loss of smell and taste

[Anonymous]

Most of the time I don't have a sense of smell and therefore cannot taste things. Should I see a doctor about it or there's nothing that can be done?
Does anyone have an ENT doctor to recommend? I have BlueCross BlueShield.

[Anonymous]

I think you should definitely talk to someone about it. I don't know if it's reversible, but that's two of your five senses and therefore worth a visit.

Also, you may be using medications that should be dropped. I know that some zinc containing nasal sprays caused loss of smell.

[Anonymous]

Certainly, I agree with the PP that you need to see a physician as soon as possible. Sorry, I wish I had a doctor to recommend.

[Anonymous]

My mom has this issue since she used Zicam nose spray about 2 years ago. Sorry to tell you, but there is no cure (as of present time anyway).
She went to get 2nd and 3rd opinions with the same outcome: "there is no cure". But all of those doctors also agreed that both smell and taste will most likely come back one day.
Read this book: "Remembering Smell: A Memoir of Losing and Discovering the Primal Sense" by Bonnie Blodgett.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you should absolutely see a doctor. Good info here from NIH:

http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/smelltaste/

[Anonymous]

There are many reasons for a loss of smell. Get it checked out by several docs before giving up. Several reasons: polyps, sinus, a virus which attacked your smell nerve, or medication induced. It can come back, but make sure you go to a knowledgeable doctor.

Mine has been quite diminished for almost 4 years, and now might be getting better using one of those bottles for sinus washes! Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Sinus wash. Yoga: inverted postures to increase blood flow to afflicted areas.