🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 61 (from laksa087)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa061.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://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid","crawl_time":1775049692,"first_indexed_time":1642799806,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,goodrx!www,\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid s443","src_root_hash":"16240351626176129661","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"10 Causes of Loss of Smell and Taste Besides COVID-19 - GoodRx","meta_descriptions":["Loss of smell or taste is a nuisance. While it may happen after COVID-19, there are other causes too. Here’s what can cause loss of taste and smell."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key takeaways:\nCOVID-19 infection is only one reason why you might lose your sense of taste or smell. Medications, viruses, and medical conditions can also cause loss of taste and smell. \nThe chance of full recovery of smell and taste depends on the cause. And it’s different for each person. It can take weeks to months to get your senses back.\nOlfactory training can help you recover. In some cases, steroids may help too.\nFrom freshly baked bread to fragrant flowers, your sense of smell adds richness to daily life. That’s why it can feel unsettling when your sense of smell changes. For many people, losing the sense of smell (anosmia) or taste (\nageusia\n) makes them immediately think of COVID-19. \nWhile loss of smell or taste can be a\nsign of COVID infection\n, many other things can affect these senses.\nChanges in smell and taste sensation are more common than you might think. Almost\n1 in 4\npeople in the U.S. over the age of 40 report changes in their sense of smell. And 1 in 5 notice changes in their sense of taste. If you’re experiencing changes in taste or smell, here are 10 other causes to consider besides COVID-19.\nYes, many conditions can cause a loss of taste or smell — not just COVID. \nWhatever the cause, the problem is linked to changes on the surfaces of your nose or tongue, or in the nerves that control them. \nFortunately, the\nmost common causes\nof loss of smell and taste usually get better with time. \nHere are 10 things — besides COVID — that can cause a\nloss of taste\nand smell.\nCommon cold viruses like\nRSV\nand\nthe flu\ninfect your body through your nose and mouth. These\nupper respiratory infections\ncause swelling inside your nose. This can damage the lining of the nose to the point that some people\nlose their sense of smell for years\nafter a viral illness.  \nBut most of the time, you only notice changes in taste and smell while you’re ill. Once you recover, the swelling inside your nose goes away and your usual sense of taste and smell returns. \nIf you have\nseasonal allergies\nor year-round allergies, you know that allergies can affect your nose. Allergies cause swelling and inflammation inside your nose. Sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion can all lead to issues with smelling. The longer you’ve had\nallergies\n, or the more severe your symptoms are, the\nmore likely you are\nto lose your smell because of them. \nPeople with allergies or certain medical conditions are at risk for developing\nnasal polyps\n. These are noncancerous growths that develop in your nose or sinus. Polyps change the shape of your nasal lining. This puts stress on the nerves inside your nose, which can\naffect how well you’re able to smell\n. \n4. Tobacco and vape products\nSmoking can\naffect your sense of smell and taste\n. It may also\nincrease your risk\nof developing nasal polyps, making it even harder to smell.\nCompare prices and information on the most popular COVID-19 medications.\nOther\ntobacco products\n— like e-cigarettes (for vaping), cigars, and\nchewing tobacco\n— can also affect your sense of smell or taste.\nMost people have taken\nibuprofen\n(Advil, Motrin) or\nacetaminophen\n(Tylenol) for aches or pains. But did you know these medications can affect your sense of taste? In fact, some of the most\ncommonly used medications\nin the U.S. can affect taste or smell, including: \nAllergy medications:\nLoratadine\nand\nfluticasone\n \nAntibiotics:\nAmoxicillin\nand\nazithromycin\nBlood pressure medications:\nLisinopril\nand\nmetoprolol\nCholesterol-lowering medications:\nAtorvastatin\nand\npravastatin\nReflux medications:\nOmeprazole\nand\nranitidine\nOther common medications that can alter your sense of taste or smell include\nlevothyroxine\n,\nmetformin\n, and\nzolpidem\n(Ambien) — among many others. Keep in mind that these medications may not just decrease your sense of taste or smell. They may also change your sense of taste or smell altogether. For example, lithium can sometimes cause a\nmetallic taste\n.\nSmelling and tasting works because nerves from your brain are connected to your nose and tongue. Health conditions that affect these nerves, or the parts of the brain that control them, can change your sense of smell or taste.\nNeurologic conditions that can affect your sense of taste or smell\ninclude\n:\nGrowing older affects all your senses. These changes are often more noticeable in your\neyesight\nand\nhearing\n. But your\nsense of smell and taste\ncan be affected too. As you get older, the nerves that help with smell\ndon’t renew\nas easily.\nAreas of the brain that help with smell\nalso change with age. If your sense of smell changes, your sense of taste is usually affected too.\nAlso, you’re more likely to take more medications or develop neurological conditions as you get older. These added factors can make it harder to smell or taste\nover the years\n. \nExposure to chemicals, toxins, and metals can affect both taste and smell. They can affect the nerves or sensory cells in the nose and on the tongue. Exposure to solvents, metal dust, or fumes\nat work\nor at home can affect your sense of smell and taste.\nA very rare cancer called\nolfactory neuroblastoma\ncan also cause loss of smell. It’s responsible for only 2% of cancers of the nose and sinuses. This cancer starts in the olfactory cells in the nasal cavity. It usually causes obstruction in one side of the nose and\nnosebleeds\n. But it can also result in anosmia (loss of smell).\nIt’s worth noting that treatments for other cancers — like\nchemotherapy\nand\nradiation\n— can also affect your sense of smell or taste. \nThere’s some evidence to suggest that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be linked to changes in smell or\ntaste\n. These vitamins and minerals include:\nVitamin B12 \nVitamin D\nVitamin E\nZinc\nChanges in taste and smell can last for different amounts of time, depending on the cause. For example:\nViruses:\nLoss of taste or smell from a common cold virus or the flu lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. Loss of smell or taste from COVID illness can take\nseveral weeks\nor, in rare cases,\nup to a few years\nto return. \nAllergies or nasal polyps:\nTreating allergies or nasal polyps may restore your sense of smell. This can take several\nweeks to months\n. \nSmoking:\nYou can recover your sense of taste and smell after you quit smoking. How quickly they come back depends on\nhow long\nyou smoked. Recovery can take weeks to years.\nHead trauma:\nWhen you lose your sense of smell or taste after head trauma, you usually recover those senses within a couple months. But sometimes, these sensations never return. \nNeurological disorders or age:\nThe loss of smell or taste from neurological disorders or getting older is the\nleast likely to resolve with time\n. Your sense of smell and taste might never fully return.\nSome people get their sense of taste and smell back\nwithout any treatment\n. But many people need extra help. \nThe first step is to talk with your healthcare team. They can review your medications and medical history with you to pinpoint possible causes for your loss of taste and smell. They can offer treatment for medical conditions that may improve your senses. They may also suggest different medications that don’t affect your senses. \nOther treatments that can help with anosmia (loss of smell) include:\nOlfactory training:\nAlso called\nsmell retraining\n, this involves reteaching your brain to remember different smells over a period of months. Olfactory training can be helpful for most people, regardless of what caused their loss of smell or taste. \nSteroids:\nMedications like\nbudesonide\ncan improve the success of olfactory training.\nThe bottom line\nNot being able to smell or taste can be stressful, regardless of the cause. Many people experience a loss of smell or taste at some point in their lives. COVID-19 illness can cause loss of taste or smell. But many things can cause this including allergies, nasal polyps, and certain medications. Your healthcare team can help you pinpoint the cause of your loss of taste or smell and recommend treatment. Olfactory training may help, regardless of what caused your loss of taste or smell.\nAunna Pourang, MD, graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Medical Honors Program and is board-certified in family medicine (Mayo Clinic). She is also fellowship-trained in integrative medicine (Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine).\nPatricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.\nGoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our\neditorial guidelines\n.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#skip-to-content)\n\nAre you a healthcare professional? [Join GoodRx for HCPs](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/hcp\/join?redirectTo=%2Fconditions%2Fcovid-19%2Floss-of-taste-smell-not-covid)\n\n- [Prescription savingsSavings](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/)\n  Prescription savings\n  \n  Stop paying too much for your prescriptions. 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[COVID-19](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19)\n\nCOVID-19\n\n# 10 Causes of Loss of Smell and Taste Besides COVID\n\n[![Aunna Pourang, MD](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/ripxUJyKgcu1dFnwb8vqH\/b3c1e4e802bec29510aa5dd6711203c9\/AP_HS_-_Aunna_Pourang.jpeg?w=96&q=85&fm=webp)](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/about\/bio\/aunna-pourang)[![Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/2dDvNXrERRVqdM7HSwMXM3\/a275e108f92951b2519abcc3973a31cf\/patricia_pinto-garcia_goodrx.webp?w=96&q=85&fm=webp)](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/about\/bio\/patricia-pinto-garcia)\n\nWritten by [Aunna Pourang, MD](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/about\/bio\/aunna-pourang) \\| Reviewed by [Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/about\/bio\/patricia-pinto-garcia)\n\nUpdated on September 11, 2025\n\n![star](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/images\/star-with-circle.svg)![Close-up on a woman drinking a cup of tea. She is smelling and looking down at the white cup with a lush green background behind her.](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/5uTOWaME24ICFBDYyW930T\/20066af3aa492867692f18cb1ced0ef0\/GettyImages-1311322706.jpg?w=3840&q=99&fm=webp)\n\nAntonioGuillem\/iStock via Getty Images\n\n[Causes](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#causes)[Viruses](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#viruses)[Allergies](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#allergies)[Nasal polyps](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#nasal-polyps)[Smoking and vaping](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#smoking-and-vaping)[Medications](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#medications)[Medical conditions](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#medical-conditions)[Age](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#age)[Toxins](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#toxins)[Cancer](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#cancer)[Vitamin deficiency](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#vitamin-deficiency)[How long it lasts](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#how-long-it-lasts)[Treatment](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#treatment)[FAQs](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#faqs)[Bottom line](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#bottom-line)[References](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#references)\n\n## Key takeaways:\n- COVID-19 infection is only one reason why you might lose your sense of taste or smell. Medications, viruses, and medical conditions can also cause loss of taste and smell.\n- The chance of full recovery of smell and taste depends on the cause. And it’s different for each person. It can take weeks to months to get your senses back.\n- Olfactory training can help you recover. In some cases, steroids may help too.\n\n#### Save on related medications\nPromotional Disclosure\n\n[loratadine](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/loratadine \"loratadine cost and coupons\")[claritin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/claritin \"claritin cost and coupons\")[ibuprofen](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/ibuprofen \"ibuprofen cost and coupons\")[motrin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/motrin \"motrin cost and coupons\")\n\nFrom freshly baked bread to fragrant flowers, your sense of smell adds richness to daily life. That’s why it can feel unsettling when your sense of smell changes. For many people, losing the sense of smell (anosmia) or taste ([ageusia](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/well-being\/diet-nutrition\/how-to-eat-well-when-you-cant-taste-anything)) makes them immediately think of COVID-19.\n\nWhile loss of smell or taste can be a [sign of COVID infection](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/parosmia-after-covid-loss-of-taste-smell), many other things can affect these senses.