Loss of smell or taste is a common symptom caused by various factors, such as infections (common cold, flu), allergies, sinus problems, exposure to toxins, certain medications, and even neurological disorders. It can be temporary or permanent and can affect one or both senses. It can also accompany other symptoms, such as nasal congestion or a loss of appetite.
| Causes | Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Head Trauma, Neurological Disorders |
|---|---|
| Remedies | Healthy Lifestyle, Nasal irrigation, Olfactory Training |
| Preventive Options | Manage Chronic Condition, Avoid triggering factors, Avoid unncessary medications |
| Treatment Options | Antibiotics, Anti-virals, Anti-inflammatory, Zinc supplements |
| Specialist | ENT Specialist |
Loss of taste or smell, also known as dysgeusia or anosmia, is a condition where a person cannot perceive taste or smell. This can happen suddenly or gradually and can be temporary or permanent. The loss of taste or smell can be caused by various factors, including upper respiratory tract infections, head trauma, exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, and certain medical conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. This blog will deal with causes, tests, and treatments.
The main symptom of loss of smell and taste is the inability to perceive odors and flavors. Additionally, some people may experience the following symptoms in the following.
With the ability to taste or smell food, many people are interested in eating. People who do not feel hungry are more prone to losing taste and smell. A loss of appetite is anorexia, and people have the eating disorder anorexia nervosa.
People may have difficulty telling the difference between sweet, sour, salty, and bitter tastes. The inability to taste is also known as ageusia. Taste buds become insensitive, which is why you lose your appetite or taste.
People may experience a distorted sense of smell, where familiar odors may smell different or unfamiliar.
Some people may experience nasal congestion or a blocked nose, making breathing difficult to breathe and smell.
Loss of smell and taste can cause fatigue, leading to a lack of interest in food and malnutrition.
There are four main types of loss of smell or taste given in the following.
This is a partial loss of the sense of smell. People with hyposmia may find it difficult to smell certain odors or perceive odors as weaker than usual. It decreases the sense of smell or has a decreased ability to detect smells through the nose.
This is a complete loss of the sense of smell. People with anosmia are unable to perceive any odors at all. A stuffy nose can cause a temporary partial loss of smell. A blockage can be caused by a polyp or a nasal fracture which hinders the blockage of smell.
This is a partial loss of the sense of taste. People with hypogeusia may find it difficult to taste certain flavors or may perceive flavors as weaker than usual. It has been attributed to various neurologic, nutritional, and metabolic disorders.
This is a complete loss of the sense of taste. People with ageusia cannot perceive flavors—unable to detect sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and umami. The tongue denotes the texture and helps to sense the taste derived from the smell.
Many medical conditions can be associated with loss of taste or smell. Some of the most common include the following.
An olfactory area controls the taste and smell. Some food also enters the back side of the nose and senses the taste. The taste could interfere with the when small-taste connection. The food does not taste and smell the same.
Many things irritate and inflame the nose and cause a stuffy, runny, itchy, or dripping sense of smell and taste. It includes the common cold, sinus infection, allergies, sneezing, congestion, and the flu. Many problems reduce the loss of smell or taste.
When the air does not get enough air in the nose, the sense of smell suffers. The blockages could occur in nasal polyps. Some tumors grow in the lining of the noses and sinuses. This could be the septum that makes the nasal passages that may treat with nasal spray, medication, or surgery.
The olfactory carries scent information from the nose to your brain. Sometimes, people get trauma to the head and neck, which damages the nose, nasal passage, and the parts of the brain that process that smells. You will notice the loss of smell or taste.
There are some issues with warning signs of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Some medical conditions can damage the nerves and lead to the smell center. That includes diabetes, bell's palsy, Huntington's disease, and Klinefelter syndrome.
Cancer causes the nose, mouth, and brain to affect. This could lead to tumors that interfere with the neck and radiation. Chemotherapy is targeted therapy, and some medication triggers trigger the loss of taste or smell. People have a metallic taste that can change mouths and certain odors.
When people suffer from upper respiratory tract infection, which causes them cold and irritation in the throat, this alters the taste and smell of the patient. Therefore, people have often observed a loss of smell and taste in the upper respiratory.
Injury to the head or face can damage the olfactory nerves and lead to loss of smell and taste. Some neural connections could interrupt the alteration in signals or messages.
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis can affect the olfactory nerves and lead to loss of smell and taste.
