What Can Cause Loss Of Taste And Smell After A Bout Of Severe Cold?

Posted on Wed, 7 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 7 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : yes.
After a terrible cold in November I lost my sense of smell and taste. Will they ever come back?

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A number of causes.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

This could be due to a number of causes including nasal congestion which can be relieved by nasal decongestants or it could be due to the development of nasal polyps that needs to be removed.

Another cause is an age-related loss of sense of taste and smell which can be improved by oral prednisone or cortisone based nasal sprays. You should know that complete recovery may not be achieved in all cases.

I hope you find helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Salah Saad Shoman, Internal Medicine Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana