Bring back the sense of taste. I stopped smelling and tasting food, what it could be and what to do

Very often, patients complain that after a runny nose, their sense of smell and taste have disappeared. Their concern is understandable: the loss of taste and olfactory sensations does not allow them to fully enjoy food, favorite smells and causes serious inconvenience. First of all, you need to understand how the olfactory analyzer works and what problems after a cold prevent it from fulfilling its role.

Causes of impaired sense of smell

In the upper part of the nasal cavity there is an olfactory region, which differs in structure from the rest of the nasal mucosa. The area of such an area is individual for each person. The olfactory cells of this zone perceive odors and transmit them along the nerve fibers to the brain for information analysis.

The taste analyzer is located on the papillae of the tongue, and data on taste sensations are also processed in the brain. Salty, sour or sweet taste can be appreciated without the participation of smell, but complex taste sensations (berries, soups, cereals, etc.) require the joint work of taste and olfactory mechanisms.

A disorder of smell can manifest itself as a decrease in the perception of smell, and a complete loss of the olfactory sense.

The main reasons for the loss of smell after a runny nose are:

transferred acute rhinitis;
chronic pathology of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses;
chronic allergic rhinitis;
severe viral infections;
nasal polyposis and others.

In all these situations, mechanical interference in the form of edematous mucosa does not allow the smell to reach the olfactory cells and communicate information to the brain.

What to do if the sense of smell disappeared after a cold

The standard situation is when a patient comes to the ENT and says: “After a runny nose, I don’t smell, although the snot passed a couple of days ago.” In this case, you should not worry, because the sense of smell usually recovers on its own after 7-10 days after recovery. In the same way, the sense of smell returns after acute sinusitis and a cold.

To help the nose get rid of swelling as soon as possible and regain olfactory sensations, the following activities will help:

washing the nose with saline solutions, decoctions of medicinal plants;
nose massage;
breathing exercises;
physiotherapy treatment (magnetic and laser therapy, ultraviolet irradiation, etc.);
traditional medicine (mummy, aloe, kalanchoe in the nose, inhalation of pungent odors of garlic, coffee, etc.);
inhalations with essential oils, mineral water, herbs;
smoking cessation for the speedy recovery of the nasopharyngeal mucosa.

Important! The use of vasoconstrictor drops to eliminate nasal edema does not always give a positive result. After a few days, addiction can develop to the drops, and the swelling will only increase.

If the cause of the absence of odors is allergic swelling in the nose, then the problem can be eliminated with the help of complex drug therapy (antihistamines, local corticosteroids in the nose, etc.)

With nasal polyposis, surgical treatment will help restore the sense of smell - removal of polyps from the nasal cavity.

If you capture the process in the early stages in chronic inflammatory diseases, then it is quite possible to return the sense of smell. Running and long-term processes are more difficult to treat, cause irreversible changes in the mucosa, and the sensation of smell may no longer return.

Timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases will help restore the lost functions of the nose after a runny nose of various nature. To do this, you must follow the advice of the doctor and adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen.

Such an unpleasant phenomenon as a runny nose cannot quickly disappear or not manifest itself with additional symptoms, the most characteristic is the temporary loss of smell and taste. Why such a state arises, what to do and recover as soon as possible and return the fullness of sensations, our article will tell.

The mechanism of action of the sense of smell

A special olfactory region is located in the upper part of the nasal passage and differs significantly in its structure from the characteristic mucous structure of the nasal cavity. The sensitivity of the olfactory region is developed individually for everyone, so we define the durability of the aroma and subtle notes of smells a little differently. Special receptors transmit molecules to the brain along ultra-sensitive nerve fibers. Our main "computer" analyzes and defines the received information, aromas are classified automatically, and the new smell is entered into the "database" for further memorization.

The mechanism of action of the sense of taste

Our tongue is a whole field of small taste buds, which also analyze objects for the presence of another essential feature - taste. This is due to the tiny papillae that are visible to the naked eye on the surface of the tongue. As many will recall from a high school biology course, the language is divided into several areas, each of which defines only one of four possible tastes.

The language is divided into the following zones:

Sweet taste is determined at the very tip of the tongue, the zone responsible for determining this particular taste.
A little further, on the side parts are "salty" receptors, thanks to which we feel the amount of salt in food.
The side of the tongue, following the "salty" area, is well versed in sour tastes.
The root of the tongue, or rather, the receptors located on it, determine bitterness - the fourth taste that we are able to feel.

The whole incredibly complex flavor range of all possible products and dishes in the world is obtained by mixing these four tastes. Each person also tastes the same food differently. Distinguish people with a particularly delicate taste and smell. As a rule, they can prove themselves well as professional tasters.

Recent studies in this area have confirmed a significant decrease in the sensitivity of taste and olfactory receptors with increasing human age. First of all, this is due, of course, to the inevitable aging and wear and tear of all organs, but it can also be the consequences of past diseases, one of which will be a common cold.

Why is the sense of smell and taste lost during illness (smell may disappear / disappear)

What happens with a runny nose with olfactory and taste buds and why they can disappear can be most clearly demonstrated by the following example. When symptoms of a cold occur, the sinuses begin to actively produce special mucus, which is designed to fight the disease, preventing the infection from entering the body. She does not always succeed, but this is already a separate issue, and in the case of a runny nose, it is the mucosal edema that blocks the area of smell. After the disease is successfully defeated, the nasal mucosa gradually returns to normal and the olfactory region also restores its functions.

The well-known drops for the treatment of the common cold, which we use without hesitation, at the very first symptoms, have a very harmful effect on the complex "mechanism" of nasal perception. The effect of this drug is based on its vasoconstrictive action, so frequent and uncontrolled intake leads to dysfunction of the muscular wall of the vessels. They simply stop performing their duties and therefore the mucosal edema does not go away for a long time even after complete recovery.

Manufacturers of such medicines sometimes honestly write about the possibility of addiction to the drug, but for some reason we are used to considering nasal drops as the most harmless and simple medicine.

The second common cause of loss of smell will be an allergic rhinitis. The principle of action will be similar: swelling of the mucosa, but constant exposure to the allergen will also not pass without a trace. Thus, the body itself resists harmful factors, simply “turning off” the now useless olfactory area.

The most serious cause of loss or perversion of the sense of smell may be some diseases of the central nervous system. At the first sign of such phenomena, an urgent examination and medical assistance are necessary.

Types and stages of diseases of the nervous system:

Anosmia- complete loss of sensation in the olfactory region. It may be a consequence of complications after influenza and SARS, as well as a stroke and damage to the central nervous system.
Hyposmia- decreased sensitivity and perception of odors. It is this symptom that is observed after a cold and viral diseases. People with chronic diseases of the nasopharynx often suffer.
Cacosmia- perverted perception of smells. It manifests itself in the form of failures of the received information. A common cause is tumor formation of the olfactory region.
Hyperosmia- Increased sensitivity to smells, when even a subtle aroma becomes intolerable torture. It is observed not only with violations of the olfactory receptors, but also as a signal of a malfunction of the nervous system. Often, patients experience specific olfactory "hallucinations" when patients smell a foreign smell that others do not feel.

All these phenomena, at best, cause discomfort, and also signal serious health problems. You should not delay with a trip to a specialist, because any violation of the normal functioning of the body can lead to serious consequences.

What to do to return the senses of perception

It should be noted here that the loss of sensitivity after a cold is temporary and belongs to completely natural phenomena. A full return of lost feelings may take a week, but if after this period the sense of smell and taste have not returned, the reason may not be a runny nose.

The most popular treatments to help restore the sense of smell.

How to restore the sense of smell after a cold and SARS:

Home inhalations- a great way to regain "scent". Traditional recipes of traditional medicine will be very appropriate here. The "classic" method - breathing over boiled potatoes is familiar to most of us firsthand, and also brings good results in the treatment of colds, runny nose and cough. You can use decoctions of pharmaceutical herbs, even just water with the addition of essential oils. To do this, you need to make sure that there is no allergy to this aroma and ask relatives to calculate a dosage that is comfortable for a person.
Cotton swabs, impregnated with special mixtures, will help to quickly restore the sense of smell. Examples of such mixtures are presented below:
1. liquid honey.
2. Aloe or Kalanchoe juice, diluted in half with water.
3. Mumiyo in half with vegetable oil.
4. Propolis and butter.
5. For those who do not know, it is used for a runny nose and nasal congestion. This is a balm, which is better to smear the wings of the nose, and not the mucous membrane.
home drops- one of . The following composition is recognized as the most effective: one part of camphor and menthol oil are mixed. It is necessary to bury three times a day, two to three drops in each nostril.
Regular rinsing of the nasopharynx saline solutions also work well. You can use decoctions of herbs, for example, the remains of a solution for inhalation. It is more convenient to rinse the nose with a special watering can, which can be bought at a pharmacy. The algorithm of actions is simple:
1. Tilt your head a little.
2. Pour a little solution into one nostril (you can use a syringe without a needle).
3. After the liquid has safely flowed out of the other nostril, the procedure is repeated for her.

The technique is simple, like everything ingenious, the discomfort from such manipulations quickly passes and cannot be compared with medical methods (it is enough to recall the well-known "cuckoo"). Regular washings will not only help with diseases of the nasopharynx, but also help strengthen the immune system and increase the vitality of the body. There are no contraindications for this procedure, it can be done both for pregnant women and children.

The method of "shock therapy" helps well: this is when the patient takes turns inhaling sharp specific odors. Examples of such odors can be garlic, menthol and coniferous essential oils, natural coffee, turpentine or Vishnevsky ointment, and other strongly smelling substances.

Video

This video will show you how to restore your sense of smell.

Loss of smell after a runny nose is an unpleasant symptom that usually disappears after the cause itself is eliminated. Folk methods can help to quickly restore the sense of smell: inhalation, special homemade drops and lubrication of the inner surface of the nasal mucosa. If loss of sensitivity is observed a week after recovery, you should be very wary of this symptom, because it can signal serious problems of the central nervous system. Proper diagnosis and timely treatment is the key to a successful victory over the disease and the restoration of the former sense of smell. Read how to restore taste and smell with a cold.

Loss of smell is often a very unpleasant surprise. If a runny nose is not treated for a long time, then as a result, the ability to distinguish smells disappears. The nasal sinuses have a mucous membrane that swells with abundant secretion, which often accompanies various respiratory diseases, such as the common cold, sinusitis, rhinitis.

Unfortunately, there may be more serious causes of loss of smell, such as a fracture or deviated septum, various malignant tumors, polyps in the sinuses, toxic and / or chemical substances entering the nasopharynx, and even simple smoking.

There is also lack of smell from birth. Cases are rare, but, unfortunately, doing something to cure a congenital disease and restore the lost sense of smell is very difficult, and often completely impossible, at this stage in the development of medicine. Disturbances in the activity of olfactory receptors are divided into three types - anosmia, hyposmia and cacosmia. Hyposmia is a temporary and rather mild inability to distinguish odors, while in anosmia the patient loses his sense of smell completely and is no longer able to smell odors. In the third variety, kakosmiya, odors are perceived incorrectly, and this is most often evidence of a tumor.

Treatment and restoration of smell

Fortunately, loss of smell, even after several years, is treatable. This can be done in various ways, the best option is combined treatment. When prescribing medications by the attending physician, it is best to combine treatment with traditional medicine. Thus, the sense of smell will return faster, a possible runny nose will be cured, and with systematic prevention, the “scent” will no longer disappear and the patient will be able to breathe life in full.

How to restore the sense of smell with the help of alternative traditional medicine

Small and easy exercise. It is useful to do it to restore the sense of smell and to prevent a runny nose: for a week (at least), you need to alternately strain and relax your nose (keep it in this state for about a minute).
The most famous way is nasal flush salty - preferably with sea salt water. The sense of smell will recover quickly and relatively painlessly, and this procedure will also help in the prevention of the common cold. Since everything ingenious, as you know, is simple and you can do a nose wash without any special skills. Unpleasant sensations that will accompany at the beginning will pass quickly, leaving behind only the most pleasant - recovery. Such washings will not only help to cope with the disease, but also strengthen the immune system and raise vitality for many years. There is no need to worry about the safety of the procedure to restore the sense of smell, as it is recommended to do it even for young children and pregnant women. The recipe is quite simple and concise: you need to mix 250 ml of warm (not hot) water with a pinch of salt (just a little, on the tip of a knife). Covering the right nostril with the index finger, the left should try to gently draw in the water so that you feel it at the very larynx. Then you need to do the same with the right nostril. For a stronger effect, you can use not ordinary, but sea water, or simply add a few drops of iodine to the liquid (250 ml of water about a teaspoon of salt and 7-8 drops of iodine).
In order for the runny nose to disappear and free breathing to return, you can boil a glass of water (necessarily in an enameled bowl or pan), add a couple of tsp. natural lemon juice and a few drops of mint or lavender essential oil. Breathe deeply over this liquid in each nostril separately. Carry out at least 10 such procedures.
And also to restore the activity of olfactory receptors, you can use cyclamen juice or lemon juice. With their help, you can well strengthen the human immune system. There are two options for using: make homemade drops by mixing cyclamen or lemon juice with water at room temperature (1: 1) and drip your nose, or simply rub pure juice into your sinuses.
Menthol or juniper oil also a good remedy if the ability to distinguish odors is lost. You can drip literally 3-4 drops and rub the oil into the temples and wings of the nose. This procedure will expand and cleanse the vessels.
Propolis and simple medicines made from it at home have a special therapeutic effect. Mix 1 tsp. propolis, 3 tsp vegetable and 3 tsp. butter (pre-melted). Prepare a homogeneous mass and abundantly moisten cotton or gauze swabs in it. These tampons need to lay the nostrils, leaving for 15-20 minutes. The procedure should be carried out 2 times a day - in the morning and before bedtime.
Hot Vinegar Vapors also good for problem solving. It is necessary to pour a few tablespoons of ordinary table vinegar onto a hot container and carefully (avoiding steam in the eyes), take a few breaths.
Juice from young beet leaves (about 100g) and a teaspoon preferably fresh honey has excellent healing properties.
A powder made from aromatic medicinal herbs can help restore the sense of smell. Both flowers and leaves of marjoram, chamomile, lily of the valley, linden, needles, cumin and mint can be used. Herbs must be washed and dried well, then ground into a powder that must be inhaled.
From the same fragrant powder, you can make a solution for inhalation. You will need to pour a couple of glasses of boiling water 2-3 tbsp. l dry herbal mixture and boil for a few minutes. Inhalations should be carried out as usual - breathe over a pan with fragrant steam for 20-25 minutes. The duration of treatment is no more than a week.
A very useful, but a little harsh tool, it can turn out to be celandine juice. You need to drip 3 times in each nostril, one drop.
Cabbage juice has almost the same medicinal properties, but is less dangerous.
You can use the juice of garlic or onion for instillation of the nose. Making medicine is very easy. Dilute freshly squeezed garlic juice in a ratio of 1:20, onion juice 1:50. If there is no allergy, then you can add a couple of drops of fresh honey to the juice.
Milk with sage will be very useful for the treatment of sinusitis (runny nose and colds), which often causes loss of smell, and for the immune system in general. In a glass of milk, add a tablespoon of pre-dried sage and heat (but do not boil).
The following procedure will reduce the runny nose during a cold and restore the sense of smell, which can be easily done at home. Hands should be held in hot water (40–42 degrees) for at least 15 minutes. As soon as the water cools down, add hot water.
For the speedy restoration of the olfactory receptors at any time of the day, you can turn on aroma lamps with spicy essential oils, which, when evaporated, have a beneficial effect on the nasopharynx and the desired result will not be long in coming.
Massage with aroma oils the bridge of the nose, arms, legs and even the back will also help to achieve a speedy recovery and restore the sense of smell, since the oils have the pleasant property of quickly penetrating into the bloodstream through the skin. With a light massage of the bridge of the nose with fingertips dipped in juniper essential oil, a beneficial effect is in close proximity to the sore spot.

How to restore the lost sense of smell by classical methods with the help of physicians

If the choice fell on drug treatment, then, of course, the first thing to do is consult with your doctor. It should be noted that often it is drug treatment that causes a systematic loss of smell, so this method should be treated with extreme caution and not overdo it.

The mucous membrane of the nose is very sensitive, and with prolonged use of drugs with a vasoconstrictor effect, the sense of smell may completely or partially disappear. This happens due to malnutrition of this very mucous membrane. In this case, doctors recommend immediately stopping the use of drops to restore the sense of smell as soon as possible. If loss of smell occurs as a result of rhinitis or sinusitis(Rhinitis) of bacterial origin, the doctor usually prescribes treatment with the following drugs:

anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs
anti-allergic drugs (helps to quickly get rid of mucosal edema and at least normalize breathing and return the lost sense of smell)

If the smell disorder is provoked by rhinitis of allergic origin, the doctor usually prescribes the following treatment:

antihistamines
corticosteroids (have a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the human body)

The most complex case of olfactory disorder is various malignant tumors and polyps, in the case of diagnosing which, mandatory surgical intervention is carried out, and sometimes chemotherapy and radiation exposure, since restoring the sense of smell and saving life is the main goal.

Loss of smell is not a sentence! Be healthy!

Even though a seemingly simple loss of smell is usually poses no particular threat human life, do not underestimate this disease, because a simple inconvenience can hide a serious violation of the mechanism of the body. At the slightest symptom of a lack of smell, you should immediately contact a specialist who will help you identify the cause of the disease as soon as possible and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Attention, only TODAY!

In the absence of smells and tastes, the world seems dull, monotonous and boring. Despite the fact that smell and taste cannot be compared with such important sense organs as sight and hearing, it is very, very difficult to live without smell. You can't smell your favorite coffee aroma in the morning, don't worry if you suddenly smell burning, and don't appreciate your friend's new perfume. Without taste, life is even worse - do you like monotonous food, devoid of any flavors?!

It is possible to return the sense of smell and taste, but first you need to decide, as a result of which you can lose these important and much-needed sense organs.

Why is the sense of smell and taste lost?

In the nose, a person has an olfactory cavity, the surface of which differs from the mucous membrane. This cavity contains a huge number of receptors that send information to the brain about various odors. The brain, after processing this information, remembers and binds the smell to a specific event. We all know how fresh strawberries or oranges smell. Sometimes the smell can be associated with something unpleasant - all this is painstaking work of the brain. However, sometimes extraneous odors simply cannot get through to the olfactory cavity due to mucosal edema - that is, the smell simply does not move. There are several reasons that lead to loss of smell and taste, consider the main ones.

The most common and common cause is a runny nose. This is especially true if rhinitis is not treated for a long time. The virus enters the mucous membrane, due to which mucus begins to be produced, swelling appears. With a viral infection of the body, taste sensations are also lost.
Injuries, fractures and curvature of the nasal septum also do not allow the smell to penetrate inside.
Various growths, polyps, tumors also close the passage to the olfactory cavity.
Sometimes the loss of taste and smell is due to an allergic reaction. When dust, plant pollen, animal hair and other allergens enter the nose, the mucous membrane also begins to produce mucus and swell.
Sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, and other inflammations in the nasal appendages, as well as chronic forms of these diseases, often lead to a loss of taste and olfactory qualities.
Often, loss of smell occurs due to an overdose of vasoconstrictor drops. Everyone knows that these drugs are aimed at alleviating the patient's condition, but do not have medicinal properties. You can use such drops no more than 3-4 times a day, they can not be used for more than 5 days, otherwise addiction occurs. With the constant use of vasoconstrictor drops, the vessels atrophy, they cannot contract and decompress on their own, their nutrition is disturbed, which leads to a loss of smell.
Sometimes loss of smell and taste can occur due to hormonal changes in a woman's body. This is often observed during pregnancy, after the start of taking new oral contraceptives, during menstruation.
If your work involves the constant inhalation of poisons, chemicals, smells of paint and varnish products, the sense of smell may suffer from this.
Smokers often complain about the lack of smells and tastes, who slowly kill their receptors year after year. It is often impossible to restore the ability to capture odors.

Surely you know the approximate cause of the loss of smell and taste. If you stop feeling smells and tastes suddenly, for no apparent reason, you need to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

how to get rid of a cold at home

How to get your sense of smell and taste back

If you are not ready to put up with the current state of affairs, you need to try to return your feelings in order to enjoy the aromas of the world around you again.

Treatment. First you need to remove the swelling of the mucosa, and for this you need to eliminate the very cause of the common cold. If the runny nose is allergic, take antihistamines, for a cold, start taking anti-inflammatory drugs. Use vasoconstrictor drops, but not if you have been dependent on them for a long time.
Gymnastics. Very effective gymnastics for the nose. It improves blood circulation in the nasal cavity, which allows the receptors to become more active. Try to open the wings of the nose, while straining the muscles. Hold this position for a minute, repeat the exercise several times.
Massage. Massage the wings of the nose with your fingers several times a day. This promotes a rush of blood, improves the functioning of receptors.
warming up. You can heat the nasal cavity with an ultraviolet lamp, and if it is not available, use a regular lamp. Aim the light and heat beams at your nose so that the lamp is 25 cm away from your face. Warming up should be daily for a week.
Inhalations. It is very effective to breathe hot air, which disinfects the nasal cavity from the inside, hitting the virus. If you add essential oils of mint and eucalyptus to the liquid for inhalation, this will help you immediately get rid of the swelling of the mucosa. To restore the ability to capture odors and tastes, the following composition for inhalation can be made. Prepare a decoction of calendula, add lemon juice, mint essential oil and a little cumin to it. Inhale the vapors of the prepared decoction - they are very useful both for restoring the sense of smell and against the common cold itself.
Washing. It is very effective against the common cold and to restore the taste buds. Rinse the nose with salt water using a small teapot - insert the spout into one nostril so that the liquid comes out of the second nostril. If such a procedure is beyond your power, drip medicines based on sea water into your nose - Aquamaris, Delphi, Humer.
Drops. If you feel that the mucosa is dry, use nasal drops based on medicinal oils, for example, Pinosol.

Don't forget about the quality of the air in the room you are in. It is very important that the air in the room is humid and the nasal mucosa does not dry out.

how to cure a runny nose in a child folk remedies

Folk remedies to restore smell and taste with a cold

Prepare small swabs from cotton wool, which need to be moistened with honey and placed in the nose. Honey has antiseptic properties, it will help restore the functioning of receptors.
The sharp smell of horseradish, onion, mustard and garlic will help restore the sense of smell. Inhale these aromas as often as possible.
You can restore the ability to capture odors with the help of smoke. Burn a sprig of wormwood, onion or garlic husks and inhale the smoke. Very soon you will be able to enjoy foreign smells and tastes again.
Apply a little eucalyptus oil or star balm to your chest or clothing so that the menthol fumes are constantly entering the nasal passages.
Melt a small amount of lamb fat and mix it with diluted mummy. Take a cotton swab and soak it in the prepared composition. Lubricate the nasal mucosa with this remedy - it is very effective against the common cold and colds.
You can restore the ability to smell and taste by warming the feet. Prepare the following solution - in hot water (45-50 degrees), add a tablespoon of salt, the same amount of soda and two teaspoons of mustard. Dip your feet in the prepared composition up to the ankles. Soak your feet in water for at least 10 minutes, then wipe your feet dry. Lubricate the feet with iodine and put on cotton socks, and woolen ones on top. The procedure is usually done at night. In the morning you will forget about a runny nose and all related problems.
Propolis is a very useful product that can get rid of many diseases. Propolis tincture can be prepared independently or bought at a pharmacy. Pieces of propolis must be poured with alcohol and kept in a dark, cool place for at least a week, shaking occasionally. Soak cotton balls in the prepared tincture and place them in the nasal passages for 10-15 minutes. Within a week you will be able to enjoy your favorite scents.

These simple rules will help you quickly and safely get rid of a cold.

After the runny nose is completely cured, the sense of smell and taste can be restored within 7-10 days. If smells and taste sensations have not returned to your life after the indicated time, a more serious failure may have occurred in the body. In this case, you need to contact a specialist. Take care of your health and do not run a cold, so as not to suffer from a dull and monotonous world.

how to treat a runny nose in the chest

Video: 3 reasons for loss of smell

What to do if the sense of smell and taste is gone, and the nose does not smell?

In cases where this disease, not even considered by many as such, is accompanied by a deterioration in the perception of aromas or even taste, people begin to sound the alarm and look for ways to restore them.

The causes and treatment of this disorder will be discussed in this article.

Reasons or why did the sense of smell and taste disappear?

It may seem that the inability to distinguish smells is a trifle, without which it is easy to live.

But when a person loses one of his basic senses, he realizes its true value.

After all, deprived of the opportunity to experience fragrances and "unpleasant darlings", he partially loses the pleasure of eating, and can also expose himself to the risk of eating a spoiled product.

At the same time, the surrounding world no longer seems as colorful as before. Therefore, it is extremely important to think about how to restore the sense of smell and taste with a cold.

The inability to distinguish odors is most often observed against the background of colds, accompanied by nasal discharge (rhinitis). Depending on the degree of deterioration of the olfactory function, there are:

hyposmia (partial decrease in the sharpness of the sense of smell);
anosmia (complete lack of susceptibility to aromatic substances).

The most common reason for the occurrence of hyposmia or even anosmia is acute rhinitis. It develops due to the fall of both local and general immunity and the activation of microorganisms that always live on the mucous membranes of absolutely healthy people.

Since the body loses the ability to prevent their reproduction, microorganisms infect tissues and provoke the onset of the inflammatory process.

This is accompanied by the appearance of swelling and drying of the mucous membrane. Subsequently, it is moistened due to serous effusion (a special fluid that occurs during tissue inflammation).

The amount of mucus gradually increases, the effusion partially accumulates under the upper layer of the mucosa, forming bubbles, as a result of which it can exfoliate and provoke the formation of erosions.

During all these processes, receptors sensitive to aromatic compounds and located in the upper part of the nasal cavity can be blocked by mucus or damaged.

Therefore, they are unable to respond to stimuli and, therefore, transmit a signal to the brain. This explains the fact that after a cold, the sense of smell disappeared.

But a deterioration in the ability to smell different substances is not the only possible consequence of rhinitis. Often there is a simultaneous loss of taste and smell.

The reason for this lies in the fact that very often a person involuntarily confuses taste and aroma. True taste sensations arise in response to salty, sour or sweet substances entering the tongue, since special receptors localized in different parts of the tongue are responsible for their perception.

Therefore, even the most cold person always distinguishes the basic tastes to a greater or lesser extent. Problems arise from the differentiation of complex flavor combinations, typical, for example, for fruits and berries, soups, original second courses, etc.

For their full perception, the simultaneous participation of taste analyzers and olfactory receptors is required. Therefore, what a person is accustomed to consider as a taste of a dish can easily turn out to be its aroma.

Attention! If the patient stopped smelling, and there was no discharge from the nose, it is imperative to contact a neurologist to rule out brain pathologies and other serious diseases.

Have you really lost your sense of smell and taste? It often happens that the patient says: “I don’t smell ..”, “I don’t feel the taste of food and smell”, but in reality it turns out that this is not so.

To accurately verify the presence of hyposmia, in medicine, even there is a special test - olfactometry.

Its essence lies in the alternate inhalation of vapors of 4-6 odorous substances contained in labeled vials.

The patient is pinched one of the nostrils with a finger, and a vessel with a substance is brought to the other at a distance of one centimeter. The patient should take one breath and answer what he feels. Traditionally used:

0.5% acetic acid solution;
pure wine alcohol;
Valerian tincture;
ammonia.

These substances are listed in order of increasing aroma, so you can judge the degree of impairment of the olfactory function by the smell of which of them a person is able to feel.

A similar test can be carried out at home, even without special solutions on hand, ordinary household items and products will do.

The test consists of several stages, the transition from one to another is carried out only after the successful completion of the previous one. The patient is offered to sniff:

Alcohol (vodka), valerian and soap.
Salt and sugar.
Perfume, onions, chocolate, thinner (nail polish remover), instant coffee, an extinguished match.

If any of them could not be recognized, this is a clear sign of a decrease in the olfactory function, and the reason for contacting the ENT in order to figure out how to restore the sense of smell and taste with a runny nose.

to content? If the sense of smell is lost with a runny nose or after a cold

Patients often complain that they lost their taste and smell due to a runny nose. These symptoms may occur when:

acute;
chronic;
allergic.

acute and chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses:

sinusitis;
ethmoiditis;
frontite;
sphenoiditis.

Much less often, the reasons that the flair has worsened are:

ozena;
scleroma;
polyposis.

Thus, most often the perception of aromas is distorted with colds and other acute respiratory infections.

Nevertheless, such common diseases accompanied by a runny nose, such as sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, and others, can also precede this.

And since they often develop against the background of a deviated septum, patients are often prescribed septoplasty.

This operation, the purpose of which is the alignment of the septum and the normalization of breathing, is necessary to eliminate the prerequisites for the preservation of inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses and, consequently, a violation of the sense of smell.

But, unfortunately, septoplasty is not a guarantee of restoring the ability to distinguish odors normally, since after it degenerative changes in the mucous membrane and the development of hyposmia or even anosmia are possible.

Although the curvature of the septum in no way affects a person's ability to perceive all kinds of aromas. Source: nasmorkam.net

Also, degenerative changes in the mucosa can occur not only as a result of septoplasty, but also after accidental damage by foreign bodies.

In such situations, they talk about the development of traumatic rhinitis. The reason for its occurrence can be not only macro-objects, but also small solid particles, for example, coal, dust, metal, contained in:

smoke;
aerosols;
various industrial emissions, etc.

It has also been observed that the sharpness of smell and taste perception worsens with age. These changes can be called physiological, since they are caused by the “weakening” of the corresponding receptors.

But usually older people notice that the sense of smell has worsened precisely after a cold. This may be due to damage to the receptors due to the active course of the inflammatory process, which then are not fully restored. Therefore, after recovery, older people may complain of hyposmia.

Of course, only a specialist can give an exact answer to this question.

A qualified doctor will be able to find the true causes of violations and quickly eliminate them.

Any self-medication can only exacerbate the problem and delay the return to normal.

Therefore, despite the fact that there are various folk remedies that help to cope with the problem, before you start using them, you should ask the otolaryngologist if they can be used.

Depending on the reasons for the deterioration in olfactory function, the doctor may prescribe a number of drugs to help restore it, including:

Naphazoline ( Naphthyzin);
Xylometazoline ( Galazolin);
Oxymetazoline ( Nazol);
Tramazolin ( Lazolvan Reno) etc.