\n\nChanges in smell and taste sensation are more common than you might think. Almost [1 in 4](https:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/quick-statistics-taste-smell) people in the U.S. over the age of 40 report changes in their sense of smell. And 1 in 5 notice changes in their sense of taste. If you’re experiencing changes in taste or smell, here are 10 other causes to consider besides COVID-19.\n\n## Can loss of taste or smell be something other than COVID?\nYes, many conditions can cause a loss of taste or smell — not just COVID.\n\nWhatever the cause, the problem is linked to changes on the surfaces of your nose or tongue, or in the nerves that control them.\n\nFortunately, the [most common causes](https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/neurology\/articles\/10.3389\/fneur.2020.569333\/full#:~:text=Acute%20viral%20upper%20respiratory%20tract%20infections%20are%20the%20most%20common%20cause%20of%20chronic%20olfactory%20dysfunction) of loss of smell and taste usually get better with time.\n\nHere are 10 things — besides COVID — that can cause a [loss of taste](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/well-being\/diet-nutrition\/how-to-eat-well-when-you-cant-taste-anything) and smell.\n\n## 1\\. Viruses that cause the cold and flu\nCommon cold viruses like [RSV](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/rsv) and [the flu](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/flu) infect your body through your nose and mouth. These [upper respiratory infections](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/upper-respiratory-infection) cause swelling inside your nose. This can damage the lining of the nose to the point that some people [lose their sense of smell for years](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8067782\/#:~:text=Most%20but%20not%20all%20patients%20eventually%20regain%20their%20sense%20of%20smell%20though%20the%20process%20can%20be%20prolonged%2C%20taking%20up%20to%202%20years%20%5B2%2C%203%2C%206%5D.) after a viral illness.\n\nBut most of the time, you only notice changes in taste and smell while you’re ill. Once you recover, the swelling inside your nose goes away and your usual sense of taste and smell returns.\n\n![GoodRx icon](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/images\/goodrx-logo.svg)\n\nEXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT\n\n- **Sticking with a healthy diet can be hard if you’ve lost your taste.** [Planning ahead](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/well-being\/diet-nutrition\/how-to-eat-well-when-you-cant-taste-anything) and experimenting with textures can help you eat well.\n- **What’s it like to have a distorted sense of smell?** Hear from [someone who experienced it](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/living-with-parosmia-savanah-hunter) after COVID-19.\n- **If you have allergies, you may be at risk for nasal polyps**. Learn more about [nasal polyps](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/nasal-polyps\/signs-symptoms), including symptoms and treatments.\n\n## 2\\. Allergies\nIf you have [seasonal allergies](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/allergies) or year-round allergies, you know that allergies can affect your nose. Allergies cause swelling and inflammation inside your nose. Sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion can all lead to issues with smelling. The longer you’ve had [allergies](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/allergies\/symptoms), or the more severe your symptoms are, the [more likely you are](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36124512\/) to lose your smell because of them.\n\n## 3\\. Nasal polyps\nPeople with allergies or certain medical conditions are at risk for developing [nasal polyps](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/nasal-polyps). These are noncancerous growths that develop in your nose or sinus. Polyps change the shape of your nasal lining. This puts stress on the nerves inside your nose, which can [affect how well you’re able to smell](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11453501\/).\n\n## 4\\. Tobacco and vape products\nSmoking can [affect your sense of smell and taste](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5783692\/). It may also [increase your risk](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23012901\/#:~:text=Objectives%3A%20Recent%20studies%20on%20the,be%20associated%20with%20nasal%20polyps.) of developing nasal polyps, making it even harder to smell.\n\nPromotion disclosure\n\nCOVID-19 medicationsCompare prices and information on the most popular COVID-19 medications.\n\n- Loratadine\n  \n  Generic Claritin\n  \n  \\$7.85Lowest price\n  \n  [Save now](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/loratadine)\n- Claritin\n  \n  Loratadine\n  \n  \\$7.85Lowest price\n  \n  [Save now](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/claritin)\n- Comirnaty\n  \n  \\$94.62Lowest price\n  \n  [Save now](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/comirnaty)\n\n[Compare all medications](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/drugs)\n\nOther [tobacco products](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10851189\/) — like e-cigarettes (for vaping), cigars, and [chewing tobacco](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6753787\/) — can also affect your sense of smell or taste.\n\n## 5\\. Medications\nMost people have taken [ibuprofen](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/ibuprofen\/what-is) (Advil, Motrin) or [acetaminophen](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/acetaminophen\/what-is) (Tylenol) for aches or pains. But did you know these medications can affect your sense of taste? In fact, some of the most [commonly used medications](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6051304\/#:~:text=Drugs%20from%20top%20100%20in%20the%20United%20States%20in%2020178%20that%20elicit%20taste%20or%20smell%20complaints%20or%20disorders%20in%20some%20individuals.2%2C%203%2C%204%2C%205%2C%206) in the U.S. can affect taste or smell, including:\n\n- **Allergy medications:** [Loratadine](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/loratadine\/what-is) and [fluticasone](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/flonase\/what-is)\n- **Antibiotics:** [Amoxicillin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/amoxicillin\/what-is) and [azithromycin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/azithromycin\/what-is)\n- **Blood pressure medications:** [Lisinopril](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/lisinopril\/what-is) and [metoprolol](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/metoprolol\/what-is)\n- **Cholesterol-lowering medications:** [Atorvastatin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/atorvastatin\/what-is) and [pravastatin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/pravastatin\/what-is)\n- **Reflux medications:** [Omeprazole](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/omeprazole\/what-is) and [ranitidine](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/ranitidine\/what-is)\n\nOther common medications that can alter your sense of taste or smell include [levothyroxine](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/levothyroxine\/what-is), [metformin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/metformin\/what-is), and [zolpidem](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/zolpidem\/what-is) (Ambien) — among many others. Keep in mind that these medications may not just decrease your sense of taste or smell. They may also change your sense of taste or smell altogether. For example, lithium can sometimes cause a [metallic taste](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/drugs\/side-effects\/weird-taste-in-your-mouth-these-drugs-could-be-the-cause).\n\n## 6\\. Neurological causes\nSmelling and tasting works because nerves from your brain are connected to your nose and tongue. Health conditions that affect these nerves, or the parts of the brain that control them, can change your sense of smell or taste.\n\nNeurologic conditions that can affect your sense of taste or smell [include](https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1422-0067\/24\/3\/2117):\n\n- [Brain injury](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/health-topic\/neurological\/traumatic-brain-injury)\n- [Parkinson’s disease](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/parkinsons-disease)\n- [Alzheimer’s disease](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/alzheimers-disease)\n- [Multiple sclerosis](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/multiple-sclerosis)\n\n## 7\\. Aging\nGrowing older affects all your senses. These changes are often more noticeable in your [eyesight](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/health-topic\/eye) and [hearing](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/health-topic\/ear\/presbycusis). But your [sense of smell and taste](https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/smell-and-taste) can be affected too. As you get older, the nerves that help with smell [don’t renew](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7358644\/) as easily. [Areas of the brain that help with smell](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23010543\/) also change with age. If your sense of smell changes, your sense of taste is usually affected too.\n\nAlso, you’re more likely to take more medications or develop neurological conditions as you get older. These added factors can make it harder to smell or taste [over the years](https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fneur.2020.569333\/full#:~:text=mucosa%20\$99%2C%20100\$.-,Anosmia%20in%20Aging%20and%20Age-Related%20Neurodegenerative%20Disease,-Our%20sense%20of).\n\n## 8\\. Environmental exposure\nExposure to chemicals, toxins, and metals can affect both taste and smell. They can affect the nerves or sensory cells in the nose and on the tongue. Exposure to solvents, metal dust, or fumes [at work](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5848455\/) or at home can affect your sense of smell and taste.\n\n## 9\\. Cancer\nA very rare cancer called [olfactory neuroblastoma](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2811627\/) can also cause loss of smell. It’s responsible for only 2% of cancers of the nose and sinuses. This cancer starts in the olfactory cells in the nasal cavity. It usually causes obstruction in one side of the nose and [nosebleeds](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/health-topic\/nose\/what-causes-nosebleeds). But it can also result in anosmia (loss of smell).\n\nIt’s worth noting that treatments for other cancers — like [chemotherapy](https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/managing-cancer\/side-effects\/eating-problems\/taste-smell-changes.html) and [radiation](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30411162\/) — can also affect your sense of smell or taste.\n\n## 10\\. Vitamin deficiencies\nThere’s some evidence to suggest that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be linked to changes in smell or [taste](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2666149723000488). These vitamins and minerals include:\n\n- Vitamin B12\n- [Vitamin D](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7230220\/)\n- Vitamin E\n- [Zinc](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27178656\/)\n\n## How long does loss of taste and smell last?\nChanges in taste and smell can last for different amounts of time, depending on the cause. For example:\n\n- **Viruses:** Loss of taste or smell from a common cold virus or the flu lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. Loss of smell or taste from COVID illness can take [several weeks](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/parosmia-after-covid-loss-of-taste-smell) or, in rare cases, [up to a few years](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8067782\/#:~:text=Most%20but%20not%20all%20patients%20eventually%20regain%20their%20sense%20of%20smell%20though%20the%20process%20can%20be%20prolonged%2C%20taking%20up%20to%202%20years%20%5B2%2C%203%2C%206%5D.) to return.\n- **Allergies or nasal polyps:** Treating allergies or nasal polyps may restore your sense of smell. This can take several [weeks to months](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/9109781\/).\n- **Smoking:** You can recover your sense of taste and smell after you quit smoking. How quickly they come back depends on [how long](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6730657\/) you smoked. Recovery can take weeks to years.\n- **Head trauma:** When you lose your sense of smell or taste after head trauma, you usually recover those senses within a couple months. But sometimes, these sensations never return.\n- **Neurological disorders or age:** The loss of smell or taste from neurological disorders or getting older is the [least likely to resolve with time](https:\/\/www.egms.de\/static\/en\/journals\/cto\/2012-10\/cto000077.shtml#:~:text=Predictive%20factors,by%20the%20patients.). Your sense of smell and taste might never fully return.\n\n## How can I get my taste or smell back?\nSome people get their sense of taste and smell back [without any treatment](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31604562\/). But many people need extra help.\n\nThe first step is to talk with your healthcare team. They can review your medications and medical history with you to pinpoint possible causes for your loss of taste and smell. They can offer treatment for medical conditions that may improve your senses. They may also suggest different medications that don’t affect your senses.\n\nOther treatments that can help with anosmia (loss of smell) include:\n\n- **Olfactory training:** Also called [smell retraining](https:\/\/www.enthealth.org\/be_ent_smart\/smell-retraining-therapy\/), this involves reteaching your brain to remember different smells over a period of months. Olfactory training can be helpful for most people, regardless of what caused their loss of smell or taste.\n- **Steroids:** Medications like [budesonide](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29901865\/) can improve the success of olfactory training.\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n### What vitamins help regain taste and smell?\nIn general, vitamins won’t help you regain your taste or smell. Supplements may help if you have vitamin or mineral deficiencies. But the research [doesn’t](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29260510\/) strongly support taking zinc or any other supplements if you don’t have a deficiency.\n\n### Can nasal spray help get my smell back?\n[Steroid nasal sprays](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/allergies\/nasal-spray), like Flonase or Nasocort, can help treat medical conditions like allergies and nasal polyps. If your loss of smell is caused by these conditions, a steroid nasal spray may help you get your smell back. But they won’t help if your loss of smell is from another cause. Other types of nasal sprays, like nasal antihistamines or decongestants, won’t speed up recovery.\n\n### What medication is used for loss of taste and smell?\nThere’s no medication that is FDA-approved to treat a loss of taste or smell. Healthcare professionals may sometimes [prescribe steroids](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8387929\/) if you’re undergoing olfactory training (smell retraining).\n\nIn general, vitamins won’t help you regain your taste or smell. Supplements may help if you have vitamin or mineral deficiencies. But the research [doesn’t](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29260510\/) strongly support taking zinc or any other supplements if you don’t have a deficiency.\n\n[Steroid nasal sprays](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/allergies\/nasal-spray), like Flonase or Nasocort, can help treat medical conditions like allergies and nasal polyps. If your loss of smell is caused by these conditions, a steroid nasal spray may help you get your smell back. But they won’t help if your loss of smell is from another cause. Other types of nasal sprays, like nasal antihistamines or decongestants, won’t speed up recovery.\n\nThere’s no medication that is FDA-approved to treat a loss of taste or smell. Healthcare professionals may sometimes [prescribe steroids](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8387929\/) if you’re undergoing olfactory training (smell retraining).\n\n## The bottom line\nNot being able to smell or taste can be stressful, regardless of the cause. Many people experience a loss of smell or taste at some point in their lives. COVID-19 illness can cause loss of taste or smell. But many things can cause this including allergies, nasal polyps, and certain medications. Your healthcare team can help you pinpoint the cause of your loss of taste or smell and recommend treatment. Olfactory training may help, regardless of what caused your loss of taste or smell.\n\n![why trust our exports reliability shield](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/images\/reliability.svg)\n\n## Why trust our experts?\n\n![Aunna Pourang, MD](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/ripxUJyKgcu1dFnwb8vqH\/b3c1e4e802bec29510aa5dd6711203c9\/AP_HS_-_Aunna_Pourang.jpeg)\n\n![Aunna Pourang, MD](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/ripxUJyKgcu1dFnwb8vqH\/b3c1e4e802bec29510aa5dd6711203c9\/AP_HS_-_Aunna_Pourang.jpeg)\n\nWritten by:\n\n[Aunna Pourang, MD](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/about\/bio\/aunna-pourang)\n\nAunna Pourang, MD, graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Medical Honors Program and is board-certified in family medicine (Mayo Clinic). She is also fellowship-trained in integrative medicine (Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine).\n\n![Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/2dDvNXrERRVqdM7HSwMXM3\/a275e108f92951b2519abcc3973a31cf\/patricia_pinto-garcia_goodrx.webp)\n\n![Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/2dDvNXrERRVqdM7HSwMXM3\/a275e108f92951b2519abcc3973a31cf\/patricia_pinto-garcia_goodrx.webp)\n\nEdited by:\n\n[Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/about\/bio\/patricia-pinto-garcia)\n\nPatricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.\n\n![Green trust check mark](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/images\/green-check-mark.svg)[Our editorial standards](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/about\/editorial-guidelines)\n\n![Green trust check mark](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/images\/green-check-mark.svg)[Meet our experts](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/about\/health#meet-our-healthcare-experts)\n\n## References\nAmerican Cancer Society. (2024). [Taste and smell changes](https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/managing-cancer\/side-effects\/eating-problems\/taste-smell-changes.html).\n\nBarresi, M., et al. (2012). [Evaluation of olfactory dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23010543\/). *Journal of the Neurological Sciences*.\n\n### View All References (27)\nBigman, G. (2020). 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[Steroids and olfactory training for postviral olfactory dysfunction: A systematic review](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8387929\/). *Frontiers in Neuroscience*.\n\nGoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our [editorial guidelines](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/about\/editorial-guidelines).\n\nAmerican Cancer Society. (2024). [Taste and smell changes](https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/managing-cancer\/side-effects\/eating-problems\/taste-smell-changes.html).\n\nBarresi, M., et al. (2012). [Evaluation of olfactory dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23010543\/). *Journal of the Neurological Sciences*.\n\nBigman, G. (2020). [Age-related smell and taste impairments and vitamin D associations in the U.S. Adults National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7230220\/). *Nutrients*.\n\nDa Ré, A. F., et al. (2017). [Tobacco influence on taste and smell: Systematic review of the literature](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5783692\/). *International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology*.\n\nDeshpande, T. S., et al. (2018). [Radiation-related alterations of taste function in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30411162\/). *Current Treatment Options in Oncology*.\n\nDicpinigaitis, P. V. (2021). [Post-viral anosmia (loss of sensation of smell) did not begin with COVID-19\\!](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8067782\/) *Lung*.\n\nDoty, R. L., et al. (2019). [Treatments for smell and taste disorders: A critical review](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31604562\/). *Handbook of Clinical Neurology*.\n\nENT Health. (n.d.). [Smell retraining therapy](https:\/\/www.enthealth.org\/be_ent_smart\/smell-retraining-therapy\/).\n\nFatuzzo, I., et al. (2023). [Neurons, nose, and neurodegenerative diseases: Olfactory function and cognitive impairment](https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1422-0067\/24\/3\/2117). *International Journal of Molecular Sciences*.\n\nGörgülü, O., et al. (2012). [Analysis of the roles of smoking and allergy in nasal polyposis](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23012901\/). *The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology*.\n\nHamdam, R. H. B., et al. (2024). [Tobacco products and sensory health: An assessment of taste and smell disorders using 2021 NHIS data](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10851189\/). *Tobacco Induced Diseases*.\n\nHummel, T., et al. (2011). [Smell and taste disorders](https:\/\/www.egms.de\/static\/en\/journals\/cto\/2012-10\/cto000077.shtml). *German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery*.\n\nKale, Y. S., et al. (2019). [Effect of using tobacco on taste perception](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6753787\/). *Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care*.\n\nKondo, K., et al. (2020). [Age-related olfactory dysfunction: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7358644\/). *Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience*.\n\nMott, A. E., et al. (1997). [Topical corticosteroid treatment of anosmia associated with nasal and sinus disease](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/9109781\/). *Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery*.\n\nNagraj, S. K., et al. (2017). [Interventions for managing taste disturbances](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29260510\/). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.\n\nNational Institute on Aging. (2024). [How smell and taste change as you age](https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/smell-and-taste). National Institutes of Health.\n\nNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). [Quick statistics about taste and smell](https:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/quick-statistics-taste-smell).\n\nNguyen, T. P., et al. (2018). [Budesonide irrigation with olfactory training improves outcomes compared with olfactory training alone in patients with olfactory loss](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29901865\/). *International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology*.\n\nPark, S. W., et al. (2018). [Work-related olfactory disorder: A case series and review](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5848455\/). *Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine*.\n\nPisano, M., & Hilas, O. (2016). [Zinc and taste disturbances in older adults: A review of the literature](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27178656\/). *The Consultant Pharmacist: The Journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists*.\n\nRebholz, H., et al. (2020). [Loss of olfactory function—early indicator for Covid-19, other viral infections and neurodegenerative disorders](https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fneur.2020.569333\/full). *Frontiers in Neurology*.\n\nSara, K. B., et al. (2022). [Changes in olfaction & quality of life following standard medical therapy in patients with intermittent & persistent allergic rhinitis](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36124512\/). *The Indian Journal of Medical Research*.\n\nSchiffman, S. S. (2018). [Influence of medications on taste and smell](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6051304\/). *World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery*.\n\nSiegel, J. K., et al. (2019). [Olfactory dysfunction persists after smoking cessation and signals increased cardiovascular risk](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6730657\/). *International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology*.\n\nThompson, L. D. R. (2009). [Olfactory neuroblastoma](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2811627\/). *Head and Neck Pathology*.\n\nVento, S. I., et al. (2001). [Sense of smell in long-standing nasal polyposis](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11453501\/). *American Journal of Rhinology*.\n\nYounes, S. (2024). [The impact of micronutrients on the sense of taste](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2666149723000488). *Human Nutrition & Metabolism*.\n\nYuan, S., et al. (2021). [Steroids and olfactory training for postviral olfactory dysfunction: A systematic review](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8387929\/). *Frontiers in Neuroscience*.\n\n![Newsletter Subscription](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/images\/notification-email-female.svg)\n\n#### Subscribe and save\nGet prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Enter your email to sign up\n\n### Latest articles\n[![Ivermectin: COVID-19: sick person blowing nose searching on phone 1203135605](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/75lamW20A5CqCKCmijDigk\/d78fd6f01c3588ddd5a0af59f690f333\/sick_person_blowing_nose_searching_on_phone_1203135605.webp?w=640&q=85&fm=webp) Ivermectin Can Humans Safely Take Ivermectin Tablets? 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If you are having difficulty accessing this website, please call or email us at [1-855-268-2822](<tel: +18552682822>) or [ada@goodrx.com](<mailto: ada@goodrx.com>) so that we can provide you with the services you require through alternative means.\n\nCopyright ©2011–2026 GoodRx, Inc.\n\n[![LegitScript Logo, opens in a new window](https:\/\/static.legitscript.com\/seals\/338276.png?width=256&quality=85&auto=webp)](https:\/\/www.legitscript.com\/websites\/?checker_keywords=goodrx.com)[![National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Logo, opens in a new window](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/7BflV93nkrARWlhjT0OpL3\/41f2d7661bc44e0b14eac2269c92bd0b\/6e174cd343d6b3b47288ee3ea13a61ab.png?format=png&auto=webp&width=182?w=384&q=85&fm=webp)](https:\/\/safe.pharmacy\/buy-safely\/)[![Better Business Bureau Logo, opens in a new window](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/xXC4tWf17QuV268j1yOiR\/4d2427d015a8d78f83af07b8c9a9ba3f\/2dea00a13eeceedf6c458d97e3bc9163.png?format=png&auto=webp&width=121?w=256&q=85&fm=webp)](https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/us\/ca\/santa-monica\/profile\/online-pharmacy\/goodrx-1216-351397#bbbseal)\n\n![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=33256513&cs_ucfr=1)\n\n![](https:\/\/match.prod.bidr.io\/cookie-sync\/goodrx?buyer_user_id=undefined&env=prod)\n\n![](https:\/\/cnv.event.prod.bidr.io\/log\/cnv?tag_id=6&buzz_key=goodrx&value=1&segment_key=&account_id=4&ord=512432957)\n\n![](https:\/\/sync.graph.bluecava.com\/p.png?p=ddb38364-ed0e-11ec-8ee0-4201ac10000b&segment=732bbede0eedec11834342010a78800a&uid=undefined&event=page_view&rn=1775049695583)","attrs_readable_markdown":"## Key takeaways:\n- COVID-19 infection is only one reason why you might lose your sense of taste or smell. Medications, viruses, and medical conditions can also cause loss of taste and smell.\n- The chance of full recovery of smell and taste depends on the cause. And it’s different for each person. It can take weeks to months to get your senses back.\n- Olfactory training can help you recover. In some cases, steroids may help too.\n\nFrom freshly baked bread to fragrant flowers, your sense of smell adds richness to daily life. That’s why it can feel unsettling when your sense of smell changes. For many people, losing the sense of smell (anosmia) or taste ([ageusia](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/well-being\/diet-nutrition\/how-to-eat-well-when-you-cant-taste-anything)) makes them immediately think of COVID-19.\n\nWhile loss of smell or taste can be a [sign of COVID infection](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/parosmia-after-covid-loss-of-taste-smell), many other things can affect these senses.\n\nChanges in smell and taste sensation are more common than you might think. Almost [1 in 4](https:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/quick-statistics-taste-smell) people in the U.S. over the age of 40 report changes in their sense of smell. And 1 in 5 notice changes in their sense of taste. If you’re experiencing changes in taste or smell, here are 10 other causes to consider besides COVID-19.\n\nYes, many conditions can cause a loss of taste or smell — not just COVID.\n\nWhatever the cause, the problem is linked to changes on the surfaces of your nose or tongue, or in the nerves that control them.\n\nFortunately, the [most common causes](https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/neurology\/articles\/10.3389\/fneur.2020.569333\/full#:~:text=Acute%20viral%20upper%20respiratory%20tract%20infections%20are%20the%20most%20common%20cause%20of%20chronic%20olfactory%20dysfunction) of loss of smell and taste usually get better with time.\n\nHere are 10 things — besides COVID — that can cause a [loss of taste](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/well-being\/diet-nutrition\/how-to-eat-well-when-you-cant-taste-anything) and smell.\n\nCommon cold viruses like [RSV](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/rsv) and [the flu](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/flu) infect your body through your nose and mouth. These [upper respiratory infections](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/upper-respiratory-infection) cause swelling inside your nose. This can damage the lining of the nose to the point that some people [lose their sense of smell for years](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8067782\/#:~:text=Most%20but%20not%20all%20patients%20eventually%20regain%20their%20sense%20of%20smell%20though%20the%20process%20can%20be%20prolonged%2C%20taking%20up%20to%202%20years%20%5B2%2C%203%2C%206%5D.) after a viral illness.\n\nBut most of the time, you only notice changes in taste and smell while you’re ill. Once you recover, the swelling inside your nose goes away and your usual sense of taste and smell returns.\n\nIf you have [seasonal allergies](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/allergies) or year-round allergies, you know that allergies can affect your nose. Allergies cause swelling and inflammation inside your nose. Sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion can all lead to issues with smelling. The longer you’ve had [allergies](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/allergies\/symptoms), or the more severe your symptoms are, the [more likely you are](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36124512\/) to lose your smell because of them.\n\nPeople with allergies or certain medical conditions are at risk for developing [nasal polyps](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/nasal-polyps). These are noncancerous growths that develop in your nose or sinus. Polyps change the shape of your nasal lining. This puts stress on the nerves inside your nose, which can [affect how well you’re able to smell](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11453501\/).\n\n## 4\\. Tobacco and vape products\nSmoking can [affect your sense of smell and taste](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5783692\/). It may also [increase your risk](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23012901\/#:~:text=Objectives%3A%20Recent%20studies%20on%20the,be%20associated%20with%20nasal%20polyps.) of developing nasal polyps, making it even harder to smell.\n\nCompare prices and information on the most popular COVID-19 medications.\n\nOther [tobacco products](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10851189\/) — like e-cigarettes (for vaping), cigars, and [chewing tobacco](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6753787\/) — can also affect your sense of smell or taste.\n\nMost people have taken [ibuprofen](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/ibuprofen\/what-is) (Advil, Motrin) or [acetaminophen](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/acetaminophen\/what-is) (Tylenol) for aches or pains. But did you know these medications can affect your sense of taste? In fact, some of the most [commonly used medications](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6051304\/#:~:text=Drugs%20from%20top%20100%20in%20the%20United%20States%20in%2020178%20that%20elicit%20taste%20or%20smell%20complaints%20or%20disorders%20in%20some%20individuals.2%2C%203%2C%204%2C%205%2C%206) in the U.S. can affect taste or smell, including:\n\n- **Allergy medications:** [Loratadine](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/loratadine\/what-is) and [fluticasone](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/flonase\/what-is)\n- **Antibiotics:** [Amoxicillin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/amoxicillin\/what-is) and [azithromycin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/azithromycin\/what-is)\n- **Blood pressure medications:** [Lisinopril](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/lisinopril\/what-is) and [metoprolol](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/metoprolol\/what-is)\n- **Cholesterol-lowering medications:** [Atorvastatin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/atorvastatin\/what-is) and [pravastatin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/pravastatin\/what-is)\n- **Reflux medications:** [Omeprazole](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/omeprazole\/what-is) and [ranitidine](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/ranitidine\/what-is)\n\nOther common medications that can alter your sense of taste or smell include [levothyroxine](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/levothyroxine\/what-is), [metformin](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/metformin\/what-is), and [zolpidem](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/zolpidem\/what-is) (Ambien) — among many others. Keep in mind that these medications may not just decrease your sense of taste or smell. They may also change your sense of taste or smell altogether. For example, lithium can sometimes cause a [metallic taste](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/drugs\/side-effects\/weird-taste-in-your-mouth-these-drugs-could-be-the-cause).\n\nSmelling and tasting works because nerves from your brain are connected to your nose and tongue. Health conditions that affect these nerves, or the parts of the brain that control them, can change your sense of smell or taste.\n\nNeurologic conditions that can affect your sense of taste or smell [include](https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1422-0067\/24\/3\/2117):\n\nGrowing older affects all your senses. These changes are often more noticeable in your [eyesight](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/health-topic\/eye) and [hearing](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/health-topic\/ear\/presbycusis). But your [sense of smell and taste](https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/smell-and-taste) can be affected too. As you get older, the nerves that help with smell [don’t renew](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7358644\/) as easily. [Areas of the brain that help with smell](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23010543\/) also change with age. If your sense of smell changes, your sense of taste is usually affected too.\n\nAlso, you’re more likely to take more medications or develop neurological conditions as you get older. These added factors can make it harder to smell or taste [over the years](https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fneur.2020.569333\/full#:~:text=mucosa%20\$99%2C%20100\$.-,Anosmia%20in%20Aging%20and%20Age-Related%20Neurodegenerative%20Disease,-Our%20sense%20of).\n\nExposure to chemicals, toxins, and metals can affect both taste and smell. They can affect the nerves or sensory cells in the nose and on the tongue. Exposure to solvents, metal dust, or fumes [at work](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5848455\/) or at home can affect your sense of smell and taste.\n\nA very rare cancer called [olfactory neuroblastoma](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2811627\/) can also cause loss of smell. It’s responsible for only 2% of cancers of the nose and sinuses. This cancer starts in the olfactory cells in the nasal cavity. It usually causes obstruction in one side of the nose and [nosebleeds](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/health-topic\/nose\/what-causes-nosebleeds). But it can also result in anosmia (loss of smell).\n\nIt’s worth noting that treatments for other cancers — like [chemotherapy](https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/managing-cancer\/side-effects\/eating-problems\/taste-smell-changes.html) and [radiation](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30411162\/) — can also affect your sense of smell or taste.\n\nThere’s some evidence to suggest that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be linked to changes in smell or [taste](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2666149723000488). These vitamins and minerals include:\n\n- Vitamin B12\n- [Vitamin D](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7230220\/)\n- Vitamin E\n- [Zinc](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27178656\/)\n\nChanges in taste and smell can last for different amounts of time, depending on the cause. For example:\n\n- **Viruses:** Loss of taste or smell from a common cold virus or the flu lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. Loss of smell or taste from COVID illness can take [several weeks](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/conditions\/covid-19\/parosmia-after-covid-loss-of-taste-smell) or, in rare cases, [up to a few years](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8067782\/#:~:text=Most%20but%20not%20all%20patients%20eventually%20regain%20their%20sense%20of%20smell%20though%20the%20process%20can%20be%20prolonged%2C%20taking%20up%20to%202%20years%20%5B2%2C%203%2C%206%5D.) to return.\n- **Allergies or nasal polyps:** Treating allergies or nasal polyps may restore your sense of smell. This can take several [weeks to months](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/9109781\/).\n- **Smoking:** You can recover your sense of taste and smell after you quit smoking. How quickly they come back depends on [how long](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6730657\/) you smoked. Recovery can take weeks to years.\n- **Head trauma:** When you lose your sense of smell or taste after head trauma, you usually recover those senses within a couple months. But sometimes, these sensations never return.\n- **Neurological disorders or age:** The loss of smell or taste from neurological disorders or getting older is the [least likely to resolve with time](https:\/\/www.egms.de\/static\/en\/journals\/cto\/2012-10\/cto000077.shtml#:~:text=Predictive%20factors,by%20the%20patients.). Your sense of smell and taste might never fully return.\n\nSome people get their sense of taste and smell back [without any treatment](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31604562\/). But many people need extra help.\n\nThe first step is to talk with your healthcare team. They can review your medications and medical history with you to pinpoint possible causes for your loss of taste and smell. They can offer treatment for medical conditions that may improve your senses. They may also suggest different medications that don’t affect your senses.\n\nOther treatments that can help with anosmia (loss of smell) include:\n\n- **Olfactory training:** Also called [smell retraining](https:\/\/www.enthealth.org\/be_ent_smart\/smell-retraining-therapy\/), this involves reteaching your brain to remember different smells over a period of months. Olfactory training can be helpful for most people, regardless of what caused their loss of smell or taste.\n- **Steroids:** Medications like [budesonide](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29901865\/) can improve the success of olfactory training.\n\n## The bottom line\nNot being able to smell or taste can be stressful, regardless of the cause. Many people experience a loss of smell or taste at some point in their lives. COVID-19 illness can cause loss of taste or smell. But many things can cause this including allergies, nasal polyps, and certain medications. Your healthcare team can help you pinpoint the cause of your loss of taste or smell and recommend treatment. Olfactory training may help, regardless of what caused your loss of taste or smell.\n\n![why trust our exports reliability shield](https:\/\/www.grxstatic.com\/images\/reliability.svg)\n\n![Aunna Pourang, MD](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/ripxUJyKgcu1dFnwb8vqH\/b3c1e4e802bec29510aa5dd6711203c9\/AP_HS_-_Aunna_Pourang.jpeg)\n\n![Aunna Pourang, MD](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/ripxUJyKgcu1dFnwb8vqH\/b3c1e4e802bec29510aa5dd6711203c9\/AP_HS_-_Aunna_Pourang.jpeg)\n\nAunna Pourang, MD, graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Medical Honors Program and is board-certified in family medicine (Mayo Clinic). She is also fellowship-trained in integrative medicine (Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine).\n\n![Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/2dDvNXrERRVqdM7HSwMXM3\/a275e108f92951b2519abcc3973a31cf\/patricia_pinto-garcia_goodrx.webp)\n\n![Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/4f3rgqwzdznj\/2dDvNXrERRVqdM7HSwMXM3\/a275e108f92951b2519abcc3973a31cf\/patricia_pinto-garcia_goodrx.webp)\n\nPatricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.\n\nGoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our [editorial guidelines](https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/about\/editorial-guidelines).","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid
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Meta Title	10 Causes of Loss of Smell and Taste Besides COVID-19 - GoodRx
Meta Description	Loss of smell or taste is a nuisance. While it may happen after COVID-19, there are other causes too. Here’s what can cause loss of taste and smell.
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Boilerpipe Text	Key takeaways: COVID-19 infection is only one reason why you might lose your sense of taste or smell. Medications, viruses, and medical conditions can also cause loss of taste and smell. The chance of full recovery of smell and taste depends on the cause. And it’s different for each person. It can take weeks to months to get your senses back. Olfactory training can help you recover. In some cases, steroids may help too. From freshly baked bread to fragrant flowers, your sense of smell adds richness to daily life. That’s why it can feel unsettling when your sense of smell changes. For many people, losing the sense of smell (anosmia) or taste ( ageusia ) makes them immediately think of COVID-19. While loss of smell or taste can be a sign of COVID infection , many other things can affect these senses. Changes in smell and taste sensation are more common than you might think. Almost 1 in 4 people in the U.S. over the age of 40 report changes in their sense of smell. And 1 in 5 notice changes in their sense of taste. If you’re experiencing changes in taste or smell, here are 10 other causes to consider besides COVID-19. Yes, many conditions can cause a loss of taste or smell — not just COVID. Whatever the cause, the problem is linked to changes on the surfaces of your nose or tongue, or in the nerves that control them. Fortunately, the most common causes of loss of smell and taste usually get better with time. Here are 10 things — besides COVID — that can cause a loss of taste and smell. Common cold viruses like RSV and the flu infect your body through your nose and mouth. These upper respiratory infections cause swelling inside your nose. This can damage the lining of the nose to the point that some people lose their sense of smell for years after a viral illness. But most of the time, you only notice changes in taste and smell while you’re ill. Once you recover, the swelling inside your nose goes away and your usual sense of taste and smell returns. If you have seasonal allergies or year-round allergies, you know that allergies can affect your nose. Allergies cause swelling and inflammation inside your nose. Sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion can all lead to issues with smelling. The longer you’ve had allergies , or the more severe your symptoms are, the more likely you are to lose your smell because of them. People with allergies or certain medical conditions are at risk for developing nasal polyps . These are noncancerous growths that develop in your nose or sinus. Polyps change the shape of your nasal lining. This puts stress on the nerves inside your nose, which can affect how well you’re able to smell . 4. Tobacco and vape products Smoking can affect your sense of smell and taste . It may also increase your risk of developing nasal polyps, making it even harder to smell. Compare prices and information on the most popular COVID-19 medications. Other tobacco products — like e-cigarettes (for vaping), cigars, and chewing tobacco — can also affect your sense of smell or taste. Most people have taken ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for aches or pains. But did you know these medications can affect your sense of taste? In fact, some of the most commonly used medications in the U.S. can affect taste or smell, including: Allergy medications: Loratadine and fluticasone Antibiotics: Amoxicillin and azithromycin Blood pressure medications: Lisinopril and metoprolol Cholesterol-lowering medications: Atorvastatin and pravastatin Reflux medications: Omeprazole and ranitidine Other common medications that can alter your sense of taste or smell include levothyroxine , metformin , and zolpidem (Ambien) — among many others. Keep in mind that these medications may not just decrease your sense of taste or smell. They may also change your sense of taste or smell altogether. For example, lithium can sometimes cause a metallic taste . Smelling and tasting works because nerves from your brain are connected to your nose and tongue. Health conditions that affect these nerves, or the parts of the brain that control them, can change your sense of smell or taste. Neurologic conditions that can affect your sense of taste or smell include : Growing older affects all your senses. These changes are often more noticeable in your eyesight and hearing . But your sense of smell and taste can be affected too. As you get older, the nerves that help with smell don’t renew as easily. Areas of the brain that help with smell also change with age. If your sense of smell changes, your sense of taste is usually affected too. Also, you’re more likely to take more medications or develop neurological conditions as you get older. These added factors can make it harder to smell or taste over the years . Exposure to chemicals, toxins, and metals can affect both taste and smell. They can affect the nerves or sensory cells in the nose and on the tongue. Exposure to solvents, metal dust, or fumes at work or at home can affect your sense of smell and taste. A very rare cancer called olfactory neuroblastoma can also cause loss of smell. It’s responsible for only 2% of cancers of the nose and sinuses. This cancer starts in the olfactory cells in the nasal cavity. It usually causes obstruction in one side of the nose and nosebleeds . But it can also result in anosmia (loss of smell). It’s worth noting that treatments for other cancers — like chemotherapy and radiation — can also affect your sense of smell or taste. There’s some evidence to suggest that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be linked to changes in smell or taste . These vitamins and minerals include: Vitamin B12 Vitamin D Vitamin E Zinc Changes in taste and smell can last for different amounts of time, depending on the cause. For example: Viruses: Loss of taste or smell from a common cold virus or the flu lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. Loss of smell or taste from COVID illness can take several weeks or, in rare cases, up to a few years to return. Allergies or nasal polyps: Treating allergies or nasal polyps may restore your sense of smell. This can take several weeks to months . Smoking: You can recover your sense of taste and smell after you quit smoking. How quickly they come back depends on how long you smoked. Recovery can take weeks to years. Head trauma: When you lose your sense of smell or taste after head trauma, you usually recover those senses within a couple months. But sometimes, these sensations never return. Neurological disorders or age: The loss of smell or taste from neurological disorders or getting older is the least likely to resolve with time . Your sense of smell and taste might never fully return. Some people get their sense of taste and smell back without any treatment . But many people need extra help. The first step is to talk with your healthcare team. They can review your medications and medical history with you to pinpoint possible causes for your loss of taste and smell. They can offer treatment for medical conditions that may improve your senses. They may also suggest different medications that don’t affect your senses. Other treatments that can help with anosmia (loss of smell) include: Olfactory training: Also called smell retraining , this involves reteaching your brain to remember different smells over a period of months. Olfactory training can be helpful for most people, regardless of what caused their loss of smell or taste. Steroids: Medications like budesonide can improve the success of olfactory training. The bottom line Not being able to smell or taste can be stressful, regardless of the cause. Many people experience a loss of smell or taste at some point in their lives. COVID-19 illness can cause loss of taste or smell. But many things can cause this including allergies, nasal polyps, and certain medications. Your healthcare team can help you pinpoint the cause of your loss of taste or smell and recommend treatment. Olfactory training may help, regardless of what caused your loss of taste or smell. Aunna Pourang, MD, graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Medical Honors Program and is board-certified in family medicine (Mayo Clinic). She is also fellowship-trained in integrative medicine (Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine). Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine. GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines .
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[COVID-19](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19) COVID-19 # 10 Causes of Loss of Smell and Taste Besides COVID [![Aunna Pourang, MD](https://www.grxstatic.com/4f3rgqwzdznj/ripxUJyKgcu1dFnwb8vqH/b3c1e4e802bec29510aa5dd6711203c9/AP_HS_-_Aunna_Pourang.jpeg?w=96&q=85&fm=webp)](https://www.goodrx.com/about/bio/aunna-pourang)[![Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https://www.grxstatic.com/4f3rgqwzdznj/2dDvNXrERRVqdM7HSwMXM3/a275e108f92951b2519abcc3973a31cf/patricia_pinto-garcia_goodrx.webp?w=96&q=85&fm=webp)](https://www.goodrx.com/about/bio/patricia-pinto-garcia) Written by [Aunna Pourang, MD](https://www.goodrx.com/about/bio/aunna-pourang) \\| Reviewed by [Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https://www.goodrx.com/about/bio/patricia-pinto-garcia) Updated on September 11, 2025 ![star](https://www.grxstatic.com/images/star-with-circle.svg)![Close-up on a woman drinking a cup of tea. She is smelling and looking down at the white cup with a lush green background behind her.](https://www.grxstatic.com/4f3rgqwzdznj/5uTOWaME24ICFBDYyW930T/20066af3aa492867692f18cb1ced0ef0/GettyImages-1311322706.jpg?w=3840&q=99&fm=webp) AntonioGuillem/iStock via Getty Images [Causes](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#causes)[Viruses](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#viruses)[Allergies](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#allergies)[Nasal polyps](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#nasal-polyps)[Smoking and vaping](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#smoking-and-vaping)[Medications](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#medications)[Medical conditions](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#medical-conditions)[Age](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#age)[Toxins](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#toxins)[Cancer](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#cancer)[Vitamin deficiency](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#vitamin-deficiency)[How long it lasts](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#how-long-it-lasts)[Treatment](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#treatment)[FAQs](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#faqs)[Bottom line](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#bottom-line)[References](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/loss-of-taste-smell-not-covid#references) ## Key takeaways: - COVID-19 infection is only one reason why you might lose your sense of taste or smell. Medications, viruses, and medical conditions can also cause loss of taste and smell. - The chance of full recovery of smell and taste depends on the cause. And it’s different for each person. It can take weeks to months to get your senses back. - Olfactory training can help you recover. In some cases, steroids may help too. #### Save on related medications Promotional Disclosure [loratadine](https://www.goodrx.com/loratadine "loratadine cost and coupons")[claritin](https://www.goodrx.com/claritin "claritin cost and coupons")[ibuprofen](https://www.goodrx.com/ibuprofen "ibuprofen cost and coupons")[motrin](https://www.goodrx.com/motrin "motrin cost and coupons") From freshly baked bread to fragrant flowers, your sense of smell adds richness to daily life. That’s why it can feel unsettling when your sense of smell changes. For many people, losing the sense of smell (anosmia) or taste ([ageusia](https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/how-to-eat-well-when-you-cant-taste-anything)) makes them immediately think of COVID-19. While loss of smell or taste can be a [sign of COVID infection](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/parosmia-after-covid-loss-of-taste-smell), many other things can affect these senses. Changes in smell and taste sensation are more common than you might think. Almost [1 in 4](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-taste-smell) people in the U.S. over the age of 40 report changes in their sense of smell. And 1 in 5 notice changes in their sense of taste. If you’re experiencing changes in taste or smell, here are 10 other causes to consider besides COVID-19. ## Can loss of taste or smell be something other than COVID? Yes, many conditions can cause a loss of taste or smell — not just COVID. Whatever the cause, the problem is linked to changes on the surfaces of your nose or tongue, or in the nerves that control them. Fortunately, the [most common causes](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.569333/full#:~:text=Acute%20viral%20upper%20respiratory%20tract%20infections%20are%20the%20most%20common%20cause%20of%20chronic%20olfactory%20dysfunction) of loss of smell and taste usually get better with time. Here are 10 things — besides COVID — that