Why Do I Have No Sense Of Smell For Years Which Returns For A Short While Only After A Course Of Antibiotics And Steroids?

Posted on Tue, 21 Aug 2018

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

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 Answered on

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I have no sense of smell and haven’t had for years but sometimes it comes back after a course of steroids and antibiotics so what causes it?

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Inflammation suppressing the olfaction

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

You seem to have developed chronic inflammation on the olfactory nasal receptors in the nostrils. If you have any chronic problems like rhinitis, allergies, polyps and thickened septum the nasal receptors would not work effectively sending the sensations to the brain.

Now when you have antibiotics or steroid shots or nasal sprays they temporarily suppress the inflammation and the receptors are free to send sensations to the brain.
This is not a good thing. You should get this checked by ENT surgeon / otorhinolaryngologist in your area. This can be treated effectively during the early stages.

Let me know if you need any more help on this.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

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