I read what was alreaady there, but I don't quite get it I guess. I got a
common cold three weeks ago and two weeks ago I woke up and could not smell
anything. I mean anything. The night before my sense of smell was fine. I
am taking zinc and will be going to the Doctor when I return home in a month.
Until then what can I do?? I want to know how common this is, the chances
of it being permanent. Do most people just get over it?? I have never had a
problem with smell before in my life. I am 56/female and totally healthy, no
real problems at all.
Reply: ------------------------------
Most likely your loss of sense of smell is related to the recent upper respiratory infection and is probably due to residual swelling of the lining inside your sinuses and nasal passages. This type of smell disturbance is most likely transient and will resolve with resolution of the swelling. Until you see your physician, you might consider a short trial (3 days or less) of topical administration of decongestant nasal spray such as Afrin or Neo-synephrine - check with your physician first if you have significant blood pressure or heart problems. The most commonly used prescription medication which would be recommended at this point would be topical nasal steroid sprays possibly combined with a decongestant. If symptoms persist beyond a few months, CT scanning would be recommended to determine whether chronic sinusitis might be present.
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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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