Some benign or malignant tumors in the nasal cavity or brain can lead to loss of smell and taste.
Long-term inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses can cause problems in smelling or tasting food.
The diagnosis of loss of taste or smell typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination by a healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician, neurologist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
The treatment for loss of taste or smell will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Some common treatments include the following.
Antibiotics or antiviral medications can be prescribed to treat or prevent upper respiratory infections. Anti-inflammatory medications can be prescribed to treat chronic rhinosinusitis.
Surgery may be recommended to remove tumors or polyps blocking the nasal passages.
If the deficiency is diagnosed, zinc supplements can be prescribed to help recover taste and smell.
It can help to clear nasal passages and improve the ability to smell.
A type of therapy that involves smelling different scents to retrain the brain to recognize and respond to odors.
A type of therapy that involves eating different types of food to retrain the taste buds.
Several preventive measures can help reduce the risk of developing a loss of taste or smell or reduce the impact of the loss of taste or smell on your life, including the following.
Eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking can help lower the risk of certain ear and cardiovascular diseases that can cause loss of taste or smell.
If you have a chronic medical condition like diabetes, work with your healthcare provider to manage it.
If you know what triggers your loss of taste or smell, avoid them as much as possible.
If you work in a high-risk environment, such as construction, wear safety gear to protect your head and neck.
If certain medications have caused loss of taste or smell in the past, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
If you suspect that you have a loss of taste or smell, it is important to see a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation. You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
If you have loss of smell or taste and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified loss of smell or taste doctor. A doctor specializing in treating loss of smell or taste, such as a ENT Specialist, would be the right health professional to consult.
Here is a list of Top verified doctors for loss of smell or taste. You can book an appointment with one to start your loss of smell or taste treatment today.
Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, Kolkata
Rs. 1,000 Consult Fees
SRCC Children Hospital, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai
Rs. 1,500 Consult Fees
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi NCR
Rs. 800 Consult Fees
A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your loss of smell or taste. If you are experiencing loss of smell or taste In that case, it is important to visit a loss of smell or taste hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Check a list of Top Hospitals for loss of smell or taste treatment.
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1918
🛌345 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Super Speciality Hospital
Established in 1950
🛌350 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1962
🛌1000 Beds
5+ Doctors Frequently asked questions and answers about loss of smell or taste.
Is loss of taste or smell a sign of a serious condition?
Loss of taste or smell can be a symptom of a serious condition, such as a stroke or a brain tumor, but it can also be caused by less serious conditions such as sinusitis or medication side effects.
What causes sudden loss of taste and smell?
Sudden loss of taste and smell can be caused by various factors including viral infections, head injuries, nasal polyps, and exposure to certain chemicals. One of the most common causes of sudden loss of taste and smell is COVID-19 infection.
Can I prevent loss of taste or smell?
Some causes of loss of taste or smell can be prevented, such as avoiding triggers, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and protecting your ears.
How long does loss of taste and smell last with COVID-19?
Loss of taste and smell with COVID-19 can vary in duration, but it typically lasts for a few days to a few weeks. Some people may experience partial or complete recovery of their sense of taste and smell within a few weeks, while others may take longer or experience persistent loss of taste and smell.
Can loss of taste or smell be treated with home remedies?
While some home remedies, such as drinking water and ginger tea, can help alleviate symptoms of loss of taste or smell, it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
How do you deal with loss of taste and smell?
There are several ways to deal with loss of taste and smell, including maintaining good nutrition by using strong-flavored foods, practicing good oral hygiene, using nasal saline sprays to keep the nasal passages moist, and trying smell training exercises to help recover the sense of smell. It is important to consult a medical professional if you experience sudden or persistent loss of taste and smell.
Reviews by patients on different.
K .Parsad
Manipal Hospital
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Shikha Jain
CARE Hospital
Dr. has been a wonderful experience for me. He is a cheerful, lively, and upbeat individual. He provides us with actual, actionable, and concrete solutions to our situation. I am quite comfortable discussing any topic connected to life with you. Both mam and sir are the most nicest people I've ever encountered. I am completely satisfied.
P.Harshith Rao
Manipal Hospital
My time with Dr. has been excellent. He is a cheerful, lively, and upbeat individual. He provides us with actual, actionable, and concrete solutions to our situation. I am quite comfortable discussing any topic connected to life with you. Both mam and sir are the most nicest people I've ever encountered. I am completely satisfied.
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