Question: I Have Trouble Smelling and Tasting Things. Could This Be Due to Allergies?
Answer: Possibly. Nasal congestion can lead to trouble smelling (hyponosmia) and is also linked to trouble tasting food, since your sense of smell is a major component of your sense of taste.
There are many potential causes for your stuffy nose, including allergic rhinitis. But long-lasting hyponosmia may indicate a more severe condition, including chronic sinus infections and nasal polyps. Less commonly, trouble smelling and tasting can be a sign of a neurological disease.
Your doctor can, in some cases, determine what's causing your case of hyponosmia during a physical exam. But, a CAT scan of the sinuses may be necessary to find out if you have a chronic sinus infection or nasal polyps.
Learn more about various treatments for allergic rhinitis, including nasal steroid sprays, the most effective allergy medication for nasal congestion.
Source:
Slavin RG, Spector SL, Bernstein IL. The Diagnosis and Management of Sinusitis: A Practice Parameter Update. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005; S13-47.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
