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What Causes Anosmia After Having Bath?
Posted on
Mon, 8 Sep 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 8 Sep 2014
Answered on
Wed, 1 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
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!
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
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
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...
thanks again...
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
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
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Kerry Pottinger
Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist
Practicing since :1983
Answered : 1337 Questions
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