Do Allergies Cause Loss Of Smell

For People Who Are Having This Symptom When Do You Think They Can Expect To Start To Recover Their Sense Of Smell If At All

Reiter: On one hand, Ill say its a little bit of uncharted territory because we wouldnt really know exactly how this particular virus will behave. But with other causes of loss of sense of smell, including with other viruses, it can depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of the loss. The nerves of the sense of smell can regenerate, and with that, the sense of smell can be restored even in people who have a complete loss. But that recovery of nerves is very slow, so it can take up to a year or a year and a half to recover. Thats not saying, by any means, that everyone is going to recover, but just that, for those who are going to recover, it may take that length of time. Presumably, with a milder injury, it can be a little bit of a quicker process, but thats unknown right now.

Flonase Caused My Loss Of Smell

Flonase caused my loss of smell. If I dont take Flonase for a little bit, a lot of it will come back- but not all of it.

This is a dilemma however. I either suffer during allergy season or have a sense of smell.

Generally what I end up doing is not taking Flonase during the winter months, as my allergies are not as bad then.

That works perfectly until I go inside somewhere with cats, dogs, or even random grass growing in their house?

Then my allergies start kicking up big time. While I will attest that Flonase is incredibly powerful, the loss of smell can be a little rough.

Eat Foods Enriched With Zinc

Yet another one of the common reasons behind the loss of taste and smell is caused because of the zinc deficiency in the body.

If you do want to regain the senses, one of the best ways to do so is by consuming foods that are enriched with zinc naturally. Zinc isnt stored in our body for a long time which is the reason why it is necessary that you consume it constantly.

• 1-2 times daily

You May Like: Twix Peanut Free

More Loss Of Smell With Steroid Nasal Sprays:

Q. I used Flonase for many years and have lost about 90 percent of my sense of smell and have significant loss of taste. Six years ago I had sinus surgery in hopes of improving these senses but it didnt work.

I stopped using Flonase last year. No doctor ever suggested my loss of my sense of smell was from using Flonase. In retrospect, though, Im pretty certain Flonase was the cause.

A. Steroid nasal sprays such as fluticasone and triamincinolone used to treat allergies are considered so safe that they are now available without prescription. Nevertheless, many other readers have reported problems with the senses of smell or taste associated with using such a steroid nasal spray.

Here is another report:

I had very few problems with allergies until moving to Florida. About a year ago, I had congestion in my nasal passages. I bought some Nasacort and used it according to the directions for four days.

Then I lost my senses of taste and smell. I wrote to the company to ask if they had any suggestions for a cure. I also asked my doctor who said, Your senses will probably return. They havent. The company said they had never heard of such a problem. Do you know of anything that will help me regain my senses of smell and taste?

We wish we had a solution. While this side effect is listed in the information for prescription Flonase, there is no mention of it on either OTC drug label. There may not be a cure for this distressing condition.

Why Might Allergic Rhinitis Affect Your Sense Of Smell And Taste

Receptors on the taste buds of our tongue determine the taste of something be that sweet, sour, spicy or salty. This information is gathered and then sent straight to the brain where it is processed. However, flavour is only detected with the help of the sense of smell. Smells are detected by receptors found in the lining of the nose. This information is melded with that from the taste buds to generate flavour. The sense of taste and sense of smell therefore work together; and if one doesn’t function properly then neither can.

As mentioned, when suffering from allergic rhinitis histamine is released by the immune system in an attempt to fight off allergens. This causes issues like inflammation which can occur all over the body, including in the nasal passages where it obstructs the flow of air. This impairs smell and, because the two are connected, it negatively affects taste too. With congestion now an issue, the tongue must do all the work in determining the taste of something and, as a result, our sense of taste is compromised.;

However, for allergic rhinitis sufferers, this isnt the only thing that can cause loss of taste and smell. Nasal polyps, which are abnormal sacs of fluid that grow in the inside of the nose, are an unfortunate side effect of allergic rhinitis that can block air flow through the nose. Once again, the close relationship between taste and smell means that if one isnt working properly, neither will.

Recommended Reading: Developing Food Allergies In 20s

Can Allergies Cause Loss Of Taste And Smell

Its springtime, which means that seasonal allergies are in full swing. If you suffer from allergies, then you are probably used to a range of symptoms: sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and more. However, in light of the pandemic, you might also be thinking about another potential symptom. Can allergies cause loss of taste and smell, or is this always a COVID symptom? The answer can be confusing. Well break it down in the article below.

