How long do loss of taste and smell last?

A blocked or inflamed nose can reduce smell, and because smell contributes strongly to flavour, food may seem tasteless. COVID-19 can affect smell even without heavy congestion. A common cold can cause a similar change. Recovery may be uneven: smells can return faintly, become distorted, or vary from day to day. Persistent symptoms can occur as part of Long COVID and should be discussed if they affect eating, safety or wellbeing.

Keep meals nutritious and choose safe textures and temperatures rather than relying only on flavour. Check food dates carefully because smell may not warn you about spoilage, and make sure smoke and gas alarms work. Saline nasal care may help congestion when used as directed. Avoid putting unprescribed substances inside the nose. Smell training with familiar, safe scents may be discussed with a clinician, especially when recovery is slow.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, severe headache with neurological changes, or confusion. Arrange an assessment if the change began after a head injury, affects nutrition, is accompanied by one-sided nasal blockage or bleeding, or does not gradually improve. A clinician can check for nasal, neurological or medication-related causes and advise whether specialist review is needed.

Could congestion, medicine or another condition explain my symptoms? Is smell training suitable for me? How can I keep food and gas safety while my senses are reduced? When should I be referred for further assessment?