What Causes The Loss Of Sense Of Smell?

Posted on Wed, 29 Mar 2017

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

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 Answered on

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi i have had a cold for a month now and my sense of smell has gone i can only smell strong sents even tho my nose is clear

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You may try with Nasal Steroids

Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.

I have gone through your concern and can understand your concern.

The lost sense of smell can occur due to Cold infection in the nose.It might be due to inflammation/oedema in the lining of the nose,or it might be due to involvement of the nerve for the smell in the nose due to infection.

You may find relief by taking the following medications:
Nasal Steroid Spray like Mometasone (you may use this spray twice daily in both the nasal cavities for a month) ,
Multivitamin tablet(especially containing Vitamin B1,B6,B12),
Nasal Decongestant drops(like Oxymetazoline) for a short period(around 7 days)(take only if you are not suffering from Hypertension) and
Saline Nasal Spray.

Also do steam inhalation.Avoid cold food and dust.Drink lots of warm fluids.

Hope this answers your question.I would be happy to answer in case of any further questions.Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana