🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 142 (from laksa113)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa142.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders","crawl_time":1776772777,"first_indexed_time":1552342656,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"info,patient!\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders s443","src_root_hash":"3361025486351115142","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Loss of Taste and Smell: Causes and Treatment","meta_descriptions":["Smell and taste disorders are conditions that result in a decrease, distortion, or loss of taste and smell. 5% of people have a problem with taste or smell"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Video picks for\nOther signs and symptoms\nWe don't think of ourselves as being particularly good at sniffing things out, especially when compared with other mammals such as dogs. But research has shown that smell can have a powerful influence on human memories and feelings. People who have lost their sense of smell - following an accident or illness - report a strong sense of loss, with impacts on their lives in ways they could never have imagined. Perhaps we don't rank smell very highly among our senses because it's hard to appreciate what it does for us - until it's gone.\nOur sense of taste is powered by taste receptors found in the taste buds on our tongues and also in our mouths. The information they collect is sent to the brain. However, the smell of food also hugely influences how we taste.\nThe sense of taste provides five basic different tastes:\nSweet.\nSour.\nSalty.\nBitter.\nUmami (the taste of meaty\/savoury substances).\nTaste is detected by taste receptors found in our taste buds, which are found on the tongue and in our mouths. Information about what we taste is collected by these taste receptors and is sent to the brain.\nHowever, most of the flavour of food is largely due to the smell of food. This is detected by smell receptors, which are found in the lining of the nose, and the smell of food travels from the back of the mouth into the back of the nose.\nSmell, like taste, is a chemical sense detected by sensory cells called chemoreceptors. When an odour stimulates the chemoreceptors in the nose that detect smell, they pass on electrical impulses to the brain. The brain then interprets patterns in electrical activity and we recognise this as different smells.\nSmell and taste disorders are conditions that result in a decrease, distortion, or a loss of taste and smell. 5 out of 100 people have a problem with taste or smell. Some of these are a result of problems with development of the smell or taste system, and others are due to their loss later in life.\nThis may be gradual or sudden and may in some cases be triggered by an obvious cause - for example, a head injury or a viral infection. A loss of taste or smell may also be a feature of infection with COVID-19, and can often last for weeks or months after other symptoms have cleared.\nComplete lack of sense of smell is termed anosmia. Reduced sense of smell is termed hyposmia. Other changes in the sense of smell include smells being different than expected (parosmia) and the perception of smells that are not there (phantosmia). Because of the effect on detection of flavour of food, a lot of smell disorders lead people to believe they also have a taste disorder but taste disorders are rare.\nMany people have experienced 'losing' their sense of smell and taste when they have a cold, but there are other changes that can occur to these senses too.\nThere are many different causes of smell and taste problems. The most common causes of temporary loss are colds, flu and sinus problems. You can also be born with a smell disorder, usually because of a faulty gene.\nSometimes a cause for the loss of smell cannot be found. This happens in about 1 in 5 people who are investigated in a specialist clinic, but in the wider community represents fewer than 5 in a 100 of all cases of smell loss overall. The sense of smell can be lost due to a variety of causes. The most common causes include:\nAn injury to the head.\nA stroke.\nViral infections -\ncolds\nor\nflu\n.\nDiseases affecting the sinuses, such as various forms of\nsinusitis\n(or\nnasal polyps\n), and structural abnormalities.\nAllergies that affect your nose, such as\nhay fever\n.\nTaking certain medications - see below.\nHormone problems such as\nCushing's syndrome\n.\nDental or mouth problems.\nExposure to certain chemicals such as benzene, chlorine, formaldehyde, paint solvents and trichloroethylene.\nExposure to radiation therapy for head or neck cancer.\nCocaine snorted through the nose.\nCigarette smoking.\nSome other medical conditions may be associated with a complete lack of sense of smell (anosmia), such as\nepilepsy\n,\nAlzheimer's disease\n,\nParkinson's disease\nand\nschizophrenia\n.\nThe sense of smell, as with all other senses, naturally decreases with age. Rarely, some cancers can also cause anosmia.\nCommonly prescribed\nantibiotics\nsuch as amoxicillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim.\nMedicines used in neurological problems such as\nParkinson's disease\n,\nmigraine\n;\nmuscle relaxants\n.\nCardiovascular medicines used for blood pressure and\ncholesterol (statins)\n.\nThyroid medicines.\nAntidepressant\nor mood-stabilising medicines.\nOthers such as antihistamines,\nanti-inflammatories\nand antifungal medicines.\nThere are some conditions that can affect your smell or taste temporarily. Short-term changes in smell and taste are common with infections affecting your upper respiratory tract, like colds and sinus infections. If this is the cause your smell and taste should generally return within two weeks. If you are worried about a persistent change in your sense of smell or taste, you should make an appointment with your GP.\nYour GP will ask you about what exactly has happened and then may examine your nose, mouth and neck. They can then decide whether you should be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon for further assessment, investigation and advice.\nA physical examination will be performed in the ENT clinic. This will often include an\nendoscopic examination\nof the nose, where a small camera is passed into the nose. More specific tests of smell may be performed. Other tests may include:\nMeasuring the lowest strength of a chemical that a person can detect.\nComparing smells of different chemicals to distinguish one from another.\nIdentifying smells.\nTaste tests where taste solutions are applied to each side of the tongue in turn.\nPatients can also be tested for nasal allergies. Occasionally,\ncomputerised tomography (CT)\nscans or\nmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)\nscans may be requested to help reach a diagnosis, as well as a blood test.\nThis very much depends on what has caused the problem in the first place but may include:\nStopping or changing medicines that contribute to the problem.\nCorrection of the underlying medical problem.\nSurgical removal of obstructions that may be causing the disorder.\nCounselling.\nQuitting smoking.\nThis really depends on what has caused the problem in the first place. There are also differences between people - for instance, some people quickly get their sense of smell back after a cold, whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their sense of smell.\nTemporary loss of smell may occur when people smoke, or have a seasonal allergy. Following a cold some people return quickly to normal function whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their smell. Nasal and sinus conditions can affect smell to a varying degree and there may be a good response to treatment, which can be with medicines and if needed, surgery.\nHead trauma can result in injuries to the nose, the smell nerves or the brain where the signal is received. The smell system can sometimes repair itself and restore some of the smell sense. When and if this happens depends on the site and severity of the injury but there are studies to show that some degree of recovery can occur up to 10 years after the trauma in 50% of those affected. Smells which seem different to what you were expecting (parosmia) and smells which you think are there but which aren't (phantosmia) may also occur. They tend to happen early after the trauma, before gradually disappearing.\nAge results in a reduction in the number of smell receptors, which can reduce the sense of smell, and there is less ability to repair damaged smell receptors.\nSmell training is advised after a loss of smell or taste due to COVID-19 - more information about this is in the further reading section. Most people who lose their sense of smell or taste due to COVID-19 will have got it back after six months, with only 4% still having a reduced sense of smell and 2% having a reduced sense of taste at this point.\nLosing enjoyment of food and drink\nThis is a common complaint for people who lose their sense of smell. You can taste sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami with your tongue. More complex flavours - like grapefruit or barbecued steak - also depend on smell.\nWhen your sense of smell and sense of taste are altered you may not appreciate complex flavours in food. This loss of taste can reduce your appetite. Try to maintain your nutrition levels by weighing yourself regularly, or setting reminders for mealtimes. Cooking with ingredients that stimulate the taste buds (sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami) that are more colourful or textured may restore some of the interest in food.\nDepression\nFor many people, being able to enjoy their food is one of the great pleasures in life, so a loss of taste of smell can lead to quality of life issues. It's not surprising that losing these abilities carries a risk of becoming very low or depressed. Your doctor can help if you develop symptoms of\ndepression\n.\nRisk of missing gas leaks\nIt is difficult to identify faulty gas appliances, which are mainly identified by the sense of smell. Ensure gas appliances are switched off when not in use and are serviced every year. If you can, change from a gas appliance to an electric one to reduce the risk of an accident. You could also get a natural gas detector fitted in your home.\nRisk of missing house fires\nThere is also a risk of missing house fires. You should ensure that the fire alarms in your house are working properly; the fire department recommends checking them every week.\nFood poisoning\nYou may have little or no ability to tell spoiled food food that is still safe to eat so food poisoning may affect you more commonly. You may depend on other people to smell foodstuffs for you. You should never eat foodstuff beyond its use by\/best before date. You can label refrigerated food cartons with the date they were opened. Food discolouration will also indicate whether food is not safe, so carefully check the food before you eat. You will be unable to smell your own personal body odours. To reduce self-consciousness, maintenance of good personal hygiene is important.