i had sinus surgury april 15 1996 still can not smell any ideals
also went back to work were i am breathing (mmmf) man made mineral fibers
and fiberglass inside where i work (courthouse)built in 1992.
thanks for ant information
Reply ------------------------
Diminished or absence of the sense of smell may be the result of chronic sinus or nasal disease. The sensory smell disorder may be the result of anatomic obstruction preventing air-borne particles from reaching the nerve endings which are located high in the nasal vault, or it may be related to nerve injury. The most common cause of anosmia or hyposmia is related to obstruction caused by swelling in common upper respiratory infections and resolves in most cases with resolution of the infection. Chronic sinus or nasal conditions such as allergy, polyps, deviated septums, etc. also frequently cause taste and smell dysfunction and can many times be corrected by medical or surgical intervention. If nerve injury is responsible, it is quite likely that the symptom might be permanent, despite successful resolution of the chronic sinus disease. Smell and secondary taste disorders can also follow nasal or sinus surgery, usually due to surgical swelling which can be expected to resolve with time. Perhaps the best means of determining the reversibility of smell disorders occuring in the presence of chronic sinus or nasal conditions is a trial of topical nasal steroid or systemic steroid such as a short trial of prednisone. Medical intervention outside of what I have mentioned for the specific treatment of a disorder in the sense of smell is quite limited.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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