Find Out Why Allergic Rhinitis May Affect Your Sense Of Smell And Taste
Allergic rhinitis causes problems like congestion and inflammation but did you know it can affect your sense of smell and taste too? Here our allergy advisor Louise Baillie goes into this issue in detail and offers some handy tips about how to address the problem.
Louise BaillieAsk Louise
Are There Other Potential Causes Of Loss Of Smell
Costanzo: If people think that, Oh, if you lose your sense of smell, it means you have COVID-19, there are a lot of people that will notice, if you bring to their attention, that their sense of smell is not that good. Especially in the elderly, its a common occurrence as people get older and there are other conditions that can cause a loss of smell. So to call it a predictor of COVID-19 is premature.
Reiter: Yes. Given that there are a lot of people who are presumed positive but are not being tested, there are other respiratory viruses still around, including flu itself. And some of these other viruses, including rhinoviruses which are commonly implicated in the common cold other coronaviruses and influenza, also have been implicated in causing a loss of sense of smell.
What Can You Do
Fortunately, if youre suffering from this problem there are a range of things you can do to deal with it.
Address the problem of congestion any loss of taste and smell is often caused by congestion so dealing with this issue first is a good idea. There are many ways to ease a blocked nose including steam which contains moisture and heat that can help break down mucus and soothes inflammation. A hot bath or shower, as well as hot drinks are ideal for exposing your nose to steam.
Address the problem of inflammation inflammation is largely behind the loss of taste and smell so addressing this issue might improve your situation. One way to do this is to try an anti-inflammatory remedy such as Devils Claw which helps to minimise this problem. Herbal remedies are often preferred when it comes to allergic rhinitis as they dont cause any nasty side effects that conventional medicines might.
Avoid food and drinks high in histamine for those with allergic rhinitis histamine is also at the root of any loss in taste and smell so youll want to avoid giving your body more of this chemical in case it worsens the problem. This means avoiding food and drinks that are high in histamine such as caffeine, alcohol, smoked meat and cashew nuts. As an alternative, there are plenty of foods low in histamine such as eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs, herbal teas and fresh chicken.
Read Also: When Is Allergy Season In Ga
Debunking Myths About Seasonal Allergies And Covid
- Health & Wellness
- COVID-19
The weather is finally getting warmer, and as the flowers begin to bloom individuals with asthma and allergies are feeling the effects. Mold counts are high all throughout parts of the country that have experienced unprecedented rainfall and flooding. Those of us with allergies are watching the pollen levels and mold levels rise throughout the country and experiencing the symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, cough and even allergic asthma symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath.
This year, these common symptoms may be even more worrisome as the COVID-19 virus continues to be top of mind across the country. Dr. Juanita Mora, American Lung Association spokesperson and allergist/immunologist at the Chicago Allergy Center, spoke with us about how to tell the difference between typical allergy symptoms and COVID-19, and how to protect yourself during this confusing time.
Q: How do allergy symptoms differ from COVID-19 symptoms?
A: Allergy symptoms typically include itchy eyes, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, sneezing. COVID-19 symptoms may include fever, cough, chills, body aches and loss of taste or smell. Discuss with your doctor any concerns you have about new symptoms you worry could be COVID-19 or if you have been exposed to someone that currently has COVID-19. You can learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19 on American Lung Association website.
Allergies And Your Sense Of Taste
Imagine uncorking that expensive bottle of wine you have been saving to enjoy with your spouse on your tenth wedding anniversary. You pour it into two sparkling glasses, toast to your love, and then drink. To your disappointment, the specialty wine tastes no different than a five dollar bottle purchased in the grocery store. Can allergies cause loss of taste and smell? Could your allergies actually be the reason your taste buds are in revolt?
Were all aware of the intimate relationship between our sense of smell and our ability to taste, so it shouldnt come as any surprise that when our sense of smell is compromised, our sense of taste is as well. Here are a few ways the effects of allergies alter both our olfactory and gustatory senses:
Recommended Reading: How To Sleep Better With Allergies
How To Tell If Your Loss Of Smell Is Caused By Allergies Or Covid
COVID-19 is still spreading, so its important to consider that your lost sense of smell could be due to a coronavirus infection. But as positive cases decrease across the country and more people become fully vaccinated against the virus, its entirely possible that your loss of smell or taste could be stemming from allergies.
So, how can you tell the difference? First, a loss of smell due to allergies always happens along with nasal congestion, Dr. Schwartz points out. Plus, if allergies are the culprit, the loss of smell will come on gradually, says Kara Wada, M.D., an allergist and immunologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Loss of smell from COVID is pretty sudden, she says.
