What Causes Persistent Nasal Congestion And Loss Of Sense Of Smell?

Posted on Thu, 15 Dec 2016

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

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 Answered on

Thu, 5 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a sinus/nasal infection, on and off since last FEB, 2016.
My latest culture was negative but I'm still nasal sounding, stuffy, congested and I have little to no sense of taste or smell. My ENT doc is puzzled and can't figure out what to do, as my 5th anti-biotitic didn't help. any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would advise you to stop all medication.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, welcome to HCM,

Sometimes this kind of thing happens. I would advise you to stop all medications (other than the ones mentioned below).

Is your blood sugar normal ?
Do steam inhalation with Vicks or Eucalyptus oil twice a day.
Also instill saline nasal drops into both nostrils.
Also take a good vitamin B complex with vitamin C and Zinc, and a probiotic on daily basis.

Give it some time--
Over a period of time, I am sure you will improve.
Another option is to give you a short course of steroids.

Please revert back with your response to my advise.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee