Losing taste and smell

[bc7683023]

I had a chest infection about 3 weeks ago and lost my taste and smell and it still hasn't returned although I can sense the presence of salty or sugary foods. Has this happened to anyone Is this temporary?

[Sqad]

NO it has never happened to me.

Almost certainly temporary but occasionally,very occasionally, if due to a viral infection, it could be permanent.

Time will tell.

[bc7683023]

Sqad Im going to go to the doctors this week, Is there medication to help or as you said is it just a wait and see scenario?

[ummmm]

I don't know...but I do know two people who have lost their sense of taste and smell. Both through head injuries.

One of them still won't eat brussel sprouts as he says he never use to like them..!

[Sqad]

bc..........nope.........just wait and see.

If the Doc thinks it may be blocked causing your symptoms he may prescribe a nasal decongestion spray...........but well, I feel that you will have to be patient.

[bc7683023]

Very worrying. Thanks a lot for your answers.

[ummmm]

I wouldn't worry bc....

The people I know had serious head injuries.

[Hymie]

Many, many years ago – my Saturday lunch consisted of a sausage sandwich (don’t ask why). On one particular Saturday, the sandwich tasted unbelievable salty. The following day I went down with flu – I realised that for some reason, my impending illness had heightened my sensitivity to salt. I suspect you have a similar issue with the taste receptors on your tongue – and something similarly amiss with your olfactory organ. I would recommend you book an appointment with your GP, if only to confirm the symptoms are temporary – and if not, medical intervention can be arranged at the earliest opportunity.

[Alliegid]

My mum lost her sense of smell & taste whilst she was expecting me - 45 years ago! She can still detect salty/sweet/sour etc that your taste buds detect.Very occassionaly she gets a slight sense of it back, but apparently it is "distorted" - tends to happen when she is under a lot of stress (Brother just had a kidney transplant & it came back briefly then) She had had loads of tests over the years, but nothing helpful has come of it. My grandpa had no sense of smell either (anosmia)