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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sudden Loss Of Sense Of Smell And Taste After Treating Flu?

I had flu like sx about 4 weeks ago for a few days, of which a cough, post nasal drip and congestion continued. Approx a week ago I noticed I have absolutely no sense of smell or taste, it came on suddenly. I am unable to even strong smells like vinegar, pine sol, coffee, pickles., and have absolutely no taste. My nasal passages have seemed to clear the last two days yet I still have no sense of smell or taste (at all). This is not a dimished taste or smell this is absolutely nothing. I have a call into my PCP hoping they return call tomorrow, yet I am so concerned this can be permanent. I am on no medication that should cause this (Losartan only).
Thu, 10 May 2018
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

You have symptoms of sudden loss of sense of smell and taste after treating flu which could be due to sinusitis mainly due to inflammation of sinuses and could be due to glossopharyngeal nerve dysfunction.

I would suggest you visit neurologist once and get it examined. You should take a diet rich in zinc supplements as that will recover taste. You should take proper antibiotic an and anti-inflammatory medication course to suppress sinus infection. Take medications which lower down autoimmune and maintain proper oral hygiene and use oral corticosteroids as well because if it's due to any allergy it will resume back taste.

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

Regards,      
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Causes Sudden Loss Of Sense Of Smell And Taste After Treating Flu?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. You have symptoms of sudden loss of sense of smell and taste after treating flu which could be due to sinusitis mainly due to inflammation of sinuses and could be due to glossopharyngeal nerve dysfunction. I would suggest you visit neurologist once and get it examined. You should take a diet rich in zinc supplements as that will recover taste. You should take proper antibiotic an and anti-inflammatory medication course to suppress sinus infection. Take medications which lower down autoimmune and maintain proper oral hygiene and use oral corticosteroids as well because if it s due to any allergy it will resume back taste. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Harry Maheshwari