How to Get Your Taste Back From a Cold

Much of what you experience as flavour comes from smell. A cold can swell the lining of the nose and trap mucus, so aromas do not reach the smell receptors normally. Food may therefore seem bland even when the taste buds on your tongue are working. A dry mouth, fever, or reduced appetite can add to the problem.

The change should gradually improve with the cold. A separate illness can also cause vomiting, and repeated vomiting can leave you dehydrated and make eating difficult.

Drink water regularly and rest. Saline nasal spray or a gentle saline rinse may loosen mucus; use a rinse only with sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water. Warm fluids can feel soothing. Brush your teeth and tongue gently, and try small portions of foods with contrasting textures or clear flavours, such as citrus, herbs, or spices, if they suit you.

Avoid smoking and do not use decongestant sprays for longer than the product instructions allow. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, are pregnant, or take regular medicines, check with a pharmacist before using a decongestant.

Arrange medical advice if taste or smell does not begin to improve after the cold, keeps worsening, or returns with repeated episodes. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, confusion, severe headache with a stiff neck, inability to keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine and marked dizziness. Vomiting with severe abdominal pain may need prompt assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a simple cold, whether a nasal examination is needed, and which congestion treatments are suitable with your health conditions and medicines. Mention when the change began, whether smell is also reduced, and any fever, facial pain, vomiting, or recent exposure to illness.