Blocked nose and loss of smell: what should you know?

Smell depends on air carrying scent molecules to a specialised area high inside the nose. Swelling or mucus can interrupt that route, so food may seem less flavoursome as well. Allergic Rhinitis, Common Cold, and Chronic Sinusitis can cause this type of change. COVID-19 can affect smell during infection, and Long COVID may be considered when changes continue after the initial illness. Loss of smell has several possible causes and is not diagnostic on its own.

Use saline nasal care as directed, rest, and avoid smoke or strong irritants. If you have new symptoms that could fit COVID-19, follow current local testing and infection-control advice. Do not put essential oils or other substances inside the nose. Arrange a review if smell does not return as the congestion improves, or if the change affects eating, safety, or your enjoyment of daily life. Keep smoke and gas alarms working because smell may not warn you.

Seek medical advice for persistent, worsening, or one-sided blockage, recurrent nosebleeds, facial swelling, or a smell change without a cold or allergy explanation. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, severe facial pain with eye swelling, confusion, or sudden neurological symptoms.

Ask whether the blockage or another cause is affecting smell, whether your nose needs examination, and how to protect food and household safety while smell is reduced.