Losing your sense of taste and smell can be caused by many different things. Since 2020, we’ve begun to associate this symptom with Covid-19. While losing one’s sense of taste and smell does occur with Covid-19, it can also occur due to other conditions such as nasal polyps, sinus conditions, and allergies.
The nerves that detect smell are located in the highest regions of the nose at the level of the skull base. When the nasal passageways become blocked and swollen due to congestion, it can be difficult for smell odorants to reach these vital nerves. If the smell does not make it to the nerves, the result is a total or partial loss of smell. Because of the connection between smell and flavor, a loss of smell can also create a loss of taste. These are both common, and most often temporary. The loss of smell or taste is not typically dangerous, although it can inhibit you from smelling dangerous nearby smells such as gas or fire.
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Texas ENT Specialists is a multi-location ENT provider with offices across the Houston area. We provide our patients with:
Personalized Treatment
Our providers offer personalized care to understand and treat your ENT condition.
Top-Rated Physician Network
Each of our locations is staffed with a team of experienced providers who have been independently board-certified.
Centers of Excellence
We’ve created a seamless patient experience that starts the minute you walk through our doors.
Continuity of Care
We believe in comprehensive care and are committed to helping you achieve long-term relief from your condition.
Almost any patient can experience a temporary loss of taste or smell. Patients who are most likely to experience this are those who have allergies, chronic sinus conditions, nasal polyps, have experienced a recent viral cold, or who have certain neurological conditions.
A loss of smell does not mean you have Covid-19, but it is possible. If you experience a loss of taste or smell and think you may have Covid-19, it is important to get tested and quarantine.
Age can play a role in our loss of taste and smell, especially for those who smoke, consume alcohol, or use certain medications.
