An ENT may perform tests, such as a “scratch and sniff” and a “sip, spit, and rinse” test to determine the extent of the problem. Quite often, a family doctor or healthcare professional will refer a person suffering from a loss of taste and smell to an ear, nose, and throat specialist, known as an otolaryngologist (also called an ENT) for further diagnosis and treatment.
If a viral infection, such as influenza or SARS-CoV-2, is suspected, your physician will want to run tests to determine the underlying cause. It’s also likely your doctor will want to perform a physical examination of your ears, nose, and throat to look for inflammation, damage, or to rule out external factors. Be sure to record your symptoms and any changes in your condition so you can provide them to your physician. when they started, how long you’ve had them, how severe they are, etc…). If you’ve lost your sense of taste and smell, a health professional might start by asking questions about your symptoms (i.e. However, if symptoms persist or if you suspect your loss of sense of taste and smell is related to a more serious condition, such as COVID-19, contact a health professional or a physician as soon as possible. There are several possible reasons why someone might lose their sense of taste and smell, but in most cases, most people get their taste and smell back after the underlying causes are remedied. However, scientists and researchers are still trying to understand the reasons and the lasting implications. Loss of taste and smell is a common symptom of COVID-19 with a majority of patients reporting problems. And it’s believed that up to 15% of the population may experience difficulty with their sense of taste and smell but that many cases go unreported. Because the sense of smell and taste are so closely related, sufferers often report a loss of taste.Įach year, more than 200,000 people receive medical help related to issues with their sense of taste and smell. Typically, swelling and excessive mucus build-up in the sinuses blocks the nerve endings deep within the nose that are responsible for sensing smells. Rarely, does someone actually “lose” their sense of taste. In most cases, the loss of taste is directly related to the loss of smell (anosmia). Some scientists and researchers think that our sense of taste and smell are directly linked to the most primitive parts of the brain and may have played an essential part in the natural selection of our species.
Humans have a very developed sense of taste and smell, with at least one study claiming that we can distinguish between over a trillion different odors. In many cases, the loss of smell is directly related to someone’s loss of taste. The term anosmia refers to a medical condition in which someone experiences the partial or complete loss of smell. What Causes a Loss of Taste And How to Regain It? Overview
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