\nJob prospects\nIf your sense of smell is necessary for your occupation you should discuss this with your employer or supervisor. With your permission, they can contact a support group, like Fifth Sense, for further help and advice. Fifth Sense is a UK-based charity that supports people affected by smell and taste disorders across the world.\nArticle history\nThe information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.\nNext review due: 23 Oct 2027\n24 Oct 2022\n| Latest version\n25 Feb 2014\n| Originally published\nAuthored by:","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/stats.patient.info\/matomo.php?idsite=1&rec=1)\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#content)\n\nSign in\n\nSearch\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/patient.info\/)\n- [Health advice](https:\/\/patient.info\/health)\n- [Medicines and treatment](https:\/\/patient.info\/medicine)\n- [Tools and resources](https:\/\/patient.info\/medical-calculators)\n- [Community](https:\/\/patient.info\/community)\n- [Medical professionals](https:\/\/patient.info\/doctor)\n\n- [Health topics Trusted patient information leaflets with clear, clinically reviewed advice on conditions, symptoms and treatments.](https:\/\/patient.info\/)\n  \n  - 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###### Medical tools and resources\n    [All medical tools and resources](https:\/\/patient.info\/medical-calculators)\n    \n    [All clinical calculators](https:\/\/patient.info\/doctor\/professional-tools-and-resources)\n    [BMI calculator](https:\/\/patient.info\/healthy-living\/calculate-bmi)\n    \n    [Generalised anxiety disorder assessment](https:\/\/patient.info\/doctor\/mental-health\/gad-7)\n    \n    [Patient health questionnaire](https:\/\/patient.info\/doctor\/mental-health\/phq-9)\n    \n    [Pregnancy due date calculator](https:\/\/patient.info\/doctor\/pregnancy-due-date-calculator)\n    \n    [Digital Paediatric Growth Charts](https:\/\/patient.info\/doctor\/professional-tools-and-resources\/growth-charts)\n    \n    [Social media toolkit](https:\/\/patient.info\/social-media-toolkit)\n\n- [Health topics](https:\/\/patient.info\/health)\n- [Signs and symptoms](https:\/\/patient.info\/signs-symptoms)\n- Loss of taste and smell\n\n# Loss of taste and smell\nPeer reviewed by [Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP](https:\/\/patient.info\/authors\/dr-colin-tidy)Last updated by [Dr Toni Hazell, MRCGP](https:\/\/patient.info\/authors\/dr-toni-hazell)Last updated 24 Oct 2022\n\nMeets Patient’s [editorial guidelines](https:\/\/patient.info\/editorial-policy)Est. **9 min** reading time\n\n- Download\n  [Download](https:\/\/pdf.patient.info\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders)\n  Article PDF has been downloaded\n- Share\n  #### Share\n  - [Share via email](mailto:?subject=Patient%20-%20Loss%20of%20taste%20and%20smell&body=https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders)\n  - [Share via Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders)\n  - [Share via LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/sharing\/share-offsite\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders)\n  - [Share via X](https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=Patient%20-%20Loss%20of%20taste%20and%20smell&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders)\n  - [Share via WhatsApp](https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Patient%20-%20Loss%20of%20taste%20and%20smell%20https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders)\n  - [Copy link](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#copy)\n  Article link copied to clipboard\n- Language\n  #### Language\n  - [English](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders)\n  - [Deutsch](https:\/\/de.patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders)\n  - [Español](https:\/\/es.patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders)\n  - [Français](https:\/\/fr.patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders)\n  - [Italiano](https:\/\/it.patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders)\n  - [Português](https:\/\/pt.patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders)\n- Discussion\n- Audio Version\n\nTaste and smell are often referred to as a pair because they are closely interlinked. The majority of what we think is our taste sensation is actually from our sense of smell.\n\n### In this article:\n- [How do taste and smell work?](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#how-do-taste-and-smell-work)\n- [What are smell and taste disorders?](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#what-are-smell-and-taste-disorders)\n- [What can cause a loss of taste and smell?](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#what-can-cause-a-loss-of-taste-and-smell)\n- [What medicines can affect taste?](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#what-medicines-can-affect-taste)\n- [When should I see a doctor for loss of taste and smell?](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#when-should-i-see-a-doctor-for-loss-of-taste-and-smell)\n- [How do they assess smell and taste problems?](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#how-do-they-assess-smell-and-taste-problems)\n- [How to treat loss of taste and smell](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#how-to-treat-loss-of-taste-and-smell)\n- [Does loss of taste and smell come back?](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#does-loss-of-taste-and-smell-come-back)\n- [What problems might I have if I have a smell or taste disorder?](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#what-problems-might-i-have-if-i-have-a-smell-or-taste-disorder)\n- [Further reading and references](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#furtherreading)\n#### Video picks for Other signs and symptoms\nWe don't think of ourselves as being particularly good at sniffing things out, especially when compared with other mammals such as dogs. But research has shown that smell can have a powerful influence on human memories and feelings. People who have lost their sense of smell - following an accident or illness - report a strong sense of loss, with impacts on their lives in ways they could never have imagined. Perhaps we don't rank smell very highly among our senses because it's hard to appreciate what it does for us - until it's gone.\n\n## How do taste and smell work?\nOur sense of taste is powered by taste receptors found in the taste buds on our tongues and also in our mouths. The information they collect is sent to the brain. However, the smell of food also hugely influences how we taste.\n\nThe sense of taste provides five basic different tastes:\n\n- Sweet.\n- Sour.\n- Salty.\n- Bitter.\n- Umami (the taste of meaty\/savoury substances).\n\nTaste is detected by taste receptors found in our taste buds, which are found on the tongue and in our mouths. Information about what we taste is collected by these taste receptors and is sent to the brain.\n\nHowever, most of the flavour of food is largely due to the smell of food. This is detected by smell receptors, which are found in the lining of the nose, and the smell of food travels from the back of the mouth into the back of the nose.\n\nSmell, like taste, is a chemical sense detected by sensory cells called chemoreceptors. When an odour stimulates the chemoreceptors in the nose that detect smell, they pass on electrical impulses to the brain. The brain then interprets patterns in electrical activity and we recognise this as different smells.\n\n## What are smell and taste disorders?\n[Back to contents](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc)\n\nSmell and taste disorders are conditions that result in a decrease, distortion, or a loss of taste and smell. 5 out of 100 people have a problem with taste or smell. Some of these are a result of problems with development of the smell or taste system, and others are due to their loss later in life.\n\nThis may be gradual or sudden and may in some cases be triggered by an obvious cause - for example, a head injury or a viral infection. A loss of taste or smell may also be a feature of infection with COVID-19, and can often last for weeks or months after other symptoms have cleared.\n\nComplete lack of sense of smell is termed anosmia. Reduced sense of smell is termed hyposmia. Other changes in the sense of smell include smells being different than expected (parosmia) and the perception of smells that are not there (phantosmia). Because of the effect on detection of flavour of food, a lot of smell disorders lead people to believe they also have a taste disorder but taste disorders are rare.\n\nMany people have experienced 'losing' their sense of smell and taste when they have a cold, but there are other changes that can occur to these senses too.\n\n## What can cause a loss of taste and smell?\n[Back to contents](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc)\n\nThere are many different causes of smell and taste problems. The most common causes of temporary loss are colds, flu and sinus problems. You can also be born with a smell disorder, usually because of a faulty gene.\n\nSometimes a cause for the loss of smell cannot be found. This happens in about 1 in 5 people who are investigated in a specialist clinic, but in the wider community represents fewer than 5 in a 100 of all cases of smell loss overall. The sense of smell can be lost due to a variety of causes. The most common causes include:\n\n- An injury to the head.\n- A stroke.\n- Viral infections - [colds](https:\/\/patient.info\/chest-lungs\/cough-leaflet\/common-cold-upper-respiratory-tract-infections) or [flu](https:\/\/patient.info\/infections\/influenza-and-flu-like-illness).\n- Diseases affecting the sinuses, such as various forms of [sinusitis](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/acute-sinusitis\/chronic-sinusitis) (or [nasal polyps](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/nasal-polyps-leaflet)), and structural abnormalities.\n- Allergies that affect your nose, such as [hay fever](https:\/\/patient.info\/allergies-blood-immune\/hay-fever-leaflet).\n- Taking certain medications - see below.\n- Hormone problems such as [Cushing's syndrome](https:\/\/patient.info\/hormones\/cushings-syndrome-leaflet).\n- Dental or mouth problems.\n- Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene, chlorine, formaldehyde, paint solvents and trichloroethylene.\n- Exposure to radiation therapy for head or neck cancer.\n- Cocaine snorted through the nose.\n- Cigarette smoking.\n\nSome other medical conditions may be associated with a complete lack of sense of smell (anosmia), such as [epilepsy](https:\/\/patient.info\/brain-nerves\/epilepsy-and-seizures\/epilepsy-with-tonic-clonic-seizures), [Alzheimer's disease](https:\/\/patient.info\/brain-nerves\/memory-loss-and-dementia), [Parkinson's disease](https:\/\/patient.info\/brain-nerves\/parkinsons-disease-leaflet) and [schizophrenia](https:\/\/patient.info\/mental-health\/schizophrenia-leaflet).\n\nThe sense of smell, as with all other senses, naturally decreases with age. Rarely, some cancers can also cause anosmia.\n\n## What medicines can affect taste?\n[Back to contents](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc)\n\n- Commonly prescribed [antibiotics](https:\/\/patient.info\/infections\/antibiotics-leaflet) such as amoxicillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim.\n- Medicines used in neurological problems such as [Parkinson's disease](https:\/\/patient.info\/brain-nerves\/parkinsons-disease-leaflet), [migraine](https:\/\/patient.info\/brain-nerves\/migraine-leaflet); [muscle relaxants](https:\/\/patient.info\/bones-joints-muscles\/muscle-relaxants).\n- Cardiovascular medicines used for blood pressure and [cholesterol (statins)](https:\/\/patient.info\/heart-health\/high-cholesterol\/statins-and-other-lipid-lowering-medicines).\n- Thyroid medicines.\n- [Antidepressant](https:\/\/patient.info\/mental-health\/depression-leaflet\/antidepressants) or mood-stabilising medicines.\n- Others such as antihistamines, [anti-inflammatories](https:\/\/patient.info\/treatment-medication\/painkillers\/anti-inflammatory-painkillers) and antifungal medicines.\n\n## When should I see a doctor for loss of taste and smell?\n[Back to contents](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc)\n\nThere are some conditions that can affect your smell or taste temporarily. Short-term changes in smell and taste are common with infections affecting your upper respiratory tract, like colds and sinus infections. If this is the cause your smell and taste should generally return within two weeks. If you are worried about a persistent change in your sense of smell or taste, you should make an appointment with your GP.\n\nYour GP will ask you about what exactly has happened and then may examine your nose, mouth and neck. They can then decide whether you should be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon for further assessment, investigation and advice.\n\n## How do they assess smell and taste problems?\n[Back to contents](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc)\n\nA physical examination will be performed in the ENT clinic. This will often include an [endoscopic examination](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/nasoendoscopy) of the nose, where a small camera is passed into the nose. More specific tests of smell may be performed. Other tests may include:\n\n- Measuring the lowest strength of a chemical that a person can detect.\n- Comparing smells of different chemicals to distinguish one from another.\n- Identifying smells.\n- Taste tests where taste solutions are applied to each side of the tongue in turn.\n\nPatients can also be tested for nasal allergies. Occasionally, [computerised tomography (CT)](https:\/\/patient.info\/treatment-medication\/ct-scan) scans or [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)](https:\/\/patient.info\/treatment-medication\/mri-scan) scans may be requested to help reach a diagnosis, as well as a blood test.\n\n## How to treat loss of taste and smell\n[Back to contents](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc)\n\nThis very much depends on what has caused the problem in the first place but may include:\n\n- Stopping or changing medicines that contribute to the problem.\n- Correction of the underlying medical problem.\n- Surgical removal of obstructions that may be causing the disorder.\n- Counselling.\n- Quitting smoking.\n\n## Does loss of taste and smell come back?\n[Back to contents](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc)\n\nThis really depends on what has caused the problem in the first place. There are also differences between people - for instance, some people quickly get their sense of smell back after a cold, whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their sense of smell.\n\nTemporary loss of smell may occur when people smoke, or have a seasonal allergy. Following a cold some people return quickly to normal function whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their smell. Nasal and sinus conditions can affect smell to a varying degree and there may be a good response to treatment, which can be with medicines and if needed, surgery.\n\nHead trauma can result in injuries to the nose, the smell nerves or the brain where the signal is received. The smell system can sometimes repair itself and restore some of the smell sense. When and if this happens depends on the site and severity of the injury but there are studies to show that some degree of recovery can occur up to 10 years after the trauma in 50% of those affected. Smells which seem different to what you were expecting (parosmia) and smells which you think are there but which aren't (phantosmia) may also occur. They tend to happen early after the trauma, before gradually disappearing.\n\nAge results in a reduction in the number of smell receptors, which can reduce the sense of smell, and there is less ability to repair damaged smell receptors.\n\nSmell training is advised after a loss of smell or taste due to COVID-19 - more information about this is in the further reading section. Most people who lose their sense of smell or taste due to COVID-19 will have got it back after six months, with only 4% still having a reduced sense of smell and 2% having a reduced sense of taste at this point.\n\n## What problems might I have if I have a smell or taste disorder?\n[Back to contents](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc)\n### Losing enjoyment of food and drink\nThis is a common complaint for people who lose their sense of smell. You can taste sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami with your tongue. More complex flavours - like grapefruit or barbecued steak - also depend on smell.\n\nWhen your sense of smell and sense of taste are altered you may not appreciate complex flavours in food. This loss of taste can reduce your appetite. Try to maintain your nutrition levels by weighing yourself regularly, or setting reminders for mealtimes. Cooking with ingredients that stimulate the taste buds (sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami) that are more colourful or textured may restore some of the interest in food.\n\n### Depression\nFor many people, being able to enjoy their food is one of the great pleasures in life, so a loss of taste of smell can lead to quality of life issues. It's not surprising that losing these abilities carries a risk of becoming very low or depressed. Your doctor can help if you develop symptoms of [depression](https:\/\/patient.info\/mental-health\/depression-leaflet).\n\n### Risk of missing gas leaks\nIt is difficult to identify faulty gas appliances, which are mainly identified by the sense of smell. Ensure gas appliances are switched off when not in use and are serviced every year. If you can, change from a gas appliance to an electric one to reduce the risk of an accident. You could also get a natural gas detector fitted in your home.\n\n### Risk of missing house fires\nThere is also a risk of missing house fires. You should ensure that the fire alarms in your house are working properly; the fire department recommends checking them every week.\n\n### Food poisoning\nYou may have little or no ability to tell spoiled food food that is still safe to eat so food poisoning may affect you more commonly. You may depend on other people to smell foodstuffs for you. You should never eat foodstuff beyond its use by\/best before date. You can label refrigerated food cartons with the date they were opened. Food discolouration will also indicate whether food is not safe, so carefully check the food before you eat. You will be unable to smell your own personal body odours. To reduce self-consciousness, maintenance of good personal hygiene is important.\n\n### Job prospects\nIf your sense of smell is necessary for your occupation you should discuss this with your employer or supervisor. With your permission, they can contact a support group, like Fifth Sense, for further help and advice. Fifth Sense is a UK-based charity that supports people affected by smell and taste disorders across the world.\n\n#### Patient picks for Other signs and symptoms\n[![Neck pain](https:\/\/patient.info\/images\/default_image.png)Signs and symptoms Neck pain A sudden-onset (acute) bout of neck pain is common. Two out of three people will have neck pain at some time in their lives. In most cases it is not due to a serious condition or neck problem and often the exact cause for the pain is not clear. The usual advice is to keep the neck active. Painkillers can be helpful until the pain eases. Persistent (chronic) pain develops in some cases and further treatment may then be needed. by Dr Philippa Vincent, MRCGP](https:\/\/patient.info\/bones-joints-muscles\/neck-pain)\n\n[![Dehydration](https:\/\/patient.info\/images\/default_image.png)Signs and symptoms Dehydration Although dehydration can be mild and usually just needs you to drink extra fluids, it can also be very severe and life-threatening. by Dr Toni Hazell, MRCGP](https:\/\/patient.info\/digestive-health\/nausea-and-vomiting\/dehydration)\n\n### Further reading and references\n- Fifth Sense - Smell, Taste, Life\n- [At least 27 million covid patients may have long term smell and taste problems](https:\/\/www.bmj.com\/company\/newsroom\/millions-of-covid-patients-may-have-long-term-smell-and-taste-problems\/)\n  ; BMJ 2022\n- [Long COVID: loss of smell or taste](https:\/\/www.nhsinform.scot\/long-term-effects-of-covid-19-long-covid\/signs-and-symptoms\/long-covid-loss-of-smell-or-taste)\n  ; NHS inform 2022\n\n## Article history\nThe information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.\n\n- ###### Next review due: 23 Oct 2027\n- ###### 24 Oct 2022 \\| Latest version\n  Last updated by\n  \n  [Dr Toni Hazell, MRCGP](https:\/\/patient.info\/authors\/dr-toni-hazell)\n  \n  Peer reviewed by\n  \n  [Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP](https:\/\/patient.info\/authors\/dr-colin-tidy)\n- ###### 25 Feb 2014 \\| Originally published\n  Authored by:\n  ##### Dr Carl Philpott\n\n## Join the conversation\nShare your thoughts or experiences with others in our [patient communities.](https:\/\/community.patient.info\/)\n\n**Disclaimer:** The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.\n\n![flu eligibility checker](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/xxv4b9mbhlgd\/67ZL1sw5SwXVH5pETgnbmd\/00adebe6fc9061807a7a9a14f77bcd68\/Untitled_design-24.png)\n\n#### Ask, share, connect.\nBrowse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.\n\nBrowse forums\n\n![symptom checker](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/xxv4b9mbhlgd\/4YO2oGN3nTyecJaazD5OMM\/a915fdc3dae8d6afe9c93dcfa4c2cfcf\/Desktop.png)\n\n#### Feeling unwell?\nAssess your symptoms online with our free symptom checker\n\nCheck symptoms\n\n#### Sign up to the Patient newsletter\nYour weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.\n\nBy subscribing you accept our [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/patient.info\/privacy-policy). You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.\n\nOur clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance.  \n[Read our editorial policy.](https:\/\/patient.info\/editorial-policy)\n\n## Download the Patient app\nFollow us\n\nPatient\n\n[Subscribe to health updates](https:\/\/patient.info\/newsletter)[About us](https:\/\/patient.info\/about-us)[Advertise with us](https:\/\/patient.info\/commercial-opportunities)[Partnerships and collaboration](https:\/\/patient.info\/partnerships)[Authors](https:\/\/patient.info\/authors)[RSS feeds](https:\/\/patient.info\/rss-feeds)[International sites](https:\/\/patient.info\/language)[Contact us](https:\/\/patient.info\/contact-us)\n\nLegal\n\n[Accessibility statement](https:\/\/patient.info\/accessibility-statement)[Cookie policy](https:\/\/patient.info\/cookies)[Privacy policy](https:\/\/patient.info\/privacy-policy)[Terms of use](https:\/\/patient.info\/terms-and-conditions)[Editorial policy](https:\/\/patient.info\/editorial-policy)[Affiliate policy](https:\/\/patient.info\/affiliate-links)\n\nFollow us\n\n**Disclosure:** Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, Patient.info may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our editorial content or medical recommendations. [Read more about how we fund our work.](https:\/\/patient.info\/affiliate-links)\n\nPatient is a part of [![Navigate Health](https:\/\/patient.info\/logo-navigate-health.svg)](https:\/\/www.navigatehealth.co.uk\/)\n\n© 2026 Navigate Health Ltd. All rights reserved.  \n Registered number: 16229589  \n Registered office: 128 City Road, London, United Kingdom, EC1V 2NX.\n\nPatient is a UK registered trade mark.\n\nPatient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.","attrs_readable_markdown":"#### Video picks for Other signs and symptoms\nWe don't think of ourselves as being particularly good at sniffing things out, especially when compared with other mammals such as dogs. But research has shown that smell can have a powerful influence on human memories and feelings. People who have lost their sense of smell - following an accident or illness - report a strong sense of loss, with impacts on their lives in ways they could never have imagined. Perhaps we don't rank smell very highly among our senses because it's hard to appreciate what it does for us - until it's gone.\n\nOur sense of taste is powered by taste receptors found in the taste buds on our tongues and also in our mouths. The information they collect is sent to the brain. However, the smell of food also hugely influences how we taste.\n\nThe sense of taste provides five basic different tastes:\n\n- Sweet.\n- Sour.\n- Salty.\n- Bitter.\n- Umami (the taste of meaty\/savoury substances).\n\nTaste is detected by taste receptors found in our taste buds, which are found on the tongue and in our mouths. Information about what we taste is collected by these taste receptors and is sent to the brain.\n\nHowever, most of the flavour of food is largely due to the smell of food. This is detected by smell receptors, which are found in the lining of the nose, and the smell of food travels from the back of the mouth into the back of the nose.\n\nSmell, like taste, is a chemical sense detected by sensory cells called chemoreceptors. When an odour stimulates the chemoreceptors in the nose that detect smell, they pass on electrical impulses to the brain. The brain then interprets patterns in electrical activity and we recognise this as different smells.\n\nSmell and taste disorders are conditions that result in a decrease, distortion, or a loss of taste and smell. 5 out of 100 people have a problem with taste or smell. Some of these are a result of problems with development of the smell or taste system, and others are due to their loss later in life.\n\nThis may be gradual or sudden and may in some cases be triggered by an obvious cause - for example, a head injury or a viral infection. A loss of taste or smell may also be a feature of infection with COVID-19, and can often last for weeks or months after other symptoms have cleared.\n\nComplete lack of sense of smell is termed anosmia. Reduced sense of smell is termed hyposmia. Other changes in the sense of smell include smells being different than expected (parosmia) and the perception of smells that are not there (phantosmia). Because of the effect on detection of flavour of food, a lot of smell disorders lead people to believe they also have a taste disorder but taste disorders are rare.\n\nMany people have experienced 'losing' their sense of smell and taste when they have a cold, but there are other changes that can occur to these senses too.\n\nThere are many different causes of smell and taste problems. The most common causes of temporary loss are colds, flu and sinus problems. You can also be born with a smell disorder, usually because of a faulty gene.\n\nSometimes a cause for the loss of smell cannot be found. This happens in about 1 in 5 people who are investigated in a specialist clinic, but in the wider community represents fewer than 5 in a 100 of all cases of smell loss overall. The sense of smell can be lost due to a variety of causes. The most common causes include:\n\n- An injury to the head.\n- A stroke.\n- Viral infections - [colds](https:\/\/patient.info\/chest-lungs\/cough-leaflet\/common-cold-upper-respiratory-tract-infections) or [flu](https:\/\/patient.info\/infections\/influenza-and-flu-like-illness).\n- Diseases affecting the sinuses, such as various forms of [sinusitis](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/acute-sinusitis\/chronic-sinusitis) (or [nasal polyps](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/nasal-polyps-leaflet)), and structural abnormalities.\n- Allergies that affect your nose, such as [hay fever](https:\/\/patient.info\/allergies-blood-immune\/hay-fever-leaflet).\n- Taking certain medications - see below.\n- Hormone problems such as [Cushing's syndrome](https:\/\/patient.info\/hormones\/cushings-syndrome-leaflet).\n- Dental or mouth problems.\n- Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene, chlorine, formaldehyde, paint solvents and trichloroethylene.\n- Exposure to radiation therapy for head or neck cancer.\n- Cocaine snorted through the nose.\n- Cigarette smoking.\n\nSome other medical conditions may be associated with a complete lack of sense of smell (anosmia), such as [epilepsy](https:\/\/patient.info\/brain-nerves\/epilepsy-and-seizures\/epilepsy-with-tonic-clonic-seizures), [Alzheimer's disease](https:\/\/patient.info\/brain-nerves\/memory-loss-and-dementia), [Parkinson's disease](https:\/\/patient.info\/brain-nerves\/parkinsons-disease-leaflet) and [schizophrenia](https:\/\/patient.info\/mental-health\/schizophrenia-leaflet).\n\nThe sense of smell, as with all other senses, naturally decreases with age. Rarely, some cancers can also cause anosmia.\n\n- Commonly prescribed [antibiotics](https:\/\/patient.info\/infections\/antibiotics-leaflet) such as amoxicillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim.\n- Medicines used in neurological problems such as [Parkinson's disease](https:\/\/patient.info\/brain-nerves\/parkinsons-disease-leaflet), [migraine](https:\/\/patient.info\/brain-nerves\/migraine-leaflet); [muscle relaxants](https:\/\/patient.info\/bones-joints-muscles\/muscle-relaxants).\n- Cardiovascular medicines used for blood pressure and [cholesterol (statins)](https:\/\/patient.info\/heart-health\/high-cholesterol\/statins-and-other-lipid-lowering-medicines).\n- Thyroid medicines.\n- [Antidepressant](https:\/\/patient.info\/mental-health\/depression-leaflet\/antidepressants) or mood-stabilising medicines.\n- Others such as antihistamines, [anti-inflammatories](https:\/\/patient.info\/treatment-medication\/painkillers\/anti-inflammatory-painkillers) and antifungal medicines.\n\nThere are some conditions that can affect your smell or taste temporarily. Short-term changes in smell and taste are common with infections affecting your upper respiratory tract, like colds and sinus infections. If this is the cause your smell and taste should generally return within two weeks. If you are worried about a persistent change in your sense of smell or taste, you should make an appointment with your GP.\n\nYour GP will ask you about what exactly has happened and then may examine your nose, mouth and neck. They can then decide whether you should be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon for further assessment, investigation and advice.\n\nA physical examination will be performed in the ENT clinic. This will often include an [endoscopic examination](https:\/\/patient.info\/ears-nose-throat-mouth\/nasoendoscopy) of the nose, where a small camera is passed into the nose. More specific tests of smell may be performed. Other tests may include:\n\n- Measuring the lowest strength of a chemical that a person can detect.\n- Comparing smells of different chemicals to distinguish one from another.\n- Identifying smells.\n- Taste tests where taste solutions are applied to each side of the tongue in turn.\n\nPatients can also be tested for nasal allergies. Occasionally, [computerised tomography (CT)](https:\/\/patient.info\/treatment-medication\/ct-scan) scans or [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)](https:\/\/patient.info\/treatment-medication\/mri-scan) scans may be requested to help reach a diagnosis, as well as a blood test.\n\nThis very much depends on what has caused the problem in the first place but may include:\n\n- Stopping or changing medicines that contribute to the problem.\n- Correction of the underlying medical problem.\n- Surgical removal of obstructions that may be causing the disorder.\n- Counselling.\n- Quitting smoking.\n\nThis really depends on what has caused the problem in the first place. There are also differences between people - for instance, some people quickly get their sense of smell back after a cold, whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their sense of smell.\n\nTemporary loss of smell may occur when people smoke, or have a seasonal allergy. Following a cold some people return quickly to normal function whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their smell. Nasal and sinus conditions can affect smell to a varying degree and there may be a good response to treatment, which can be with medicines and if needed, surgery.\n\nHead trauma can result in injuries to the nose, the smell nerves or the brain where the signal is received. The smell system can sometimes repair itself and restore some of the smell sense. When and if this happens depends on the site and severity of the injury but there are studies to show that some degree of recovery can occur up to 10 years after the trauma in 50% of those affected. Smells which seem different to what you were expecting (parosmia) and smells which you think are there but which aren't (phantosmia) may also occur. They tend to happen early after the trauma, before gradually disappearing.\n\nAge results in a reduction in the number of smell receptors, which can reduce the sense of smell, and there is less ability to repair damaged smell receptors.\n\nSmell training is advised after a loss of smell or taste due to COVID-19 - more information about this is in the further reading section. Most people who lose their sense of smell or taste due to COVID-19 will have got it back after six months, with only 4% still having a reduced sense of smell and 2% having a reduced sense of taste at this point.