These drugs are among the vasoconstrictors. Their action is based on mechanisms that eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane. But using them for longer than 5-7 days is not recommended, because they are addictive and lose their effectiveness.

In the worst case, drug rhinitis develops, accompanied by a constant runny nose, which is much more difficult to cope with than, for example, with an acute one.

If hyposmia is the result of allergic rhinitis, patients are prescribed antihistamines, and in more severe cases, topical corticosteroids:

Chloropyramine ( Suprastin);
Loratadine (Claritin);
Erius ( Eden);
Telfast;
Ketotifen;
Nasonex;
Flixonase;
Beclomethasone, etc.

When sinusitis became the cause of hyposmia, treatment is carried out exclusively under the control of the ENT. Any self-medication in such cases can lead to tragic consequences, since inflammation in the sinuses can provoke the development of sepsis, meningitis and other life-threatening pathologies.

Therefore, in such cases, any activities that contribute to how to return the sense of smell and taste with a runny nose must be agreed with the otolaryngologist.

Main article:

You can increase the effectiveness of the therapy prescribed by the doctor by first softening the accumulated mucus. Steam baths are ideal for this. They are done no more than 3 times a day for 20 minutes.

It will not be superfluous to add a variety of medicinal herbs to hot water, for example:

chamomile flowers;
succession grass;
linden flowers, etc.

For the same purpose, you can rinse your nose with saline solutions. They are easy to purchase at the pharmacy or make your own at home. In the first case, you need to ask the pharmacist:

Humer;
Aqua Maris;
Marimer;
Quicks;
Aqualor;
But-salt;
Salin;
saline, etc.

If it is decided to prepare a saline solution at home, then for this you will need salt, preferably sea salt without flavorings, and purified water. 2 g of salt is thoroughly dissolved in a glass of warm, pre-boiled water. The procedure is carried out with a large amount of the resulting liquid, observing simple rules:

The patient lies on his side.
In the nostril that is on top, liquid is injected from a special dispenser or with a syringe without a needle in a large enough amount so that it flows out of the lower nostril.
Repeat the procedure, turning over to the opposite side.

Sometimes doctors advise patients to supplement their treatment with:

light massage;
breathing exercises;
magnetotherapy;
laser therapy, etc.

Many people who catch a cold continue to smoke. Of course, it is not worth talking about how to restore the sense of smell without giving up at least for a while from this addiction.

Here are some popular ways to restore the ability to perceive odors:

Inhalations with lemon and mint or lavender essential oil. To prepare a medicinal mixture, pour a glass of boiling water into a wide container, add 10 drops of lemon juice and a couple of drops of the selected oil.

Breathe over this mixture for 4-5 minutes, while trying to take quick breaths, but being careful, as such forced breathing can lead to dizziness. If desired, mint can be replaced with an alcohol solution of menthol. Usually 5 procedures are enough to restore the sense of smell and taste. They are carried out once a day.

Inhalations with fir and/or eucalyptus essential oil. Manipulation is carried out by analogy with the previous one. If only one of the oils is used, add 2 drops to boiling water, if both, then 1 drop each.

Steam inhalation.

The most common way to carry out such procedures is to inhale the vapors from freshly boiled potatoes.

Perhaps 90% of people have experienced this method at least once in their lives.

Its essence lies in the fact that a person bends over a pot of boiled root vegetables, covers his head with a large towel and breathes steam until the potatoes cool.

Inhalations with sage, nettle, calendula, mint and garlic. Such manipulations will help to remove the accumulated mucus and unblock the olfactory receptors. They are carried out according to the same principle as with potatoes, but only if there is no temperature.

Oil drops. Menthol and camphor oil are mixed in equal proportions. The resulting mixture is instilled 3 drops into each nasal passage 3 times a day. A napkin or gauze moistened with a few drops of basil essential oil is placed on the pillow next to the patient. It can also be applied to the nose and inhaled fragrant vapors.

Applications with propolis. Bee products are famous for their bactericidal properties, so their use is also justified to combat inflammatory processes and their consequences.

A cotton swab soaked in a mixture of propolis, butter and vegetable oil is introduced into each nasal passage. For its preparation, it is necessary to mix equal amounts of oils with a three times smaller volume of propolis. Tampons are left in the nose for a quarter of an hour. Manipulation is carried out twice a day.

Drops with honey and beetroot juice. The ingredients are mixed in a ratio of 1: 3 and a few drops are instilled into each nasal passage for a week.

Drops with mummy. A 10% solution is prepared from peach oil (10 g) and mummy (1 g). It is instilled 5 drops 4 times a day in each nostril.

You can also prepare a similar remedy from 5 ml of camphor oil solution and 1 g of mummy. In addition, cotton swabs can be soaked in prepared mixtures and inserted into the nasal passages for half an hour twice a day.

Acetic inhalation. Sometimes you can come across a recommendation to breathe vinegar vapor. This should not be done in any case, since the result of such a procedure can be a serious chemical burn to the eyes or nasal mucosa.

Warming up with a blue or ordinary lamp

Any thermal effect can be used only on the recommendation of a doctor, as it can provoke a worsening of the patient's condition if breathing problems are caused by sinusitis or other sinusitis.

However, in most cases, the recovery of smell and the ability to distinguish odors occurs spontaneously within a few weeks after suffering an infectious disease.

If desired, this process can be accelerated using the above methods, but deciding how to restore the sense of smell and taste with a runny nose is only worth it together with the doctor.

Loss of smell with a cold is a common occurrence. A person loses the ability to smell if both nostrils are completely blocked. Living in a world devoid of aromas is not very fun, so everyone who suffers from this ailment would like to know how to restore the sense of smell with a runny nose.

Why does the sense of smell disappear?

Before we learn how to restore the sense of smell with a runny nose, let's talk about why it disappears.

The nasal mucosa is covered by the so-called neuroepithelium. When air hits his cilia, a signal is sent to the brain, recognized by the nerve center responsible for this, as this or that smell.

With a runny nose, the nasal passages are filled with secretions, and the nasal mucosa swells. This is a protective reaction of the body to the activity of viruses and bacteria. But these same secretions and edema block the normal functioning of the neuroepithelium. As a result, the ability to smell smells is reduced and may even disappear altogether. In some cases, the sense of smell is not immediately restored even after the treatment of the common cold.

To restore the sense of smell, there are many means related to both traditional and folk medicine. However, before using them, it is better to consult a doctor. The body of each person is unique, and it is impossible to predict in advance what his reaction to this or that substance will be, whether it will cause allergies.

medical supplies

How to restore the sense of smell and taste with a cold? First of all, the best solution is to see a doctor. Only he can find out the cause of the cold. Depending on this, treatment will be prescribed.

To combat the common cold and its consequences, as well as to relieve swelling, various vasoconstrictor drugs are often used, such as Naphthyzin, Nafazolin, Galazolin and others.

Their instillation into the nose gives a quick but temporary effect. In addition, these funds should not be used for more than five days in a row, otherwise there is an addiction to them, and in the future they will act worse. Finally, such drugs with constant use lead to drying of the mucous membrane.

If the sense of smell is lost as a result of an allergic reaction, the doctor will prescribe antihistamines, and if this is due to the activity of bacteria, antibacterial ones.

Before using the drops, it is advisable to rinse the nasal cavity to clear it of mucus. To do this, you can use saline or a decoction of chamomile.

Inhalations

How to quickly restore the sense of smell with a cold? One of the most effective ways is inhalation. The easiest option is to breathe over the steam of boiled potatoes. For inhalation also use:

Soda solution. Its temperature should not be more than 30 °, otherwise the soda loses its healing properties.
Herbal infusions. To restore the sense of smell, chamomile, linden, mint, eucalyptus, sage or calendula are best suited. For infusion, take one or two tablespoons (tablespoons) of dry grass and 0.5 liters of boiling water.
Essential oils. They drip a few drops. Oils of fir, juniper, mint and eucalyptus are used.

With any method of inhalation, steam should not burn the nasal mucosa, so boiling water should first be slightly cooled. You need to breathe over the steam for 10 minutes, covering your head with a cloth. After inhalation, it is better to lie down, covered with a blanket, and in no case go out into the cold air.

Exercises

How to restore the sense of smell after a cold? Help him to restore simple exercises. The muscles of the nose should be tense for one minute and then relaxed. Repeat for ten minutes. During the day, you can perform 10-12 such series.

In addition, the massage of the wings of the nose works well.

Similar exercises are useful for preventing loss of smell.

warming up

How to restore the sense of smell during a cold? You can warm up the nose with a regular table lamp. It should be directed to the nose, located 25-30 cm from it. To protect the eyes, it is necessary to use dark glasses. The duration of the session should be 10-15 minutes.

Another way is to use salt, calcined in a pan. It is poured into a small bag, cooled slightly and applied to the bridge of the nose. To restore the sense of smell, such warming is done for a week 3 times a day.

Finally, it is common and useful to warm the nose with a boiled egg. It should be applied to the bridge of the nose through a handkerchief, and kept for 6-7 minutes.

Washing

Have you lost your sense of smell? What to do? Nasal irrigation may help. It is carried out to relieve swelling of the mucous membrane. It can be done with a salt solution. It is better to use the sea. If ordinary salt is used, then iodized salt should be taken. To prepare the solution, the ingredient (1/2 teaspoon) is dissolved in 0.5 liters of water.

The washing itself is carried out using a syringe or syringe. The solution is injected in turn into each nostril, the procedure is repeated until the nose is free of mucus.

In addition to saline, you can use a solution based on string or chamomile for washing.

Another option for washing is to inhale the saline solution so that it is felt in the larynx. The solution for this is prepared based on the calculation - a teaspoon of salt per 200 ml of water. The procedure itself should be approached carefully, take a breath slowly, and in no case exceed the dosage of salt in the solution so as not to cause burns of the mucous membranes.

Drops

How to restore the sense of smell with a cold? Drops prepared from a decoction of chamomile, sage and mint are considered the most effective. They are dripped into the nose up to 8 times a day, while the sense of smell is usually restored within two days.

Another means of quickly returning the sense of smell is drops based on aloe juice. The cut leaf of the plant is left in the cold for 4-5 hours, then cut into small pieces and squeezed out the juice. Drip should be 4 times a day. The course lasts 2-3 days.

There are several more effective compositions of drops to restore the sense of smell that you can prepare yourself. For their preparation use:

Menthol and camphor oil, taken in equal proportions.
Beetroot juice with honey.
Lemon juice.
Fresh celandine juice, diluted with water at the rate of a drop of juice per teaspoon of water.
Onion juice (one drop per tablespoon of water).

These drops are used three times a day, for several days, until the result is achieved.

Cotton swabs

How to restore the sense of smell with a cold? Cotton wool is impregnated with the prepared composition and placed alternately in each nostril for twenty minutes. This procedure is preferably carried out before bedtime. The composition is prepared on the basis of propolis with the addition of various ingredients:

Propolis with butter and olive oil (ratio 1:3:3).
Propolis, honey and peppermint oil (ratio 1:1:2).
Propolis and butter, mixed as 1:2.

The components of the solutions are combined in a water bath.

Garlic juice (1 part to 10 parts of water) can also be used to soak tampons. They are kept in the nose for 10 minutes up to three times a day.

other methods

As an additional therapy that helps to quickly restore the sense of smell, inhalation of the smell of wormwood, garlic or onions is used. Dry wormwood grass, garlic or onion husks are burned, and then their smell is inhaled for about five minutes. These pungent smelling substances contribute to the normalization of the perception of odors.

Good results are also obtained by lubricating the nasal passages with Asterisk balm.

Inside you can take a decoction of sage. It is prepared from two tablespoons of dry grass per liter of water. The mixture is brought to a boil and infused for 2-3 hours. Drink half a glass three times a day.

By themselves, these methods will not restore the sense of smell, they are used in conjunction with inhalations, rinses and nasal drops.

With a runny nose, pathogenic microorganisms inhabit the nasal mucosa, provoking inflammatory processes, causing swelling, significantly increasing mucous secretions. These factors act as blockers of olfactory and taste receptors. A person ceases to smell, and considers the taste of dishes insipid.

Why does the sense of smell and taste disappear with a runny nose?