can cause a [loss of taste](https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/how-to-eat-well-when-you-cant-taste-anything) and smell. ## 1\. Viruses that cause the cold and flu Common cold viruses like [RSV](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/rsv) and [the flu](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/flu) infect your body through your nose and mouth. These [upper respiratory infections](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/upper-respiratory-infection) cause swelling inside your nose. This can damage the lining of the nose to the point that some people [lose their sense of smell for years](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8067782/#:~:text=Most%20but%20not%20all%20patients%20eventually%20regain%20their%20sense%20of%20smell%20though%20the%20process%20can%20be%20prolonged%2C%20taking%20up%20to%202%20years%20%5B2%2C%203%2C%206%5D.) after a viral illness. But most of the time, you only notice changes in taste and smell while you’re ill. Once you recover, the swelling inside your nose goes away and your usual sense of taste and smell returns. ![GoodRx icon](https://www.grxstatic.com/images/goodrx-logo.svg) EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT - Sticking with a healthy diet can be hard if you’ve lost your taste. [Planning ahead](https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/how-to-eat-well-when-you-cant-taste-anything) and experimenting with textures can help you eat well. - What’s it like to have a distorted sense of smell? Hear from [someone who experienced it](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/living-with-parosmia-savanah-hunter) after COVID-19. - If you have allergies, you may be at risk for nasal polyps. Learn more about [nasal polyps](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/nasal-polyps/signs-symptoms), including symptoms and treatments. ## 2\. Allergies If you have [seasonal allergies](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/allergies) or year-round allergies, you know that allergies can affect your nose. Allergies cause swelling and inflammation inside your nose. Sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion can all lead to issues with smelling. The longer you’ve had [allergies](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/allergies/symptoms), or the more severe your symptoms are, the [more likely you are](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36124512/) to lose your smell because of them. ## 3\. Nasal polyps People with allergies or certain medical conditions are at risk for developing [nasal polyps](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/nasal-polyps). These are noncancerous growths that develop in your nose or sinus. Polyps change the shape of your nasal lining. This puts stress on the nerves inside your nose, which can [affect how well you’re able to smell](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11453501/). ## 4\. Tobacco and vape products Smoking can [affect your sense of smell and taste](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5783692/). It may also [increase your risk](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23012901/#:~:text=Objectives%3A%20Recent%20studies%20on%20the,be%20associated%20with%20nasal%20polyps.) of developing nasal polyps, making it even harder to smell. Promotion disclosure COVID-19 medicationsCompare prices and information on the most popular COVID-19 medications. - Loratadine Generic Claritin \$7.85Lowest price [Save now](https://www.goodrx.com/loratadine) - Claritin Loratadine \$7.85Lowest price [Save now](https://www.goodrx.com/claritin) - Comirnaty \$94.62Lowest price [Save now](https://www.goodrx.com/comirnaty) [Compare all medications](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/drugs) Other [tobacco products](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10851189/) — like e-cigarettes (for vaping), cigars, and [chewing tobacco](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6753787/) — can also affect your sense of smell or taste. ## 5\. Medications Most people have taken [ibuprofen](https://www.goodrx.com/ibuprofen/what-is) (Advil, Motrin) or [acetaminophen](https://www.goodrx.com/acetaminophen/what-is) (Tylenol) for aches or pains. But did you know these medications can affect your sense of taste? In fact, some of the most [commonly used medications](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6051304/#:~:text=Drugs%20from%20top%20100%20in%20the%20United%20States%20in%2020178%20that%20elicit%20taste%20or%20smell%20complaints%20or%20disorders%20in%20some%20individuals.2%2C%203%2C%204%2C%205%2C%206) in the U.S. can affect taste or smell, including: - Allergy medications: [Loratadine](https://www.goodrx.com/loratadine/what-is) and [fluticasone](https://www.goodrx.com/flonase/what-is) - Antibiotics: [Amoxicillin](https://www.goodrx.com/amoxicillin/what-is) and [azithromycin](https://www.goodrx.com/azithromycin/what-is) - Blood pressure medications: [Lisinopril](https://www.goodrx.com/lisinopril/what-is) and [metoprolol](https://www.goodrx.com/metoprolol/what-is) - Cholesterol-lowering medications: [Atorvastatin](https://www.goodrx.com/atorvastatin/what-is) and [pravastatin](https://www.goodrx.com/pravastatin/what-is) - Reflux medications: [Omeprazole](https://www.goodrx.com/omeprazole/what-is) and [ranitidine](https://www.goodrx.com/ranitidine/what-is) Other common medications that can alter your sense of taste or smell include [levothyroxine](https://www.goodrx.com/levothyroxine/what-is), [metformin](https://www.goodrx.com/metformin/what-is), and [zolpidem](https://www.goodrx.com/zolpidem/what-is) (Ambien) — among many others. Keep in mind that these medications may not just decrease your sense of taste or smell. They may also change your sense of taste or smell altogether. For example, lithium can sometimes cause a [metallic taste](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/side-effects/weird-taste-in-your-mouth-these-drugs-could-be-the-cause). ## 6\. Neurological causes Smelling and tasting works because nerves from your brain are connected to your nose and tongue. Health conditions that affect these nerves, or the parts of the brain that control them, can change your sense of smell or taste. Neurologic conditions that can affect your sense of taste or smell [include](https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/3/2117): - [Brain injury](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/neurological/traumatic-brain-injury) - [Parkinson’s disease](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/parkinsons-disease) - [Alzheimer’s disease](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/alzheimers-disease) - [Multiple sclerosis](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/multiple-sclerosis) ## 7\. Aging Growing older affects all your senses. These changes are often more noticeable in your [eyesight](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/eye) and [hearing](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/ear/presbycusis). But your [sense of smell and taste](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/smell-and-taste) can be affected too. As you get older, the nerves that help with smell [don’t renew](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7358644/) as easily. [Areas of the brain that help with smell](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23010543/) also change with age. If your sense of smell changes, your sense of taste is usually affected too. Also, you’re more likely to take more medications or develop neurological conditions as you get older. These added factors can make it harder to smell or taste [over the years](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.569333/full#:~:text=mucosa%20$99%2C%20100$.-,Anosmia%20in%20Aging%20and%20Age-Related%20Neurodegenerative%20Disease,-Our%20sense%20of). ## 8\. Environmental exposure Exposure to chemicals, toxins, and metals can affect both taste and smell. They can affect the nerves or sensory cells in the nose and on the tongue. Exposure to solvents, metal dust, or fumes [at work](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5848455/) or at home can affect your sense of smell and taste. ## 9\. Cancer A very rare cancer called [olfactory neuroblastoma](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2811627/) can also cause loss of smell. It’s responsible for only 2% of cancers of the nose and sinuses. This cancer starts in the olfactory cells in the nasal cavity. It usually causes obstruction in one side of the nose and [nosebleeds](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/nose/what-causes-nosebleeds). But it can also result in anosmia (loss of smell). It’s worth noting that treatments for other cancers — like [chemotherapy](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/eating-problems/taste-smell-changes.html) and [radiation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30411162/) — can also affect your sense of smell or taste. ## 10\. Vitamin deficiencies There’s some evidence to suggest that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be linked to changes in smell or [taste](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149723000488). These vitamins and minerals include: - Vitamin B12 - [Vitamin D](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230220/) - Vitamin E - [Zinc](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27178656/) ## How long does loss of taste and smell last? Changes in taste and smell can last for different amounts of time, depending on the cause. For example: - Viruses: Loss of taste or smell from a common cold virus or the flu lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. Loss of smell or taste from COVID illness can take [several weeks](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/parosmia-after-covid-loss-of-taste-smell) or, in rare cases, [up to a few years](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8067782/#:~:text=Most%20but%20not%20all%20patients%20eventually%20regain%20their%20sense%20of%20smell%20though%20the%20process%20can%20be%20prolonged%2C%20taking%20up%20to%202%20years%20%5B2%2C%203%2C%206%5D.) to return. - Allergies or nasal polyps: Treating allergies or nasal polyps may restore your sense of smell. This can take several [weeks to months](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9109781/). - Smoking: You can recover your sense of taste and smell after you quit smoking. How quickly they come back depends on [how long](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6730657/) you smoked. Recovery can take weeks to years. - Head trauma: When you lose your sense of smell or taste after head trauma, you usually recover those senses within a couple months. But sometimes, these sensations never return. - Neurological disorders or age: The loss of smell or taste from neurological disorders or getting older is the [least likely to resolve with time](https://www.egms.de/static/en/journals/cto/2012-10/cto000077.shtml#:~:text=Predictive%20factors,by%20the%20patients.). Your sense of smell and taste might never fully return. ## How can I get my taste or smell back? Some people get their sense of taste and smell back [without any treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31604562/). But many people need extra help. The first step is to talk with your healthcare team. They can review your medications and medical history with you to pinpoint possible causes for your loss of taste and smell. They can offer treatment for medical conditions that may improve your senses. They may also suggest different medications that don’t affect your senses. Other treatments that can help with anosmia (loss of smell) include: - Olfactory training: Also called [smell retraining](https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/smell-retraining-therapy/), this involves reteaching your brain to remember different smells over a period of months. Olfactory training can be helpful for most people, regardless of what caused their loss of smell or taste. - Steroids: Medications like [budesonide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29901865/) can improve the success of olfactory training. ## Frequently asked questions ### What vitamins help regain taste and smell? In general, vitamins won’t help you regain your taste or smell. Supplements may help if you have vitamin or mineral deficiencies. But the research [doesn’t](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29260510/) strongly support taking zinc or any other supplements if you don’t have a deficiency. ### Can nasal spray help get my smell back? [Steroid nasal sprays](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/allergies/nasal-spray), like Flonase or Nasocort, can help treat medical conditions like allergies and nasal polyps. If your loss of smell is caused by these conditions, a steroid nasal spray may help you get your smell back. But they won’t help if your loss of smell is from another cause. Other types of nasal sprays, like nasal antihistamines or decongestants, won’t speed up recovery. ### What medication is used for loss of taste and smell? There’s no medication that is FDA-approved to treat a loss of taste or smell. Healthcare professionals may sometimes [prescribe steroids](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8387929/) if you’re undergoing olfactory training (smell retraining). In general, vitamins won’t help you regain your taste or smell. Supplements may help if you have vitamin or mineral deficiencies. But the research [doesn’t](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29260510/) strongly support taking zinc or any other supplements if you don’t have a deficiency. [Steroid nasal sprays](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/allergies/nasal-spray), like Flonase or Nasocort, can help treat medical conditions like allergies and nasal polyps. If your loss of smell is caused by these conditions, a steroid nasal spray may help you get your smell back. But they won’t help if your loss of smell is from another cause. Other types of nasal sprays, like nasal antihistamines or decongestants, won’t