What Causes Loss Of Smell?
Some things can cause a long lasting loss of smell. A head injury, for example, can damage the nerves related to smell. Protect yourself by wearing a seat belt in the car and a helmet when biking. Some problems with smell only last for a short time and may be due to: • A cold or flu that causes a stuffy nose that blocks your sense of smell. The ability to smell will come back when you’re better. • Allergies that block your sense of smell. Try to avoid things you’re allergic to, like pollen and pets. Talk to your doctor about how to manage your allergies. • A harmless growth (called a polyp) in the nose or sinuses that gives you a runny nose. Having the growth removed may help. • Some medications like antibiotics or blood pressure medicine may affect your sense of smell. Ask your doctor if there is another medicine you can take. • Radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Your sense of smell may return when treatment stops. Sometimes, loss of the sense of smell may be a sign of a more seri
