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What Causes Anosmia After Having Bath?

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Posted on Wed, 1 Oct 2014
Question: my partner was bleaching a duvet cover in a bath of water today - he said he put in quite a lot - was in the room for five minutes - but now can't smell anything and only has very slight taste - is there any chance that this will not be permanent. we are very worried!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Smell and taste will recover.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From the information you have provided, it is most unlikely that there will be any long term problem. If the only symptoms are as you describe then the outlook for a full recovery and return of smell and taste is excellent.
Signs to look out for and which would raise concern would be any difficulty in breathing or excessive coughing, burning of the mouth, nose or skin.
If any of these occur, you should go to the emergency department.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (26 minutes later)
that's very encouraging. just about everything we read on the internet seemed to imply that it would not return. do you have any comment on that?
thanks again...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Not an excessive exposure.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your further query. If there is repeated exposure of high concentration bleach fumes in a confined space then there would be a risk of damage to taste and smell. Or if the exposure had resulted in chemical burns around the nasal passages or throat. The exposure you describe has not been as extreme as this which is why I am optimistic of a full recovery.
I hope this helps. Any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Kerry Pottinger

Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1337 Questions

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What Causes Anosmia After Having Bath?

Brief Answer: Smell and taste will recover. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From the information you have provided, it is most unlikely that there will be any long term problem. If the only symptoms are as you describe then the outlook for a full recovery and return of smell and taste is excellent. Signs to look out for and which would raise concern would be any difficulty in breathing or excessive coughing, burning of the mouth, nose or skin. If any of these occur, you should go to the emergency department. I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger