Loss of Smell and Taste

Our ability to taste and smell are gifts of nature. Sense of taste help us to enjoy delicious foods and beverages. While the sense of smell lets us enjoy so many rich fragrances. These two senses are very closely related to one another. As a result, loss of smell often leads to loss of taste. An example of this condition is loss of smell and taste after a cold. Our nasal passages get blocked due to the common cold and we fail to taste the food we eat. If the loss is for a short term, then it causes a minor annoyance to us. However, if it lasts for a longer time, then it could be a serious matter. The inability to get a warning sign for spoiled food or a gas leak can be dangerous for our health and safety.

What Causes Loss of Smell and Taste?

There are several factors starting from diseases to injury that can lead to loss of taste and smell. Research studies have found that loss of smell and taste starts naturally with the increase in age due to degeneration of the nerves that control the senses of smell and taste. Many people above the age of 60 tend to lose the ability to taste and smell because of this reason.

Blockage in the nasal passage is the most common cause. It can happen due to sinus infection, upper respiratory infection, allergies, growth of polyps in nasal or sinus cavity, etc. In all these conditions, the aroma reaching the smell receptors in the nasal passage decreases because of the obstruction and give rise to the problem of smell and taste.

Some people are born with lack of sense of smell and taste. It is also known as congenital anosmia. Any kind of head injury that affect the nerves responsible for smell can cause temporary or permanent loss of smell and taste. People with diseases of nervous system, hormonal disturbances, gum diseases or patients who have lost their larynx or voice box can also face this kind of problems.

Those who are undergoing radiation therapy for the treatment of cancers of the head or neck region are likely to lose the sensations of smell and taste. Side effects of certain medicines, exposure to harmful chemicals like insecticide for prolonged period of time can disable these senses. Smoking can cause extensive damage to the nasal membranes and thus the sense of smell get weakened and the foods seemed to be tasteless.

Treatment

The treatment for loss of smell and taste largely depends on the underlying cause responsible for this condition. The causes is diagnosed with nasal examination using nasal telescope, x-ray and CT scan, medical history of the patient, etc. When it is caused by nasal congestion due to common cold, then steam inhalation, hot shower will help to clear the nasal passage and resume the sense of smell and taste. If one quits the habit of smoking then improvement in the smell and taste function can be seen. If it is a side effect of any medicine, then one can smell and taste normally once the drug is stopped or changed. Nasal polyps often require treatment with antibiotics or surgery. When it is caused due to some diseases, then once that disease is treated one can regain the sense of smell and taste. The best part is that our body has a natural mechanism to replace the damaged or old nerve cells and replace them with new ones and thus the senses are regained.

So if you are suffering from the loss of smell and taste, wait patiently till the underlying cause is cured. Till then, adjust your lifestyle with the change. Like, install smoke alarms in the house, avoid burning of food or fire hazards while cooking, maintain proper ventilation when you work with toxic substances, etc. This way you can lead a normal life too.