Sometimes changes in sense of smell cannot be treated and may be permanent. If you have lost your sense of smell, you may not be able to smell things like gas leaks, fires and food that's gone off. Fifth Sense has some safety advice if you have anosmia.
Page last reviewed: 11 December Next review due: 11 December Lost or changed sense of smell. These self-confined symptoms are usually limited to the nasal and sinus areas and most times go away in five to seven days. These URIs are often associated with a mild fever. Initial treatment of URIs often benefits from symptomatic care alone without the need for an antibiotic, and they usually clear without the need for a physician visit.
If the symptoms do not go away or get worse after five to seven days, a physician visit might be needed. Occasionally, a viral URI will have a lingering effect on your sense of smell, and you should see an ENT ear, nose, and throat specialist, or otolaryngologist, for further evaluation if it persists after your nasal breathing returns to normal.
Allergic Rhinitis —Environmental allergies can result in acute or chronic symptoms that can be mistaken for a viral URI or sinus issues. Depending on where you live, allergic rhinitis is usually seasonal. Allergic patients have a clear nasal discharge and nasal congestion with post-nasal drainage or drip as well as runny eyes, sneezing, and itching. Some patients will only experience congestion or obstruction.
Over the counter OTC allergy medications or prescription medications that your primary care physician provides usually control the symptoms well. Those who are still suffering from allergies after trying medications can benefit from an evaluation by an ENT specialist to identify your allergies and other related problems that prevent improvement.
They will be able to offer additional medical treatments, drops, or shots. Acute Rhinosinusitis commonly known as Acute Sinusitis —Although less common, an URI, bad dental infection of the upper teeth, or severe allergy disease can lead to acute bacterial sinusitis. Symptoms include nasal congestion, which can lead to changes in smell and taste, facial pain and pressure, fever, foul nasal discharge, and occasionally swelling.
It often hurts to just touch your face.
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