Why Have I Had No Sense Of Smell For Several Years?

Posted on Tue, 21 Aug 2018

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

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 Answered on

Sat, 26 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. Dr. Parth Goswami (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Chronic Rhinitis or sinusitis can be the possibility.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

The sense of smell can be affected when there is a presence of chronic inflammation of nasal mucosa or sinusitis. Polyp like obstructive cause also can affect olfaction.

I suggest Rhinoscopy nose examination for you to find any edematous mucosa, polyp like lesion if present. It's advisable to investigate with paranasal sinus X ray to rule out sinusitis if present.

Steroid can decrease inflammation. So olfaction can return because of depressed olfaction stimuli can return.
Underlying cause-specific treatment should be the priority.

I suggest you consult otorhinolaryngologist for rhinoscopy nose examination.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana