Can a blocked nose cause loss of smell?

Nasal swelling can happen with a common cold, allergic rhinitis, or chronic sinusitis. Smell may fade partly or completely while the nose is congested, and taste can seem weaker because flavour depends partly on smell. COVID-19 can also affect smell, sometimes without marked nasal blockage; Long COVID may cause symptoms that continue after the initial illness. The pattern, duration, and other symptoms help a clinician decide whether the nose, sinuses, or another cause needs attention.

Drink fluids, rest, and use gentle saline nasal rinsing if it suits you and you can prepare or buy it safely. Avoid inserting objects into the nose and avoid smoke or strong irritants. If allergies are suspected, reducing exposure to a known trigger may help. Follow the label for any nasal medicine and ask a pharmacist before using a decongestant, especially if you have high blood pressure or take regular medicines. Do not use leftover antibiotics.

Arrange medical advice if smell does not return as congestion settles, keeps recurring, or is accompanied by facial pain, fever, one-sided blockage, nosebleeds, or vision changes. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, swelling around the eyes, severe headache, confusion, or sudden neurological symptoms.

Could allergies, sinus disease, or a viral infection explain the timing? Should I test for COVID-19? Is a nasal spray or an examination appropriate, and when should my smell be reassessed?