\n\n### Losing enjoyment of food and drink\nThis is a common complaint for people who lose their sense of smell. You can taste sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami with your tongue. More complex flavours - like grapefruit or barbecued steak - also depend on smell.\n\nWhen your sense of smell and sense of taste are altered you may not appreciate complex flavours in food. This loss of taste can reduce your appetite. Try to maintain your nutrition levels by weighing yourself regularly, or setting reminders for mealtimes. Cooking with ingredients that stimulate the taste buds (sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami) that are more colourful or textured may restore some of the interest in food.\n\n### Depression\nFor many people, being able to enjoy their food is one of the great pleasures in life, so a loss of taste of smell can lead to quality of life issues. It's not surprising that losing these abilities carries a risk of becoming very low or depressed. Your doctor can help if you develop symptoms of [depression](https:\/\/patient.info\/mental-health\/depression-leaflet).\n\n### Risk of missing gas leaks\nIt is difficult to identify faulty gas appliances, which are mainly identified by the sense of smell. Ensure gas appliances are switched off when not in use and are serviced every year. If you can, change from a gas appliance to an electric one to reduce the risk of an accident. You could also get a natural gas detector fitted in your home.\n\n### Risk of missing house fires\nThere is also a risk of missing house fires. You should ensure that the fire alarms in your house are working properly; the fire department recommends checking them every week.\n\n### Food poisoning\nYou may have little or no ability to tell spoiled food food that is still safe to eat so food poisoning may affect you more commonly. You may depend on other people to smell foodstuffs for you. You should never eat foodstuff beyond its use by\/best before date. You can label refrigerated food cartons with the date they were opened. Food discolouration will also indicate whether food is not safe, so carefully check the food before you eat. You will be unable to smell your own personal body odours. To reduce self-consciousness, maintenance of good personal hygiene is important.\n\n### Job prospects\nIf your sense of smell is necessary for your occupation you should discuss this with your employer or supervisor. With your permission, they can contact a support group, like Fifth Sense, for further help and advice. Fifth Sense is a UK-based charity that supports people affected by smell and taste disorders across the world.\n\n## Article history\nThe information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.\n\n- Next review due: 23 Oct 2027\n- ###### 24 Oct 2022 \\| Latest version\n- ###### 25 Feb 2014 \\| Originally published\n  Authored by:","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Video picks for Other signs and symptoms We don't think of ourselves as being particularly good at sniffing things out, especially when compared with other mammals such as dogs. But research has shown that smell can have a powerful influence on human memories and feelings. People who have lost their sense of smell - following an accident or illness - report a strong sense of loss, with impacts on their lives in ways they could never have imagined. Perhaps we don't rank smell very highly among our senses because it's hard to appreciate what it does for us - until it's gone. Our sense of taste is powered by taste receptors found in the taste buds on our tongues and also in our mouths. The information they collect is sent to the brain. However, the smell of food also hugely influences how we taste. The sense of taste provides five basic different tastes: Sweet. Sour. Salty. Bitter. Umami (the taste of meaty/savoury substances). Taste is detected by taste receptors found in our taste buds, which are found on the tongue and in our mouths. Information about what we taste is collected by these taste receptors and is sent to the brain. However, most of the flavour of food is largely due to the smell of food. This is detected by smell receptors, which are found in the lining of the nose, and the smell of food travels from the back of the mouth into the back of the nose. Smell, like taste, is a chemical sense detected by sensory cells called chemoreceptors. When an odour stimulates the chemoreceptors in the nose that detect smell, they pass on electrical impulses to the brain. The brain then interprets patterns in electrical activity and we recognise this as different smells. Smell and taste disorders are conditions that result in a decrease, distortion, or a loss of taste and smell. 5 out of 100 people have a problem with taste or smell. Some of these are a result of problems with development of the smell or taste system, and others are due to their loss later in life. This may be gradual or sudden and may in some cases be triggered by an obvious cause - for example, a head injury or a viral infection. A loss of taste or smell may also be a feature of infection with COVID-19, and can often last for weeks or months after other symptoms have cleared. Complete lack of sense of smell is termed anosmia. Reduced sense of smell is termed hyposmia. Other changes in the sense of smell include smells being different than expected (parosmia) and the perception of smells that are not there (phantosmia). Because of the effect on detection of flavour of food, a lot of smell disorders lead people to believe they also have a taste disorder but taste disorders are rare. Many people have experienced 'losing' their sense of smell and taste when they have a cold, but there are other changes that can occur to these senses too. There are many different causes of smell and taste problems. The most common causes of temporary loss are colds, flu and sinus problems. You can also be born with a smell disorder, usually because of a faulty gene. Sometimes a cause for the loss of smell cannot be found. This happens in about 1 in 5 people who are investigated in a specialist clinic, but in the wider community represents fewer than 5 in a 100 of all cases of smell loss overall. The sense of smell can be lost due to a variety of causes. The most common causes include: An injury to the head. A stroke. Viral infections - colds or flu . Diseases affecting the sinuses, such as various forms of sinusitis (or nasal polyps ), and structural abnormalities. Allergies that affect your nose, such as hay fever . Taking certain medications - see below. Hormone problems such as Cushing's syndrome . Dental or mouth problems. Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene, chlorine, formaldehyde, paint solvents and trichloroethylene. Exposure to radiation therapy for head or neck cancer. Cocaine snorted through the nose. Cigarette smoking. Some other medical conditions may be associated with a complete lack of sense of smell (anosmia), such as epilepsy , Alzheimer's disease , Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia . The sense of smell, as with all other senses, naturally decreases with age. Rarely, some cancers can also cause anosmia. Commonly prescribed antibiotics such as amoxicillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim. Medicines used in neurological problems such as Parkinson's disease , migraine ; muscle relaxants . Cardiovascular medicines used for blood pressure and cholesterol (statins) . Thyroid medicines. Antidepressant or mood-stabilising medicines. Others such as antihistamines, anti-inflammatories and antifungal medicines. There are some conditions that can affect your smell or taste temporarily. Short-term changes in smell and taste are common with infections affecting your upper respiratory tract, like colds and sinus infections. If this is the cause your smell and taste should generally return within two weeks. If you are worried about a persistent change in your sense of smell or taste, you should make an appointment with your GP. Your GP will ask you about what exactly has happened and then may examine your nose, mouth and neck. They can then decide whether you should be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon for further assessment, investigation and advice. A physical examination will be performed in the ENT clinic. This will often include an endoscopic examination of the nose, where a small camera is passed into the nose. More specific tests of smell may be performed. Other tests may include: Measuring the lowest strength of a chemical that a person can detect. Comparing smells of different chemicals to distinguish one from another. Identifying smells. Taste tests where taste solutions are applied to each side of the tongue in turn. Patients can also be tested for nasal allergies. Occasionally, computerised tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be requested to help reach a diagnosis, as well as a blood test. This very much depends on what has caused the problem in the first place but may include: Stopping or changing medicines that contribute to the problem. Correction of the underlying medical problem. Surgical removal of obstructions that may be causing the disorder. Counselling. Quitting smoking. This really depends on what has caused the problem in the first place. There are also differences between people - for instance, some people quickly get their sense of smell back after a cold, whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their sense of smell. Temporary loss of smell may occur when people smoke, or have a seasonal allergy. Following a cold some people return quickly to normal function whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their smell. Nasal and sinus conditions can affect smell to a varying degree and there may be a good response to treatment, which can be with medicines and if needed, surgery. Head trauma can result in injuries to the nose, the smell nerves or the brain where the signal is received. The smell system can sometimes repair itself and restore some of the smell sense. When and if this happens depends on the site and severity of the injury but there are studies to show that some degree of recovery can occur up to 10 years after the trauma in 50% of those affected. Smells which seem different to what you were expecting (parosmia) and smells which you think are there but which aren't (phantosmia) may also occur. They tend to happen early after the trauma, before gradually disappearing. Age results in a reduction in the number of smell receptors, which can reduce the sense of smell, and there is less ability to repair damaged smell receptors. Smell training is advised after a loss of smell or taste due to COVID-19 - more information about this is in the further reading section. Most people who lose their sense of smell or taste due to COVID-19 will have got it back after six months, with only 4% still having a reduced sense of smell and 2% having a reduced sense of taste at this point. Losing enjoyment of food and drink This is a common complaint