How long does taste loss last with a cold?

A cold can swell the lining of the nose and limit airflow to smell receptors. Because smell supplies much of the flavour of food, meals may seem bland even when the tongue can still sense sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savoury tastes. Mouth breathing, mucus, dry mouth, and reduced appetite can add to the change. Recovery is usually linked to the cold settling, but ongoing loss of taste or smell should not automatically be attributed to a cold.

Rest, drink fluids, and use simple measures for congestion that are suitable for you. Keep brushing your teeth and tongue gently, avoid smoking, and take care around hot food or spoiled food when smell is reduced. Do not use antibiotics unless a clinician prescribes them. If symptoms began after a possible COVID-19 exposure, follow local testing and medical advice. Make a note of when taste changed and whether nasal blockage is improving.

Arrange an assessment if taste loss persists after the cold has cleared, worsens, returns repeatedly, or makes it hard to eat and drink. Seek prompt care for breathing difficulty, severe dehydration, chest pain, confusion, or a rapidly worsening illness. Consider COVID-19 advice when taste loss is prominent, occurs without typical cold congestion, or follows a relevant exposure. Ongoing symptoms may need assessment for Long COVID or another cause.

Ask whether your nose, mouth, medicines, or another infection could explain the change, whether testing is appropriate, and how long to monitor symptoms before review.