It's been some time since my last posting which was regarding a somewhat more life threatening condition.
While the problem I'm now experiencing is far from life theatening, it has made my life a bit depressing.
I suffered a cold in July this year, which although fairly bad, it was not unlike anything I'd experienced in my lifetime.
When my nose started to clear, I noticed that my sense of smell and taste had not returned, and roughly two months down the line I'm still waiting. This can of course be beneficial under certain circumstances (working in sewers etc), but generally its no fun being unable to enjoy a meal.
Please, has anyone heard of such a condition, and is there something that can be done about it.
You might have a sinus infection still.....or constant allergies that cause inflammation in that area where your smelling organs are located. Without them you won't be able to taste any food, and I hate when that happens to me!!!
You could try a combo of things at this time....one is a nasal lavage. YOU could purchase it .... in the US it's called Ocean, in Canada it's called Ocean Sense. Or you can mix 1/2 tsp salt in a cup of warm water and "suck" it in with your nostrils. Takes some getting used to, tho.
Your doctor could prescribe nasal corticosteroid spray to take down the inflammation (sometimes, they cause a sinus infection -- wierd).
You could try using Sudafed once a day.
You could try using an antihistamine for a few days to see if it improves. Something like Aerius or Allergra or Reactine? They all have different effects on people....so it's trial and error with them.
You could try steaming yourself at night to moisten the nasal cavity and loosen any stuff up there.
I've run out of ideas at this time...if I think of more, I'll let you know.
The most important is that you see your doctor and have x-rays done of your sinuses. Sometimes there could be a pocket of infection. But, two months without your "smeller" working isn't good.
Let us know the outcome.
Get well soon!
quincy
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It's all a matter of perspective!
A belated thank you for the response. I’ve been doing the salt water thing on and off for years whenever I’ve had sinus problems, so that’s no problem.
I saw a ENT specialist two days ago and what he had to say was a bit shocking – that if the cold had been a viral infection (Confused me : I thought they all were) the olfactory nerve could be knocked out permanently.
Seeing as I do have some limited smell, he was positive that I would completely recover my senses with treatment – Short, mild cortisone dosage accompanied by a specific nasal spray.
I guess I can just keep my fingers crossed…
Hopefully the cortisone (you mean oral pill) is a short tapered dosage. Check on that.
Yes, the corticosteroid spray could help. What kind did he give you.
Yikes about it possibly being knocked out forever from a virus...but, viruses can cause permanent damage for many things...(herpes, menengitis, ms, polio,....)
Keep us posted as to how it goes.
quincy
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It's all a matter of perspective!
For what it's worth I've been put on a 5-day course of 20mg Pulmison tabs (Just Completed) with Inflanaze 50 Nasal spray. I'm to continue the nasal spray until supply completed and return after 60 days if still experiencing problems - hope that's not necessary. Can't say I've noticed any significant difference since I started on Monday, but I'll remain patient if it means within time I'll be able once again to appreciate the succulent odour of a barbequed T-Bone steak as it comes off the coals...