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.

Don’t Miss: Twix Ingredients Allergy

I Lost My Sense Of Smell: Do I Have Covid

Understanding the differences between common smell loss and COVID-19 symptoms

Do I have COVID-19 or is it something else? This question has probably crossed your mind a time or two or maybe even 20. COVID-19 symptoms can be so similar to other conditions, its not unusual to search your symptoms to see if you need to be tested.;

One COVID-19 symptom thats frequently Googled: smell loss.;

There are actually a variety of reasons other than COVID-19 why someone may lose their sense of smell, says;Bobby Tajudeen, MD, director of rhinology, sinus surgery and skull base surgery at Rush University Medical Center. It can be due to nasal or sinus inflammation, or other viral infections distinct from COVID-19. And it can even occur as a result of some neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimers or dementia , or vitamin deficiencies. Rarely tumors can present with smell loss.

So how do you know if its COVID-19 or something else thats keeping you from enjoying the fragrant scent of your Christmas tree or the aroma of freshly baked holiday treats? And when should you see a specialist for smell loss?

Tajudeen says that while smell loss from congestion or common viral infections and COVID-19-related smell loss may feel the same on the surface, whats happening internally and how the symptoms present themselves is actually very different.;

How Is Anosmia Treated

Your physician will examine you to determine the cause of your smell disturbance. Because anosmia can result from any number of ;conditions, your doctor will first address the primary condition that seems to be causing the problem. For example, if you have allergic sinusitis, treating it can help restore the olfactory sense. If nasal tumors, nasal polyps or nasal deformities require surgery, that may be the first step. In other cases, anosmia can be an early symptom of a disease such as Alzheimers or Parkinsons.

However, its important to know that sometimes the cause of smell disorder cant be determined for certain. And sometimes anosmia cannot be treated.

Also Check: Do Twix Have Nuts In Them

How Do I Know If My Smell Loss Is Related To Covid

While on its face, COVID-19-related smell loss and smell loss due to other viral infections may look the same, they are different. ;

Tajudeen explains that instead of attacking the olfactory sensory neurons, COVID-19 affects the neurons supporting cells. You obviously cant see this happening, so the telltale sign is when the smell loss occurs.;

With most viral infections, smell loss will occur after the other viral symptoms the nasal congestion and runny nose have come and gone. With COVID-19, smell loss one of the first signs of infection.

Smell loss is actually an early sign of COVID-19 and usually occurs for those who have a mild form of the virus, says Tajudeen. Patients with smell loss are normally at home recovering and not admitted into the hospital or on a ventilator.

If your first symptom is smell loss, that is a good indicator to get tested and quarantine.;

Another major difference is the length of smell recovery. With other viruses, recovery could take months and sometimes even years. Smell recovery for COVID-19 patient usually takes about four weeks. Tajudeen suggests that this could be because COVID-19 affects supporting cells, which regenerate faster than olfactory sensory neurons.;

When To See A Doctor

Losing your sense of taste while nursing a cold, allergies, or flu is likely temporary. But in some cases, it could be a sign of a serious condition. Long-term, it can lead to under- or overeating, malnutrition, and poorer quality of life.

See a doctor if loss of taste goes well beyond a recent bout of congestion or illness, has come on suddenly, or is accompanied by other symptoms.

If needed, a doctor can refer you to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat specialist for evaluation.

Warning

Even if you have no other symptoms, losing your sense of taste could be a sign of COVID-19. If you think this is a possibility, its important to immediately self-isolate. Do not go to your doctors office, as this could expose other people. Call to arrange a virtual visit or COVID-19 testing.

