Why does chronic sinusitis cause loss of smell?

To smell, airborne scent particles must travel through the nasal passages to a small sensory area near the top of the nose. Persistent swelling, mucus, and nasal polyps can obstruct that route, so food and familiar scents may seem muted or absent. Loss of Smell is a very common presentation of Chronic Sinusitis. A reduced sense of smell can also follow a cold, occur with allergies, result from a head injury, or have neurological and medicine-related causes. The timing and accompanying symptoms are important when deciding what is behind the change.

Arrange a review if smell loss persists or accompanies ongoing nasal blockage. In the meantime, check that smoke alarms are working and take extra care with gas, spoiled food, and household chemicals because smell may not warn you about them. Saline nasal rinsing may help clear mucus for some people when made with sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water. A clinician can examine the nose and discuss treatment for inflammation, allergies, or polyps if relevant. Avoid putting oils or other unprescribed substances inside the nose.

Seek urgent medical help for smell loss after a head injury, or if it occurs with weakness, facial drooping, confusion, trouble speaking, severe headache, swelling around an eye, or vision changes. Seek a non-urgent appointment for an unexplained persistent change, especially when it is on one side, comes with recurrent nosebleeds, or affects eating and safety at home.

Ask whether nasal swelling or polyps are visible, whether allergies or a recent infection could be involved, and which treatment options suit your health history. Mention when the change began, whether taste seems altered too, and whether you have had a head injury or started a new medicine.