Hay fever and loss of taste: what you should know

Hay fever can make food taste bland because nasal inflammation reduces the sense of smell that contributes to flavour, but a marked or persistent loss of taste may have another cause. The change may be more noticeable during pollen exposure and can occur alongside a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, or itchy eyes.

Taste and smell work together when you eat. If swollen nasal passages stop aromas reaching smell receptors, familiar foods may seem flat even though basic tastes such as sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savoury can still be detected. A dry mouth, medicines, a viral infection, or another nose or mouth problem can also alter taste. COVID-19 and the common cold may cause changes in smell or taste, so symptoms should be considered with their timing and other features.

Reduce contact with the pollen that triggers your symptoms where practical, and follow the directions for any hay fever treatment recommended by a pharmacist or clinician. Drinking fluids and keeping your mouth clean may help if dryness or an unpleasant mouth sensation is adding to the problem. Avoid smoking and do not add extra salt or sugar simply because food tastes weaker. Notice whether taste returns as your nasal symptoms settle, and record any new medicine or infection that preceded the change.

Arrange medical advice if loss of taste is sudden, severe, continues after your hay fever symptoms improve, or keeps returning without a clear pollen pattern. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, confusion, or difficulty swallowing. Contact a clinician promptly if the change is accompanied by a high temperature, significant facial pain, or other symptoms that suggest an infection.

You could ask: Could nasal congestion explain this change, or should another cause be checked? Which hay fever treatment fits my symptoms and other medicines? How long should I monitor the change before arranging a review? Should I take precautions for a possible viral infection?