• trouble breathing

Don’t Miss: Allergy Pills Claritin

What If You Lose Your Smelling Senses Overnight

Tajudeen says that a sudden loss of smell can mean a viral condition is at play.;

Usually when people have a cold, they have congestion and a runny nose, and they cant breathe through their nose, he says. At the base level that usually causes a temporary reduction in smell. However, once the congestion resolves, in patients with viral induced smell loss, their smell does not recover.;

While most cold viruses cause congestion, other viruses can actually affect the olfactory sensory neurons in the nose. These neurons detect and send odorant information to the central nervous system. When a virus attacks these neurons, it can trigger a sudden, complete loss of smell, a condition referred to anosmia.;

This sudden smell loss usually happens after you experience a severe cold, once your other cold symptoms have cleared up. It can result in a loss of smell that lasts from 6 months to years; in some instances, it may even be permanent. Additionally, patients may report phantom smells such as smelling smoke or gasoline when not present or having altered smells.;

How Do Allergies Cause Laryngitis

When airborne allergens are inhaled, the immune system views them as a threat and triggers the blood cells to release histamines, causing an inflammatory response marked by increased mucus production. Mucus absorbs moisture, causing the vocal folds in the larynx to dry out. This leads to increased friction during speech, which causes irritation and swelling.

The result? Cold-like symptoms that include hoarseness, a dry and scratchy throat, coughing, sneezing, excess mucus/phlegm and a weak or raspy voice that might disappear altogether.

Environmental irritants responsible for allergic laryngitis range from pollen produced by trees, grasses and weeds, to mold and fungi spores, tobacco smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, dust mites and animal dander.

Recommended Reading: Clarentine

What Is Loss Of Smell

Loss of smell results from nasal congestion or blockage of the nose, or it can be a sign of a nervous system condition. The medical term for loss of smell is anosmia. A partial loss of smell is called hyposmia.

Loss of smell is often caused by conditions affecting the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages. This symptom is frequently reported by individuals infected with the novel responsible for COVID-19. Allergic reactions are a common cause of loss of smell. Such reactions may be triggered by pollen , animal dander, foods, or medicines.

The sense of smell contributes enormously to the taste and enjoyment of food. Any loss of smell negatively impacts a persons overall quality of life.

Upper respiratory infections cause inflammation of the nasal passage and are common causes of loss of smell. These infections include the common cold, , and influenza. Temporary loss of the sense of smell is common with nasal allergies, such as hay fever . Some medications may also cause loss of smell.

The sudden onset of loss of smell associated with or numbness in the arms or fingers, especially if it occurs on only one side of the body, can be a sign of stroke. Seek immediate medical care if you develop weakness or numbness on one side of your body.

Seek prompt medical care if your loss of smell is persistent or causes you concern.

There Were Big Limitations In This Study

Its hard to do a study like this for many reasons. Firstly, think about it, our noses and taste are already screwed up as it is

Most people taking Flonase arent doing it for the heck of it- its because they have severe allergies and other problems.

This means they may be taking more medicines already, may have already suffered nasal damage, or have had other surgeries related to their nose.

Whos to say that these taste and smell problems werent directly associated to that?

You May Like: Baby Pollen Allergy Symptoms

Other Factors To Consider

In any of these situations mentioned above, if OTC treatments do not provide rapid improvement in symptoms, seeing an ENT specialist can help differentiate between the various conditions that may be causing smell loss.

Your age as well as how long you have had symptoms of smell loss before seeking treatment, no matter what the cause, are the two main factors affecting your ability to regain your sense of smell. Therefore, if your smell does not return quickly, you should see an ENT specialist as soon as possible.

For those with loss of smell, there are safety concerns that should be considered, such as making sure all smoke detectors are working properly; installing natural gas or propane leak alarms if there are gas appliances, fireplaces, furnaces, or water heaters in the home; and checking food expiration dates.

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.

Recommended Reading: Allergy To Pine Nuts

Scientific Study Anosmia After Intranasal Zinc Gluconate Use Proves Flonase Causes Nasal Damage

A study back in 2004 called, Anosmia after Intranasal Zinc Gluconate Use looked into this and ruled that, yes, nasal sprays including Flonase damage the nose.

In fact, here is the direct quote:

the severe hyposmia or anosmia appears to be long lasting or permanent in some cases. The mechanism of olfactory loss is thought to be the direct action of the divalent zinc ion on the olfactory receptor cell.

Anosmia after Intranasal Zinc Gluconate UseBruce W. Jafek, M.D., Miriam R. Linschoten, Ph.D., Bruce W. Murrow, M.D., Ph.D.

Sowhat does this mean?

They are saying that the zinc ion is interacting with the olfactory receptor cell.

The olfactory receptor cell is the part of your nose that actually detects smells and reacts to them. The zinc is directly damaging this.

This means ultimately your smelling detectors in your nose will get damaged.