for people who lose their sense of smell. You can taste sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami with your tongue. More complex flavours - like grapefruit or barbecued steak - also depend on smell. When your sense of smell and sense of taste are altered you may not appreciate complex flavours in food. This loss of taste can reduce your appetite. Try to maintain your nutrition levels by weighing yourself regularly, or setting reminders for mealtimes. Cooking with ingredients that stimulate the taste buds (sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami) that are more colourful or textured may restore some of the interest in food. Depression For many people, being able to enjoy their food is one of the great pleasures in life, so a loss of taste of smell can lead to quality of life issues. It's not surprising that losing these abilities carries a risk of becoming very low or depressed. Your doctor can help if you develop symptoms of depression . Risk of missing gas leaks It is difficult to identify faulty gas appliances, which are mainly identified by the sense of smell. Ensure gas appliances are switched off when not in use and are serviced every year. If you can, change from a gas appliance to an electric one to reduce the risk of an accident. You could also get a natural gas detector fitted in your home. Risk of missing house fires There is also a risk of missing house fires. You should ensure that the fire alarms in your house are working properly; the fire department recommends checking them every week. Food poisoning You may have little or no ability to tell spoiled food food that is still safe to eat so food poisoning may affect you more commonly. You may depend on other people to smell foodstuffs for you. You should never eat foodstuff beyond its use by/best before date. You can label refrigerated food cartons with the date they were opened. Food discolouration will also indicate whether food is not safe, so carefully check the food before you eat. You will be unable to smell your own personal body odours. To reduce self-consciousness, maintenance of good personal hygiene is important. Job prospects If your sense of smell is necessary for your occupation you should discuss this with your employer or supervisor. With your permission, they can contact a support group, like Fifth Sense, for further help and advice. Fifth Sense is a UK-based charity that supports people affected by smell and taste disorders across the world. Article history The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians. Next review due: 23 Oct 2027 24 Oct 2022 \| Latest version 25 Feb 2014 \| Originally published Authored by:
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Download [Download](https://pdf.patient.info/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders) Article PDF has been downloaded - Share #### Share - [Share via email](mailto:?subject=Patient%20-%20Loss%20of%20taste%20and%20smell&body=https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders) - [Share via Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders) - [Share via LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders) - [Share via X](https://x.com/intent/post?text=Patient%20-%20Loss%20of%20taste%20and%20smell&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders) - [Share via WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=Patient%20-%20Loss%20of%20taste%20and%20smell%20https%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fears-nose-throat-mouth%2Fsmell-and-taste-disorders) - [Copy link](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#copy) Article link copied to clipboard - Language #### Language - [English](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders) - [Deutsch](https://de.patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders) - [Español](https://es.patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders) - [Français](https://fr.patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders) - [Italiano](https://it.patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders) - [Português](https://pt.patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders) - Discussion - Audio Version Taste and smell are often referred to as a pair because they are closely interlinked. The majority of what we think is our taste sensation is actually from our sense of smell. ### In this article: - [How do taste and smell work?](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#how-do-taste-and-smell-work) - [What are smell and taste disorders?](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#what-are-smell-and-taste-disorders) - [What can cause a loss of taste and smell?](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#what-can-cause-a-loss-of-taste-and-smell) - [What medicines can affect taste?](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#what-medicines-can-affect-taste) - [When should I see a doctor for loss of taste and smell?](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#when-should-i-see-a-doctor-for-loss-of-taste-and-smell) - [How do they assess smell and taste problems?](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#how-do-they-assess-smell-and-taste-problems) - [How to treat loss of taste and smell](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#how-to-treat-loss-of-taste-and-smell) - [Does loss of taste and smell come back?](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#does-loss-of-taste-and-smell-come-back) - [What problems might I have if I have a smell or taste disorder?](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#what-problems-might-i-have-if-i-have-a-smell-or-taste-disorder) - [Further reading and references](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#furtherreading) #### Video picks for Other signs and symptoms We don't think of ourselves as being particularly good at sniffing things out, especially when compared with other mammals such as dogs. But research has shown that smell can have a powerful influence on human memories and feelings. People who have lost their sense of smell - following an accident or illness - report a strong sense of loss, with impacts on their lives in ways they could never have imagined. Perhaps we don't rank smell very highly among our senses because it's hard to appreciate what it does for us - until it's gone. ## How do taste and smell work? Our sense of taste is powered by taste receptors found in the taste buds on our tongues and also in our mouths. The information they collect is sent to the brain. However, the smell of food also hugely influences how we taste. The sense of taste provides five basic different tastes: - Sweet. - Sour. - Salty. - Bitter. - Umami (the taste of meaty/savoury substances). Taste is detected by taste receptors found in our taste buds, which are found on the tongue and in our mouths. Information about what we taste is collected by these taste receptors and is sent to the brain. However, most of the flavour of food is largely due to the smell of food. This is detected by smell receptors, which are found in the lining of the nose, and the smell of food travels from the back of the mouth into the back of the nose. Smell, like taste, is a chemical sense detected by sensory cells called chemoreceptors. When an odour stimulates the chemoreceptors in the nose that detect smell, they pass on electrical impulses to the brain. The brain then interprets patterns in electrical activity and we recognise this as different smells. ## What are smell and taste disorders? [Back to contents](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc) Smell and taste disorders are conditions that result in a decrease, distortion, or a loss of taste and smell. 5 out of 100 people have a problem with taste or smell. Some of these are a result of problems with development of the smell or taste system, and others are due to their loss later in life. This may be gradual or sudden and may in some cases be triggered by an obvious cause - for example, a head injury or a viral infection. A loss of taste or smell may also be a feature of infection with COVID-19, and can often last for weeks or months after other symptoms have cleared. Complete lack of sense of smell is termed anosmia. Reduced sense of smell is termed hyposmia. Other changes in the sense of smell include smells being different than expected (parosmia) and the perception of smells that are not there (phantosmia). Because of the effect on detection of flavour of food, a lot of smell disorders lead people to believe they also have a taste disorder but taste disorders are rare. Many people have experienced 'losing' their sense of smell and taste when they have a cold, but there are other changes that can occur to these senses too. ## What can cause a loss of taste and smell? [Back to contents](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc) There are many different causes of smell and taste problems. The most common causes of temporary loss are colds, flu and sinus problems. You can also be born with a smell disorder, usually because of a faulty gene. Sometimes a cause for the loss of smell cannot be found. This happens in about 1 in 5 people who are investigated in a specialist clinic, but in the wider community represents fewer than 5 in a 100 of all cases of smell loss overall. The sense of smell can be lost due to a variety of causes. The most common causes include: - An injury to the head. - A stroke. - Viral infections - [colds](https://patient.info/chest-lungs/cough-leaflet/common-cold-upper-respiratory-tract-infections) or [flu](https://patient.info/infections/influenza-and-flu-like-illness). - Diseases affecting the sinuses, such as various forms of [sinusitis](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/acute-sinusitis/chronic-sinusitis) (or [nasal polyps](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/nasal-polyps-leaflet)), and structural abnormalities. - Allergies that affect your nose, such as [hay fever](https://patient.info/allergies-blood-immune/hay-fever-leaflet). - Taking certain medications - see below. - Hormone problems such as [Cushing's syndrome](https://patient.info/hormones/cushings-syndrome-leaflet). - Dental or mouth problems. - Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene, chlorine, formaldehyde, paint solvents and trichloroethylene. - Exposure to radiation therapy for head or neck cancer. - Cocaine snorted through the nose. - Cigarette smoking. Some other medical conditions may be associated with a complete lack of sense of smell (anosmia), such as [epilepsy](https://patient.info/brain-nerves/epilepsy-and-seizures/epilepsy-with-tonic-clonic-seizures), [Alzheimer's disease](https://patient.info/brain-nerves/memory-loss-and-dementia), [Parkinson's disease](https://patient.info/brain-nerves/parkinsons-disease-leaflet) and [schizophrenia](https://patient.info/mental-health/schizophrenia-leaflet). The sense of smell, as with all other senses, naturally decreases with age. Rarely, some cancers can also cause anosmia. ## What medicines can affect taste? [Back to contents](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc) - Commonly prescribed [antibiotics](https://patient.info/infections/antibiotics-leaflet) such as amoxicillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim. - Medicines used in neurological problems such as [Parkinson's disease](https://patient.info/brain-nerves/parkinsons-disease-leaflet), [migraine](https://patient.info/brain-nerves/migraine-leaflet); [muscle relaxants](https://patient.info/bones-joints-muscles/muscle-relaxants). - Cardiovascular medicines used for blood pressure and [cholesterol (statins)](https://patient.info/heart-health/high-cholesterol/statins-and-other-lipid-lowering-medicines). - Thyroid medicines. - [Antidepressant](https://patient.info/mental-health/depression-leaflet/antidepressants) or mood-stabilising medicines. - Others such as antihistamines, [anti-inflammatories](https://patient.info/treatment-medication/painkillers/anti-inflammatory-painkillers) and antifungal medicines. ## When should I see a doctor for loss of taste and smell? [Back to contents](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc) There are some conditions that can affect your smell or taste temporarily. Short-term changes in smell and taste are common with infections affecting your upper respiratory tract, like colds and sinus infections. If this is the cause your smell and taste should generally return within two weeks. If you are worried about a persistent change in your sense of smell or taste, you should make an appointment with your GP. Your GP will ask you about what exactly has happened and then may examine your nose, mouth and neck. They can then decide whether you should be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon for further assessment, investigation and advice. ## How do they assess smell and taste problems? [Back to contents](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc) A physical examination will be performed in the ENT clinic. This will often include an [endoscopic examination](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/nasoendoscopy) of the nose, where a small camera is passed into the nose. More specific tests of smell may be performed. Other tests may include: - Measuring the lowest strength of a chemical that a person can detect. - Comparing smells of different chemicals to distinguish one from another. - Identifying smells. - Taste tests where taste solutions are applied to each side of the tongue in turn. Patients can also be tested for nasal allergies. Occasionally, [computerised tomography (CT)](https://patient.info/treatment-medication/ct-scan) scans or [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)](https://patient.info/treatment-medication/mri-scan) scans may be requested to help reach a diagnosis, as well as a blood test. ## How to treat loss of taste and smell [Back to contents](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc) This very much depends on what has caused the problem in the first place but may include: - Stopping or changing medicines that contribute to the problem. - Correction of the underlying medical problem. - Surgical removal of obstructions that may be causing the disorder. - Counselling. - Quitting smoking. ## Does loss of taste and smell come back? [Back to contents](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc) This really depends on what has caused the problem in the first place. There are also differences between people - for instance, some people quickly get their sense of smell back after a cold, whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their sense of smell. Temporary loss of smell may occur when people smoke, or have a seasonal allergy. Following a cold some people return quickly to normal function whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their smell. Nasal and sinus conditions can affect smell to a varying degree and there may be a good response to treatment, which can be with medicines and if needed, surgery. Head trauma can result in injuries to the nose, the smell nerves or the brain where the signal is received. The smell system can sometimes repair itself and restore some of the smell sense. When and if this happens depends on the site and severity of the injury but there are studies to show that some degree of recovery can occur up to 10 years after the trauma in 50% of those affected. Smells which seem different to what you were expecting (parosmia) and smells which you think are there but which aren't (phantosmia) may also occur. They tend to happen early after the trauma, before gradually disappearing. Age results in a reduction in the number of smell receptors, which can reduce the sense of smell, and there is less ability to repair damaged smell receptors. Smell training is advised after a loss of smell or taste due to COVID-19 - more information about this is in the further reading section. Most people who lose their sense of smell or taste due to COVID-19 will have got it back after six months, with only 4% still having a reduced sense of smell and 2% having a reduced sense of taste at this point. ## What problems might I have if I have a smell or taste disorder? [Back to contents](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders#toc) ### Losing enjoyment of food and drink This is a common complaint for people who lose their sense of smell. You can taste sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami with your tongue. More complex flavours - like grapefruit or barbecued steak - also depend on smell. When your sense of smell and sense of taste are altered you may not appreciate complex flavours in food. This loss of taste can reduce your appetite. Try to maintain your nutrition levels by weighing yourself regularly, or setting reminders for mealtimes. Cooking with ingredients that stimulate the taste buds (sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami) that are more colourful or textured may restore some of the interest in food. ### Depression For many people, being able to enjoy their food is one of the great pleasures in life, so a loss of taste of smell can lead to quality of life issues. It's not surprising that losing these abilities carries a risk of becoming very low or depressed. Your doctor can help if you develop symptoms of [depression](https://patient.info/mental-health/depression-leaflet). ### Risk of missing gas leaks It is difficult to identify faulty gas appliances, which are mainly identified by the sense of smell. Ensure gas appliances are switched off when not in use and are serviced every year. If you can, change from a gas appliance to an electric one to reduce the risk of an accident. You could also get a natural gas detector fitted in your home. ### Risk of missing house fires There is also a risk of missing house fires. You should ensure that the fire alarms in your house are working properly; the fire department recommends checking them every week. ### Food poisoning You may have little or no ability to tell spoiled food food that is still safe to eat so food poisoning may affect you more commonly. You may depend on other people to smell foodstuffs for you. You should never eat foodstuff beyond its use by/best before date. You can label refrigerated food cartons with the date they were opened. Food discolouration will also indicate whether food is not safe, so carefully check the food before you eat. You will be unable to smell your own personal body odours. To reduce self-consciousness, maintenance of good personal hygiene is important. ### Job prospects If your sense of smell is necessary for your occupation you should discuss this with your employer or supervisor. With your permission, they can contact a support group, like Fifth Sense, for further help and advice. Fifth Sense is a UK-based charity that supports people affected by smell and taste disorders across the world. #### Patient picks for Other signs and symptoms [![Neck pain](https://patient.info/images/default_image.png)Signs and symptoms Neck pain A sudden-onset (acute) bout of neck pain is common. Two out of three people will have neck pain at some time in their lives. In most cases it is not due to a serious condition or neck problem and often the exact cause for the pain is not clear. The usual advice is to keep the neck active. Painkillers can be helpful until the pain eases. Persistent (chronic) pain develops in some cases and further treatment may then be needed. by Dr Philippa Vincent, MRCGP](https://patient.info/bones-joints-muscles/neck-pain) [![Dehydration](https://patient.info/images/default_image.png)Signs and symptoms Dehydration Although dehydration can be mild and usually just needs you to drink extra fluids, it can also be very severe and life-threatening. by Dr Toni Hazell, MRCGP](https://patient.info/digestive-health/nausea-and-vomiting/dehydration) ### Further reading and references - Fifth Sense - Smell, Taste, Life - [At least 27 million covid patients may have long term smell and taste problems](https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/millions-of-covid-patients-may-have-long-term-smell-and-taste-problems/) ; BMJ 2022 - [Long COVID: loss of smell or taste](https://www.nhsinform.scot/long-term-effects-of-covid-19-long-covid/signs-and-symptoms/long-covid-loss-of-smell-or-taste) ; NHS inform 2022 ## Article history The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians. - ###### Next review due: 23 Oct 2027 - ###### 24 Oct 2022 \\| Latest version Last updated by [Dr Toni Hazell, MRCGP](https://patient.info/authors/dr-toni-hazell) Peer reviewed by [Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP](https://patient.info/authors/dr-colin-tidy) - ###### 25 Feb 2014 \\| Originally published Authored by: ##### Dr Carl Philpott ## Join the conversation Share your thoughts or experiences with others in our [patient communities.](https://community.patient.info/) Disclaimer: The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. 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Readable Markdown	#### Video picks for Other signs and symptoms We don't think of ourselves as being particularly good at sniffing things out, especially when compared with other mammals such as dogs. But research has shown that smell can have a powerful influence on human memories and feelings. People who have lost their sense of smell - following an accident or illness - report a strong sense of loss, with impacts on their lives in ways they could never have imagined. Perhaps we don't rank smell very highly among our senses because it's hard to appreciate what it does for us - until it's gone. Our sense of taste is powered by taste receptors found in the taste buds on our tongues and also in our mouths. The information they collect is sent to the brain. However, the smell of food also hugely influences how we taste. The sense of taste provides five basic different tastes: - Sweet. - Sour. - Salty. - Bitter. - Umami (the taste of meaty/savoury substances). Taste is detected by taste receptors found in our taste buds, which are found on the tongue and in our mouths. Information about what we taste is collected by these taste receptors and is sent to the brain. However, most of the flavour of food is largely due to the smell of food. This is detected by smell receptors, which are found in the lining of the nose, and the smell of food travels from the back of the mouth into the back of the nose. Smell, like taste, is a chemical sense detected by sensory cells called chemoreceptors. When an odour stimulates the chemoreceptors in the nose that detect smell, they pass on electrical impulses to the brain. The brain then interprets patterns in electrical activity and we recognise this as different smells. Smell and taste disorders are conditions that result in a decrease, distortion, or a loss of taste and smell. 