Loss of smell and taste: what to know

The tongue detects basic tastes such as sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savoury. Smell adds the detailed identity of food, so nasal congestion or a change in smell may make meals seem flat. Colds, allergic rhinitis, sinus problems, COVID-19, and changes that continue after COVID-19 are possible causes. A perceived taste loss may therefore be mainly a smell problem, a taste problem, or both.

Notice whether you can detect sweet, salty, sour, or bitter separately from recognising a food's flavour. Record the onset, associated congestion or illness, and any medicines taken. Choose familiar foods with varied textures, keep hydrated, and take care with hot food. Check expiry dates visually because smell may not warn you about spoilage. Seek advice if the change persists, affects nutrition, or makes daily safety difficult.

Arrange medical review for persistent or repeated smell or taste loss, unexplained weight change, difficulty eating, or a new one-sided nasal symptom. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, facial swelling, confusion, severe headache, or sudden neurological symptoms. Assessment may include an examination of the nose and mouth, a review of recent infections and medicines, and further testing when indicated.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest smell loss, taste loss, or both; whether congestion or allergy treatment could help; how to protect food and smoke safety; and how long to monitor the change before further assessment.