Its important to keep your personal history with seasonal allergies in mind, too. If youve struggled with them in the past and develop a loss of smell around the same time as you usually develop allergy symptoms, thats worth considering, Dr. Wada says.
If your loss of smell or taste happens in tandem with other notable coronavirus symptoms, especially a fever, you should be more suspicious that you might have COVID-19, says Richard Watkins, M.D., an infectious disease physician and professor of internal medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University.
Symptoms That Occur With Loss Of Taste
A temporary loss of taste can be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the cause. One of the most common is tasting flavor when nothing is present, known as phantom taste perception. You may also have a reduced taste of a flavor, or hypogeusia.
Sinus infection or nasal conditions may present face swelling, pressure or pain, especially around the eyes, nose and forehead regions. Other symptoms may be fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, and postnasal drip.
Symptoms affecting the digestive system may include bloating, indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain or even coughing.
Signs of a nutrient deficiency are fatigue, diarrhea, brittle nails, loss of appetite or hair, a rash, or changes in your tongue.
Issues with the salivary glands are signaled by dry mouth, face or mouth pain, sore throat, fever, redness or swelling of face and neck, or inability to open your mouth.
There are times when immediate medical attention is required with a loss of taste. Seek help if you experience numbness or weakness on one side of the body, any change in vision or speech, or if you have a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recommended Reading: Can Food Allergies Make You Constipated
Why Do Allergies Cause A Loss Of Smell
It has a lot to do with how allergies work in the first place. When you come into contact with something youre allergic to, it sets off a chain reaction that starts in your genes and is expressed by your immune system, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology .
When your immune system detects an allergen, like pollen or grass, it overreacts by making antibodies called Immunoglobulin E . Those antibodies then travel to your cells, where they release chemicals called histaminesand those histamines set off typical allergy symptoms, like a stuffy nose, cough, and itchy, watery eyes.
Heres where a loss of smell comes into play: The nerves that conduct your sense of smell to your brain are located within your nose, says Stanley Schwartz, M.D., Ph.D., division chief of Allergy-Immunology-Rheumatology at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. When youre having an allergic reaction, those nerves can become inflamed and that will cut off your sense of smell, he explains.
Allergies can also cause sinusitis, an inflammation of your sinuses, i.e. the cavities in your skull that are located around your eyes and behind your nose. Sinusitis can cause your sinuses to fill up with mucus, Dr. Schwartz says, and that can affect your ability to smell odors.
What Can I Do To Ease Allergy Symptoms And Rule Out Covid
Keep the windows closed at home to keep pollen out. Switch to taking allergy meds daily, rather than as-needed, says Dr. Fung. Showering or washing hair daily, and reducing outdoor activities on high pollen-count days can also help. She often recommends that patients with bad allergies wear a mask when gardening or doing housework that kicks up common allergens.
If your symptoms get better, youll know it was likely allergies and that you probably dont need to get tested.
If you still need help deciding,;JeffConnect;can put you in touch with a Jefferson doctor. Allergists and other Jefferson providers are available through telehealth.
In the allergy clinic, we can perform skin testing to aeroallergens including pollen, mold, pets and dust mites to help you implement appropriate avoidance measures, perform breathing tests and prescribe allergy and asthma medications, says Dr. Ford. Depending on the severity of your asthma or allergies, you may benefit from biologic therapy or allergen immunotherapy.
Read Also: Can Allergies Make You Throw Up
Cough Cough Sneeze Sniffle: Allergies Or Covid
If you’re an allergy sufferer, the arrival of warmer days not only signals the coming of spring, but it also means the onset of runny noses, sneezing and sniffles. If you haven’t already, you’ve probably found yourself asking, how do I know for certain if my symptoms are due to allergies or COVID-19?;
“It can be a tricky question,” says Christie Barnes, MD, Nebraska Medicine otolaryngologist. “The key is to determine whether you are having additional symptoms on top of your normal allergy symptoms.”
This Q&A answers common questions you may have this fall as you manage your allergies and concerns about COVID-19.;
Can You Lose Your Sense Of Smell Permanently
If you experience changes to your sense of smell as a result of an allergy, then it may take a few weeks for things to return to normal. If you suffer from hayfever and the pollen levels remain elevated, for example, this will continue to cause issues.