speed up recovery. There’s no medication that is FDA-approved to treat a loss of taste or smell. Healthcare professionals may sometimes [prescribe steroids](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8387929/) if you’re undergoing olfactory training (smell retraining). ## The bottom line Not being able to smell or taste can be stressful, regardless of the cause. Many people experience a loss of smell or taste at some point in their lives. COVID-19 illness can cause loss of taste or smell. But many things can cause this including allergies, nasal polyps, and certain medications. Your healthcare team can help you pinpoint the cause of your loss of taste or smell and recommend treatment. Olfactory training may help, regardless of what caused your loss of taste or smell. ![why trust our exports reliability shield](https://www.grxstatic.com/images/reliability.svg) ## Why trust our experts? ![Aunna Pourang, MD](https://images.ctfassets.net/4f3rgqwzdznj/ripxUJyKgcu1dFnwb8vqH/b3c1e4e802bec29510aa5dd6711203c9/AP_HS_-_Aunna_Pourang.jpeg) ![Aunna Pourang, MD](https://images.ctfassets.net/4f3rgqwzdznj/ripxUJyKgcu1dFnwb8vqH/b3c1e4e802bec29510aa5dd6711203c9/AP_HS_-_Aunna_Pourang.jpeg) Written by: [Aunna Pourang, MD](https://www.goodrx.com/about/bio/aunna-pourang) Aunna Pourang, MD, graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Medical Honors Program and is board-certified in family medicine (Mayo Clinic). She is also fellowship-trained in integrative medicine (Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine). ![Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https://images.ctfassets.net/4f3rgqwzdznj/2dDvNXrERRVqdM7HSwMXM3/a275e108f92951b2519abcc3973a31cf/patricia_pinto-garcia_goodrx.webp) ![Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https://images.ctfassets.net/4f3rgqwzdznj/2dDvNXrERRVqdM7HSwMXM3/a275e108f92951b2519abcc3973a31cf/patricia_pinto-garcia_goodrx.webp) Edited by: [Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https://www.goodrx.com/about/bio/patricia-pinto-garcia) Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine. ![Green trust check mark](https://www.grxstatic.com/images/green-check-mark.svg)[Our editorial standards](https://www.goodrx.com/about/editorial-guidelines) ![Green trust check mark](https://www.grxstatic.com/images/green-check-mark.svg)[Meet our experts](https://www.goodrx.com/about/health#meet-our-healthcare-experts) ## References American Cancer Society. (2024). [Taste and smell changes](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/eating-problems/taste-smell-changes.html). Barresi, M., et al. (2012). [Evaluation of olfactory dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23010543/). Journal of the Neurological Sciences. ### View All References (27) Bigman, G. (2020). [Age-related smell and taste impairments and vitamin D associations in the U.S. Adults National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230220/). Nutrients. Da Ré, A. F., et al. (2017). [Tobacco influence on taste and smell: Systematic review of the literature](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5783692/). International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology. Deshpande, T. S., et al. (2018). [Radiation-related alterations of taste function in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30411162/). Current Treatment Options in Oncology. Dicpinigaitis, P. V. (2021). [Post-viral anosmia (loss of sensation of smell) did not begin with COVID-19\!](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8067782/) Lung. Doty, R. L., et al. (2019). [Treatments for smell and taste disorders: A critical review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31604562/). Handbook of Clinical Neurology. ENT Health. (n.d.). [Smell retraining therapy](https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/smell-retraining-therapy/). Fatuzzo, I., et al. (2023). [Neurons, nose, and neurodegenerative diseases: Olfactory function and cognitive impairment](https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/3/2117). International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Görgülü, O., et al. (2012). [Analysis of the roles of smoking and allergy in nasal polyposis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23012901/). The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology. Hamdam, R. H. B., et al. (2024). [Tobacco products and sensory health: An assessment of taste and smell disorders using 2021 NHIS data](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10851189/). Tobacco Induced Diseases. Hummel, T., et al. (2011). [Smell and taste disorders](https://www.egms.de/static/en/journals/cto/2012-10/cto000077.shtml). German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Kale, Y. S., et al. (2019). [Effect of using tobacco on taste perception](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6753787/). Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. Kondo, K., et al. (2020). [Age-related olfactory dysfunction: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7358644/). Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. Mott, A. E., et al. (1997). [Topical corticosteroid treatment of anosmia associated with nasal and sinus disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9109781/). Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery. Nagraj, S. K., et al. (2017). [Interventions for managing taste disturbances](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29260510/). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. National Institute on Aging. (2024). [How smell and taste change as you age](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/smell-and-taste). National Institutes of Health. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). [Quick statistics about taste and smell](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-taste-smell). Nguyen, T. P., et al. (2018). [Budesonide irrigation with olfactory training improves outcomes compared with olfactory training alone in patients with olfactory loss](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29901865/). International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. Park, S. W., et al. (2018). [Work-related olfactory disorder: A case series and review](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5848455/). Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Pisano, M., & Hilas, O. (2016). [Zinc and taste disturbances in older adults: A review of the literature](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27178656/). The Consultant Pharmacist: The Journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. Rebholz, H., et al. (2020). [Loss of olfactory function—early indicator for Covid-19, other viral infections and neurodegenerative disorders](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.569333/full). Frontiers in Neurology. Sara, K. B., et al. (2022). [Changes in olfaction & quality of life following standard medical therapy in patients with intermittent & persistent allergic rhinitis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36124512/). The Indian Journal of Medical Research. Schiffman, S. S. (2018). [Influence of medications on taste and smell](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6051304/). World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. Siegel, J. K., et al. (2019). [Olfactory dysfunction persists after smoking cessation and signals increased cardiovascular risk](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6730657/). International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. Thompson, L. D. R. (2009). [Olfactory neuroblastoma](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2811627/). Head and Neck Pathology. Vento, S. I., et al. (2001). [Sense of smell in long-standing nasal polyposis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11453501/). American Journal of Rhinology. Younes, S. (2024). [The impact of micronutrients on the sense of taste](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149723000488). Human Nutrition & Metabolism. Yuan, S., et al. (2021). [Steroids and olfactory training for postviral olfactory dysfunction: A systematic review](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8387929/). Frontiers in Neuroscience. GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our [editorial guidelines](https://www.goodrx.com/about/editorial-guidelines). American Cancer Society. (2024). [Taste and smell changes](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/eating-problems/taste-smell-changes.html). Barresi, M., et al. (2012). [Evaluation of olfactory dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23010543/). Journal of the Neurological Sciences. Bigman, G. (2020). [Age-related smell and taste impairments and vitamin D associations in the U.S. Adults National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230220/). Nutrients. Da Ré, A. F., et al. (2017). [Tobacco influence on taste and smell: Systematic review of the literature](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5783692/). International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology. Deshpande, T. S., et al. (2018). [Radiation-related alterations of taste function in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30411162/). Current Treatment Options in Oncology. Dicpinigaitis, P. V. (2021). [Post-viral anosmia (loss of sensation of smell) did not begin with COVID-19\!](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8067782/) Lung. Doty, R. L., et al. (2019). [Treatments for smell and taste disorders: A critical review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31604562/). Handbook of Clinical Neurology. ENT Health. (n.d.). [Smell retraining therapy](https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/smell-retraining-therapy/). Fatuzzo, I., et al. (2023). [Neurons, nose, and neurodegenerative diseases: Olfactory function and cognitive impairment](https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/3/2117). International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Görgülü, O., et al. (2012). [Analysis of the roles of smoking and allergy in nasal polyposis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23012901/). The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology. Hamdam, R. H. B., et al. (2024). [Tobacco products and sensory health: An assessment of taste and smell disorders using 2021 NHIS data](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10851189/). Tobacco Induced Diseases. Hummel, T., et al. (2011). [Smell and taste disorders](https://www.egms.de/static/en/journals/cto/2012-10/cto000077.shtml). German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Kale, Y. S., et al. (2019). [Effect of using tobacco on taste perception](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6753787/). Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. Kondo, K., et al. (2020). [Age-related olfactory dysfunction: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7358644/). Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. Mott, A. E., et al. (1997). [Topical corticosteroid treatment of anosmia associated with nasal and sinus disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9109781/). Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery. Nagraj, S. K., et al. (2017). [Interventions for managing taste disturbances](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29260510/). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. National Institute on Aging. (2024). [How smell and taste change as you age](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/smell-and-taste). National Institutes of Health. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). [Quick statistics about taste and smell](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-taste-smell). Nguyen, T. P., et al. (2018). [Budesonide irrigation with olfactory training improves outcomes compared with olfactory training alone in patients with olfactory loss](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29901865/). International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. Park, S. W., et al. (2018). [Work-related olfactory disorder: A case series and review](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5848455/). Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Pisano, M., & Hilas, O. (2016). [Zinc and taste disturbances in older adults: A review of the literature](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27178656/). The Consultant Pharmacist: The Journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. Rebholz, H., et al. (2020). [Loss of olfactory function—early indicator for Covid-19, other viral infections and neurodegenerative disorders](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.569333/full). Frontiers in Neurology. Sara, K. B., et al. (2022). [Changes in olfaction & quality of life following standard medical therapy in patients with intermittent & persistent allergic rhinitis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36124512/). The Indian Journal of Medical Research. Schiffman, S. S. (2018). [Influence of medications on taste and smell](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6051304/). World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. Siegel, J. K., et al. (2019). [Olfactory dysfunction persists after smoking cessation and signals increased cardiovascular risk](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6730657/). International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. Thompson, L. D. R. (2009). [Olfactory neuroblastoma](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2811627/). Head and Neck Pathology. Vento, S. I., et al. (2001). [Sense of smell in long-standing nasal polyposis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11453501/). American Journal of Rhinology. Younes, S. (2024). [The impact of micronutrients on the sense of taste](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149723000488). Human Nutrition & Metabolism. Yuan, S., et al. (2021). [Steroids and olfactory training for postviral olfactory dysfunction: A systematic review](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8387929/). 