Sudden loss of taste and smell: what to know

A common cold can block airflow to smell receptors, which can make food seem tasteless. COVID-19 may cause an abrupt change in taste or smell, sometimes with other respiratory symptoms. Some people continue to notice altered smell or taste after the infection has settled, sometimes called Long COVID. A change in smell can also alter flavour even when the tongue itself is working normally.

Note whether the change is complete or partial, affects one or both sides, and began with congestion, fever, headache, or exposure to an infection. Loss of taste has its own symptom overview if you want to compare descriptions.

Treat a blocked nose only with products appropriate for you and follow label directions. Keep smoke and strong irritants away from the nose. Check food dates carefully because smell may no longer warn you about spoilage, and use working smoke and gas alarms. Arrange a clinical review if the change persists, keeps returning, follows a head injury, or affects eating and safety.

Seek urgent help for sudden neurological symptoms, severe headache, confusion, weakness on one side, breathing difficulty, or a head injury. Arrange prompt assessment for one-sided nasal blockage with bleeding, severe facial pain, or symptoms that steadily worsen.

Could congestion, infection, medicine, or another problem explain the change? Should I test for an infection? How long should I monitor it? What safety steps should I take while smell is reduced?