If it takes longer than a few weeks for your sense of smell to go back to normal then Id advise visiting your doctor.;
You May Like: Signs Of Seasonal Allergies In Toddlers
Other Things That Cause Loss Of Taste And Smell
Now, if you arent an allergy sufferer but your sense of smell is reduced, there are a few other things that could be causing the problem.;
- Common cold symptoms such as a blocked nose may inhibit your sense of smell during a bout of cold. You can turn to Sinuoforce Nasal Spray in this instance to relieve the congestion and nasal catarrh
- Medication certain medications can cause anosmia. If you have concerns about this then speak to your doctor, but do not stop taking the medication unless advised otherwise
Remember, if your sense of smell or taste is reduced long terms then visit your doctor for expert advice.
How To Regain Your Sense Of Smell
Whether you are recovering from a cold, suffer from an illness, are aging, or are taking certain medications, you may be experiencing anosmia or a loss in sense of smell. You are likely having a hard time going about everyday life. Your sense of smell is directly related to your sense of taste, which means that you probably cant enjoy foods like you used to. Keep reading to learn how you can regain sense of smell.
You may also be unable to enjoy your favorite smells like the scent of freshly brewed coffee, your favorite perfume or cologne, or the earthy smell of rain. Losing your sense of smell can have a significant impact on your life, from preventing you from smelling a carton of milk to see if its spoiled to causing you the inability to smell a fire or gas leak.
Read Also: Do Infants Have Allergies
About Allergy Ent & Associates
At Allergy ENT & Associates, we take pride in our advanced allergy, asthma, and ENT care services throughout Houston, Texas. Our team is composed of board-certified allergists that work closely with you to understand your symptoms and find reliable, long-term treatment solutions. With over 15 locations throughout Texas, we strive to make it simple to receive the diagnosis and treatment of allergy, asthma, and sinus diseases. Our goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where we can provide a seamless experience for allergy, ENT, and asthma care. Experience the difference in quality care and services through our clinics throughout Texas.
Cleaning Inside Your Nose Can Help
Rinsing the inside of your nose with a saltwater solution may help if your sense of smell is affected by an infection or allergy.
You can make a saltwater solution at home.
You do not need to use all of the solution, but make a fresh batch each day do not reuse any left over from the day before.
Some pharmacies sell sachets you can use to make a saltwater solution and devices to help you rinse your nose.
Recommended Reading: Is Pine Nuts A Nut Allergy
How Is Anosmia Diagnosed
The loss of smell is difficult to measure. Your doctor may ask you some questions about your current symptoms, examine your nose, perform a complete physical examination, and ask about your health history.
They may ask questions about when the problem started, if all or only some types of odors are affected, and whether or not you can taste food. Depending on your answers, your doctor may also perform one or more of the following tests:
- CT scans, which use X-rays to create a detailed image of the brain
- MRI scans, which uses radio waves and magnets to view the brain
- X-ray of the skull
Can Allergies Make You Lose Taste
There are many different types of allergies, but one that is less talked about is an allergy to taste. This can make eating a lot more difficult and can result in weight loss or malnutrition because the person cannot enjoy their food. We will explore how this type of allergy affects your taste and what you should do if you have it! Allergies can make it difficult to taste. Some allergens are airborne and will affect your nose, throat, or lungs before impacting your sense of taste.
Other types of allergies may not be as noticeable at first but they can still cause an individual to lose their ability to enjoy food. Each personâs body reacts differently so there is no way of knowing how much damage the allergy might do until after a diagnosis has been made by going through some tests like blood work or saliva analysis.. Comment: The content should explain why this type of allergy affects oneâs ability to taste what they eat. It does not need numbers in it because that would just distract from the main point which is explaining how this kind of
Also Check: How To Treat Ragweed Allergies
Can Nasal Spray Cause Loss Of Taste
tastelosstastenasalspray
Answer I certainly found the warning that fluticasone, like other nasal steroids, can cause alterations in taste and smell.
Also, what causes you to lose your sense of taste? Aside from normal aging, the most common causes of a loss of the sense of taste are: Nasal airway problems, especially nasal congestion caused by allergies or the common cold. Upper airway infection, such as sinus infection, tonsillitis, or sore throat.
In this regard, what medications can cause loss of taste?
Other commonly used medications that can cause taste and flavor difficulties are allopurinol, captopril, enalapril, nitroglycerin, diltiazem, dipyridamole, nifedipine, hydrochlorothiazide, lisinopril, lithium, lovastatin, and levodopa.
Can you lose your sense of taste from a sinus infection?
Your sense of smell or taste is “off”Again, the same inflammation that interferes with your sinuses‘ natural ability to drain can mess with your sense of smell and taste. So a sinus infection can dull your sense of taste, even though you‘ll still be able to tell if something is salty or sweet, according to Dr. Papa.