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Readable Markdown	## Key takeaways: - COVID-19 infection is only one reason why you might lose your sense of taste or smell. Medications, viruses, and medical conditions can also cause loss of taste and smell. - The chance of full recovery of smell and taste depends on the cause. And it’s different for each person. It can take weeks to months to get your senses back. - Olfactory training can help you recover. In some cases, steroids may help too. From freshly baked bread to fragrant flowers, your sense of smell adds richness to daily life. That’s why it can feel unsettling when your sense of smell changes. For many people, losing the sense of smell (anosmia) or taste ([ageusia](https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/how-to-eat-well-when-you-cant-taste-anything)) makes them immediately think of COVID-19. While loss of smell or taste can be a [sign of COVID infection](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/parosmia-after-covid-loss-of-taste-smell), many other things can affect these senses. Changes in smell and taste sensation are more common than you might think. Almost [1 in 4](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-taste-smell) people in the U.S. over the age of 40 report changes in their sense of smell. And 1 in 5 notice changes in their sense of taste. If you’re experiencing changes in taste or smell, here are 10 other causes to consider besides COVID-19. Yes, many conditions can cause a loss of taste or smell — not just COVID. Whatever the cause, the problem is linked to changes on the surfaces of your nose or tongue, or in the nerves that control them. Fortunately, the [most common causes](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.569333/full#:~:text=Acute%20viral%20upper%20respiratory%20tract%20infections%20are%20the%20most%20common%20cause%20of%20chronic%20olfactory%20dysfunction) of loss of smell and taste usually get better with time. Here are 10 things — besides COVID — that can cause a [loss of taste](https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/how-to-eat-well-when-you-cant-taste-anything) and smell. Common cold viruses like [RSV](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/rsv) and [the flu](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/flu) infect your body through your nose and mouth. These [upper respiratory infections](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/upper-respiratory-infection) cause swelling inside your nose. This can damage the lining of the nose to the point that some people [lose their sense of smell for years](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8067782/#:~:text=Most%20but%20not%20all%20patients%20eventually%20regain%20their%20sense%20of%20smell%20though%20the%20process%20can%20be%20prolonged%2C%20taking%20up%20to%202%20years%20%5B2%2C%203%2C%206%5D.) after a viral illness. But most of the time, you only notice changes in taste and smell while you’re ill. Once you recover, the swelling inside your nose goes away and your usual sense of taste and smell returns. If you have [seasonal allergies](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/allergies) or year-round allergies, you know that allergies can affect your nose. Allergies cause swelling and inflammation inside your nose. Sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion can all lead to issues with smelling. The longer you’ve had [allergies](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/allergies/symptoms), or the more severe your symptoms are, the [more likely you are](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36124512/) to lose your smell because of them. People with allergies or certain medical conditions are at risk for developing [nasal polyps](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/nasal-polyps). These are noncancerous growths that develop in your nose or sinus. Polyps change the shape of your nasal lining. This puts stress on the nerves inside your nose, which can [affect how well you’re able to smell](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11453501/). ## 4\. Tobacco and vape products Smoking can [affect your sense of smell and taste](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5783692/). It may also [increase your risk](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23012901/#:~:text=Objectives%3A%20Recent%20studies%20on%20the,be%20associated%20with%20nasal%20polyps.) of developing nasal polyps, making it even harder to smell. Compare prices and information on the most popular COVID-19 medications. Other [tobacco products](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10851189/) — like e-cigarettes (for vaping), cigars, and [chewing tobacco](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6753787/) — can also affect your sense of smell or taste. Most people have taken [ibuprofen](https://www.goodrx.com/ibuprofen/what-is) (Advil, Motrin) or [acetaminophen](https://www.goodrx.com/acetaminophen/what-is) (Tylenol) for aches or pains. But did you know these medications can affect your sense of taste? In fact, some of the most [commonly used medications](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6051304/#:~:text=Drugs%20from%20top%20100%20in%20the%20United%20States%20in%2020178%20that%20elicit%20taste%20or%20smell%20complaints%20or%20disorders%20in%20some%20individuals.2%2C%203%2C%204%2C%205%2C%206) in the U.S. can affect taste or smell, including: - Allergy medications: [Loratadine](https://www.goodrx.com/loratadine/what-is) and [fluticasone](https://www.goodrx.com/flonase/what-is) - Antibiotics: [Amoxicillin](https://www.goodrx.com/amoxicillin/what-is) and [azithromycin](https://www.goodrx.com/azithromycin/what-is) - Blood pressure medications: [Lisinopril](https://www.goodrx.com/lisinopril/what-is) and [metoprolol](https://www.goodrx.com/metoprolol/what-is) - Cholesterol-lowering medications: [Atorvastatin](https://www.goodrx.com/atorvastatin/what-is) and [pravastatin](https://www.goodrx.com/pravastatin/what-is) - Reflux medications: [Omeprazole](https://www.goodrx.com/omeprazole/what-is) and [ranitidine](https://www.goodrx.com/ranitidine/what-is) Other common medications that can alter your sense of taste or smell include [levothyroxine](https://www.goodrx.com/levothyroxine/what-is), [metformin](https://www.goodrx.com/metformin/what-is), and [zolpidem](https://www.goodrx.com/zolpidem/what-is) (Ambien) — among many others. Keep in mind that these medications may not just decrease your sense of taste or smell. They may also change your sense of taste or smell altogether. For example, lithium can sometimes cause a [metallic taste](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/side-effects/weird-taste-in-your-mouth-these-drugs-could-be-the-cause). Smelling and tasting works because nerves from your brain are connected to your nose and tongue. Health conditions that affect these nerves, or the parts of the brain that control them, can change your sense of smell or taste. Neurologic conditions that can affect your sense of taste or smell [include](https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/3/2117): Growing older affects all your senses. These changes are often more noticeable in your [eyesight](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/eye) and [hearing](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/ear/presbycusis). But your [sense of smell and taste](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/smell-and-taste) can be affected too. As you get older, the nerves that help with smell [don’t renew](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7358644/) as easily. [Areas of the brain that help with smell](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23010543/) also change with age. If your sense of smell changes, your sense of taste is usually affected too. Also, you’re more likely to take more medications or develop neurological conditions as you get older. These added factors can make it harder to smell or taste [over the years](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.569333/full#:~:text=mucosa%20$99%2C%20100$.-,Anosmia%20in%20Aging%20and%20Age-Related%20Neurodegenerative%20Disease,-Our%20sense%20of). Exposure to chemicals, toxins, and metals can affect both taste and smell. They can affect the nerves or sensory cells in the nose and on the tongue. Exposure to solvents, metal dust, or fumes [at work](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5848455/) or at home can affect your sense of smell and taste. A very rare cancer called [olfactory neuroblastoma](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2811627/) can also cause loss of smell. It’s responsible for only 2% of cancers of the nose and sinuses. This cancer starts in the olfactory cells in the nasal cavity. It usually causes obstruction in one side of the nose and [nosebleeds](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/nose/what-causes-nosebleeds). But it can also result in anosmia (loss of smell). It’s worth noting that treatments for other cancers — like [chemotherapy](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/eating-problems/taste-smell-changes.html) and [radiation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30411162/) — can also affect your sense of smell or taste. There’s some evidence to suggest that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be linked to changes in smell or [taste](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149723000488). These vitamins and minerals include: - Vitamin B12 - [Vitamin D](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230220/) - Vitamin E - [Zinc](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27178656/) Changes in taste and smell can last for different amounts of time, depending on the cause. For example: - Viruses: Loss of taste or smell from a common cold virus or the flu lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. Loss of smell or taste from COVID illness can take [several weeks](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/parosmia-after-covid-loss-of-taste-smell) or, in rare cases, [up to a few years](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8067782/#:~:text=Most%20but%20not%20all%20patients%20eventually%20regain%20their%20sense%20of%20smell%20though%20the%20process%20can%20be%20prolonged%2C%20taking%20up%20to%202%20years%20%5B2%2C%203%2C%206%5D.) to return. - Allergies or nasal polyps: Treating allergies or nasal polyps may restore your sense of smell. This can take several [weeks to months](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9109781/). - Smoking: You can recover your sense of taste and smell after you quit smoking. How quickly they come back depends on [how long](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6730657/) you smoked. Recovery can take weeks to years. - Head trauma: When you lose your sense of smell or taste after head trauma, you usually recover those senses within a couple months. But sometimes, these sensations never return. - Neurological disorders or age: The loss of smell or taste from neurological disorders or getting older is the [least likely to resolve with time](https://www.egms.de/static/en/journals/cto/2012-10/cto000077.shtml#:~:text=Predictive%20factors,by%20the%20patients.). Your sense of smell and taste might never fully return. Some people get their sense of taste and smell back [without any treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31604562/). But many people need extra help. The first step is to talk with your healthcare team. They can review your medications and medical history with you to pinpoint possible causes for your loss of taste and smell. They can offer treatment for medical conditions that may improve your senses. They may also suggest different medications that don’t affect your senses. Other treatments that can help with anosmia (loss of smell) include: - Olfactory training: Also called [smell retraining](https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/smell-retraining-therapy/), this involves reteaching your brain to remember different smells over a period of months. Olfactory training can be helpful for most people, regardless of what caused their loss of smell or taste. - Steroids: Medications like [budesonide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29901865/) can improve the success of olfactory training. ## The bottom line Not being able to smell or taste can be stressful, regardless of the cause. Many people experience a loss of smell or taste at some point in their lives. COVID-19 illness can cause loss of taste or smell. But many things can cause this including allergies, nasal polyps, and certain medications. Your healthcare team can help you pinpoint the cause of your loss of taste or smell and recommend treatment. Olfactory training may help, regardless of what caused your loss of taste or smell. ![why trust our exports reliability shield](https://www.grxstatic.com/images/reliability.svg) ![Aunna Pourang, MD](https://images.ctfassets.net/4f3rgqwzdznj/ripxUJyKgcu1dFnwb8vqH/b3c1e4e802bec29510aa5dd6711203c9/AP_HS_-_Aunna_Pourang.jpeg) ![Aunna Pourang, MD](https://images.ctfassets.net/4f3rgqwzdznj/ripxUJyKgcu1dFnwb8vqH/b3c1e4e802bec29510aa5dd6711203c9/AP_HS_-_Aunna_Pourang.jpeg) Aunna Pourang, MD, graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Medical Honors Program and is board-certified in family medicine (Mayo Clinic). She is also fellowship-trained in integrative medicine (Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine). ![Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https://images.ctfassets.net/4f3rgqwzdznj/2dDvNXrERRVqdM7HSwMXM3/a275e108f92951b2519abcc3973a31cf/patricia_pinto-garcia_goodrx.webp) ![Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH](https://images.ctfassets.net/4f3rgqwzdznj/2dDvNXrERRVqdM7HSwMXM3/a275e108f92951b2519abcc3973a31cf/patricia_pinto-garcia_goodrx.webp) Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine. GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our [editorial guidelines](https://www.goodrx.com/about/editorial-guidelines).
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