How to recover loss of smell

A cold, allergic rhinitis, or sinus inflammation can block odours from reaching smell receptors. Viral illness can also alter how those receptors or their nerve pathways work, sometimes after other symptoms have improved. Reduced smell can change flavour and make it harder to notice smoke, gas, spoiled food, or other hazards.

The pattern matters: congestion, facial pressure, nasal discharge, recent infection, head injury, and medicine changes point to different possibilities. Persistent loss may need an examination of the nose and a review of related symptoms.

Manage a blocked nose according to advice from a pharmacist or clinician. Saline rinsing may be suitable for some people; use clean water prepared as directed and a clean device. Do not put irritants, concentrated oils, or unprescribed products inside the nose.

You can try gentle smell training by choosing a few familiar, non-irritating scents, smelling each briefly, and paying attention to what you notice. Stop if it causes discomfort. Label food dates, check smoke and gas alarms, and ask someone else to check food safety when smell is absent.

Arrange an appointment if loss of smell persists, returns repeatedly, follows a head injury, or occurs with one-sided blockage, nosebleeds, facial swelling, or ongoing sinus symptoms. Seek urgent help after a head injury with confusion, weakness, severe headache, or repeated vomiting, or for breathing difficulty.

Ask whether allergy, sinus inflammation, infection, a medicine, or another cause could explain the change; whether nasal treatment is appropriate; and whether testing or referral is needed. Bring the date of onset and details of congestion, infection, injury, and smell distortions.