5 out of 100 people have a problem with taste or smell. Some of these are a result of problems with development of the smell or taste system, and others are due to their loss later in life. This may be gradual or sudden and may in some cases be triggered by an obvious cause - for example, a head injury or a viral infection. A loss of taste or smell may also be a feature of infection with COVID-19, and can often last for weeks or months after other symptoms have cleared. Complete lack of sense of smell is termed anosmia. Reduced sense of smell is termed hyposmia. Other changes in the sense of smell include smells being different than expected (parosmia) and the perception of smells that are not there (phantosmia). Because of the effect on detection of flavour of food, a lot of smell disorders lead people to believe they also have a taste disorder but taste disorders are rare. Many people have experienced 'losing' their sense of smell and taste when they have a cold, but there are other changes that can occur to these senses too. There are many different causes of smell and taste problems. The most common causes of temporary loss are colds, flu and sinus problems. You can also be born with a smell disorder, usually because of a faulty gene. Sometimes a cause for the loss of smell cannot be found. This happens in about 1 in 5 people who are investigated in a specialist clinic, but in the wider community represents fewer than 5 in a 100 of all cases of smell loss overall. The sense of smell can be lost due to a variety of causes. The most common causes include: - An injury to the head. - A stroke. - Viral infections - [colds](https://patient.info/chest-lungs/cough-leaflet/common-cold-upper-respiratory-tract-infections) or [flu](https://patient.info/infections/influenza-and-flu-like-illness). - Diseases affecting the sinuses, such as various forms of [sinusitis](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/acute-sinusitis/chronic-sinusitis) (or [nasal polyps](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/nasal-polyps-leaflet)), and structural abnormalities. - Allergies that affect your nose, such as [hay fever](https://patient.info/allergies-blood-immune/hay-fever-leaflet). - Taking certain medications - see below. - Hormone problems such as [Cushing's syndrome](https://patient.info/hormones/cushings-syndrome-leaflet). - Dental or mouth problems. - Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene, chlorine, formaldehyde, paint solvents and trichloroethylene. - Exposure to radiation therapy for head or neck cancer. - Cocaine snorted through the nose. - Cigarette smoking. Some other medical conditions may be associated with a complete lack of sense of smell (anosmia), such as [epilepsy](https://patient.info/brain-nerves/epilepsy-and-seizures/epilepsy-with-tonic-clonic-seizures), [Alzheimer's disease](https://patient.info/brain-nerves/memory-loss-and-dementia), [Parkinson's disease](https://patient.info/brain-nerves/parkinsons-disease-leaflet) and [schizophrenia](https://patient.info/mental-health/schizophrenia-leaflet). The sense of smell, as with all other senses, naturally decreases with age. Rarely, some cancers can also cause anosmia. - Commonly prescribed [antibiotics](https://patient.info/infections/antibiotics-leaflet) such as amoxicillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim. - Medicines used in neurological problems such as [Parkinson's disease](https://patient.info/brain-nerves/parkinsons-disease-leaflet), [migraine](https://patient.info/brain-nerves/migraine-leaflet); [muscle relaxants](https://patient.info/bones-joints-muscles/muscle-relaxants). - Cardiovascular medicines used for blood pressure and [cholesterol (statins)](https://patient.info/heart-health/high-cholesterol/statins-and-other-lipid-lowering-medicines). - Thyroid medicines. - [Antidepressant](https://patient.info/mental-health/depression-leaflet/antidepressants) or mood-stabilising medicines. - Others such as antihistamines, [anti-inflammatories](https://patient.info/treatment-medication/painkillers/anti-inflammatory-painkillers) and antifungal medicines. There are some conditions that can affect your smell or taste temporarily. Short-term changes in smell and taste are common with infections affecting your upper respiratory tract, like colds and sinus infections. If this is the cause your smell and taste should generally return within two weeks. If you are worried about a persistent change in your sense of smell or taste, you should make an appointment with your GP. Your GP will ask you about what exactly has happened and then may examine your nose, mouth and neck. They can then decide whether you should be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon for further assessment, investigation and advice. A physical examination will be performed in the ENT clinic. This will often include an [endoscopic examination](https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/nasoendoscopy) of the nose, where a small camera is passed into the nose. More specific tests of smell may be performed. Other tests may include: - Measuring the lowest strength of a chemical that a person can detect. - Comparing smells of different chemicals to distinguish one from another. - Identifying smells. - Taste tests where taste solutions are applied to each side of the tongue in turn. Patients can also be tested for nasal allergies. Occasionally, [computerised tomography (CT)](https://patient.info/treatment-medication/ct-scan) scans or [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)](https://patient.info/treatment-medication/mri-scan) scans may be requested to help reach a diagnosis, as well as a blood test. This very much depends on what has caused the problem in the first place but may include: - Stopping or changing medicines that contribute to the problem. - Correction of the underlying medical problem. - Surgical removal of obstructions that may be causing the disorder. - Counselling. - Quitting smoking. This really depends on what has caused the problem in the first place. There are also differences between people - for instance, some people quickly get their sense of smell back after a cold, whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their sense of smell. Temporary loss of smell may occur when people smoke, or have a seasonal allergy. Following a cold some people return quickly to normal function whilst others have longer-term or even permanent changes to their smell. Nasal and sinus conditions can affect smell to a varying degree and there may be a good response to treatment, which can be with medicines and if needed, surgery. Head trauma can result in injuries to the nose, the smell nerves or the brain where the signal is received. The smell system can sometimes repair itself and restore some of the smell sense. When and if this happens depends on the site and severity of the injury but there are studies to show that some degree of recovery can occur up to 10 years after the trauma in 50% of those affected. Smells which seem different to what you were expecting (parosmia) and smells which you think are there but which aren't (phantosmia) may also occur. They tend to happen early after the trauma, before gradually disappearing. Age results in a reduction in the number of smell receptors, which can reduce the sense of smell, and there is less ability to repair damaged smell receptors. Smell training is advised after a loss of smell or taste due to COVID-19 - more information about this is in the further reading section. Most people who lose their sense of smell or taste due to COVID-19 will have got it back after six months, with only 4% still having a reduced sense of smell and 2% having a reduced sense of taste at this point. ### Losing enjoyment of food and drink This is a common complaint for people who lose their sense of smell. You can taste sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami with your tongue. More complex flavours - like grapefruit or barbecued steak - also depend on smell. When your sense of smell and sense of taste are altered you may not appreciate complex flavours in food. This loss of taste can reduce your appetite. Try to maintain your nutrition levels by weighing yourself regularly, or setting reminders for mealtimes. Cooking with ingredients that stimulate the taste buds (sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami) that are more colourful or textured may restore some of the interest in food. ### Depression For many people, being able to enjoy their food is one of the great pleasures in life, so a loss of taste of smell can lead to quality of life issues. It's not surprising that losing these abilities carries a risk of becoming very low or depressed. Your doctor can help if you develop symptoms of [depression](https://patient.info/mental-health/depression-leaflet). ### Risk of missing gas leaks It is difficult to identify faulty gas appliances, which are mainly identified by the sense of smell. Ensure gas appliances are switched off when not in use and are serviced every year. If you can, change from a gas appliance to an electric one to reduce the risk of an accident. You could also get a natural gas detector fitted in your home. ### Risk of missing house fires There is also a risk of missing house fires. You should ensure that the fire alarms in your house are working properly; the fire department recommends checking them every week. ### Food poisoning You may have little or no ability to tell spoiled food food that is still safe to eat so food poisoning may affect you more commonly. You may depend on other people to smell foodstuffs for you. You should never eat foodstuff beyond its use by/best before date. You can label refrigerated food cartons with the date they were opened. Food discolouration will also indicate whether food is not safe, so carefully check the food before you eat. You will be unable to smell your own personal body odours. To reduce self-consciousness, maintenance of good personal hygiene is important. ### Job prospects If your sense of smell is necessary for your occupation you should discuss this with your employer or supervisor. With your permission, they can contact a support group, like Fifth Sense, for further help and advice. Fifth Sense is a UK-based charity that supports people affected by smell and taste disorders across the world. ## Article history The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians. - Next review due: 23 Oct 2027 - ###### 24 Oct 2022 \\| Latest version - ###### 25 Feb 2014 \\| Originally published Authored by:
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