The most common factors that have a negative impact on the susceptibility to smells, tastes include the following problems:

Virus infection. Itchy sensations are first accompanied by sneezing, then are replaced by congestion and unpleasant discharge.
Rhinitis, sinusitis. The course of a common cold turns into a complex form, marked by a sharp deterioration in health, a jump in temperature indicators, the appearance of a headache, and a loss of taste and smell abilities.
Nasal preparations. Overdose, excessive use of vasoconstrictor drugs damages the nasal mucosa, making it impossible to smell.
Sharp irritants. Contact of the nasal and oral mucosa with certain foods (garlic, onions, coffee, vinegar, alcohol) can temporarily deprive the sense of smell, and block taste receptors, respectively.
Allergy. The formation of puffiness, copious discharge appear due to an allergic rhinitis, which sometimes leads to a loss of olfactory properties. It is necessary to isolate the allergen quickly, as well as taking antihistamines as prescribed by the doctor.
Hormonal disbalance. The elimination of taste, olfactory characteristics is due to menstruation, the use of oral contraception, and pregnancy. Hormonal disturbances are temporary, and soon problems with the nose will be solved.
Exposure to chemicals, poisons. Contact with certain substances (aerosols, cleaning products) provokes not only a runny nose, but also leads to olfactory dysfunction. Under the gun are all smokers (active, passive). The performance of their receptors is reduced due to cigarette smoke entering the nasal mucosa.
nose anatomy. Structural changes, polyps, adenoids, inflammation, curvature of the septum are flaws that affect the sensitivity to odors in the direction of its significant reduction. The problem is solved by surgery.

Olfactory disorders have several degrees:

Hyposmia. Partial loss of olfactory ability. It is caused by a poor sensation of substances with a pungent odor and a lack of perception of not pronounced odors.
Anosmia. Complete lack of smell. Zero perception of smells due to a stroke and the presence of serious infectious diseases.
Cacosmia. The development of an illusory sense of smell, when normal smells seem unpleasant.
Hyperosmia. Mental deviations contribute to the formation of a heightened sense of smell.

Olfactory distortions take away comfort, causing depression, lethargy, irritability, and other negative states.

Loss of smell. Why is this happening? (video)

How does loss of smell occur? Influence of the common cold on loss of sensation. Why do people lose the ability to smell?

How to restore the sense of smell and taste with a cold

native

Restoration of gustatory and olfactory functions is carried out through complex therapy, which includes the following points:

Sanation. Elimination of the causes of difficulty breathing by washing the nasal cavity with silver-based solutions (Collargol, Protargol).
Vasoconstrictor drops. While maintaining the edema, the drugs "Naftizin", "Nafazolin", "Tizin", "Galazolin" are prescribed.
Immunocorrection. To eliminate recurrent conditions, medicines are used that normalize the work of the protective functions of the body (Kagocel, Imudon, Likopid, homeopathic remedies).
Endonasal blocks. Carrying out injections with novocaine and a suspension of "Hydrocortisone", as well as ingestion of tablets with an extract of motherwort, valerian, bromine.
Physiotherapy. It includes the following activities: UHF, UVR, darsonvalization, electrophoresis using Dimedrol, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, inhalations based on Dimexide and Hydrocortisone preparations.
Surgical intervention. Permanent nasal congestion, as well as swelling due to anatomical problems, the presence of adenoids and polyps, is eliminated through surgery.

An effective treatment aimed at normalizing the functioning of the olfactory and taste receptors is prescribed exclusively by a doctor.

How to restore the sense of smell (video)

How to restore the sense of smell after a cold.

The inhalation procedure

Its duration. Precautions and course of treatment.

Folk methods of treatment

You can restore the loss of sensitivity due to a runny nose at home using the following folk methods:

Inhalation It is performed by evenly inhaling the vapors that form over a pot of healing broth. The duration of the procedure does not exceed 5-7 minutes, and is based on the following components:

Potato. Boil a few fruits (peelings).
Essential oils. Add 5-7 drops of extract (eucalyptus, lavender, basil) to 1 liter of boiling water and mix evenly.
Herbal infusions. 3 art. l. raw materials (chamomile, calendula) pour 1 liter of boiling water and leave for half an hour.
Lemon. Add 10 drops of citrus juice and a couple of drops of essential oil to hot water. Use once with forced breaths.

Therapeutic tampons (turundas) For a 5-15-minute insertion into the nose before going to bed, cone-shaped tubes (bandage wicks) made of cotton wool are used, soaked in the following healing solutions:

liquid / melted honey is mixed in equal proportions with butter;
propolis with water (oil) in a ratio of 1 to 1;
mummy and olive oil of the same volume;
diluted aloe juice (individually);
proportional mixture of water and Kalanchoe.

Drops For instillation, self-prepared solutions from natural ingredients are used:

mix menthol oil with the same amount of camphor oil, apply 3 drops per nostril twice a day for a week;
extract juice from celandine and bury their nose three times a day, 2 drops per nostril, if there is no allergic reaction;
freshly squeezed beetroot juice is mixed with a small amount of linden honey and applied three times a day, 2-5 drops per nostril (used in pediatrics);
grate the horseradish root, add 10 times the volume of water to the gruel, strain and use up to 3 times a day, 2 drops.

Washing. To prepare the solution, you need 10 g of sea salt, 4 drops of iodine and half a glass of warm water. Achieve complete dissolution of all ingredients by shaking / stirring. Use a 2 ml syringe to flush the sinuses.

Balm "Asterisk". The procedure involves delicate lubrication of the septa and wings of the nose, frontal and maxillary sinuses. Course duration - 5 days.

The effectiveness of folk methods depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the absence of contraindications.

A runny nose can cause a lot of discomfort: nasal congestion, worsening sleep, changes in speech. But often the question arises, how to restore the sense of smell and taste in this disease? Why does a person lose the ability to smell and taste differences? How can you help yourself and your loved ones? Therapy and the duration of the recovery period directly depends on the cause that caused rhinitis. The faster and better this cause is eliminated, the sooner the olfactory sensations will return.

The first reason is rhinitis

With strong snot, edema spreads to the entire nasal cavity, which also affects the olfactory receptors. The nasal passages narrow, mucus accumulates, the function of the nerve hairs responsible for the sense of smell decreases, and the brain does not receive a signal to recognize the smell. And since the olfactory center and the gustatory center are located in the same area of the brain, both suffer accordingly. A person suddenly understands: “I don’t smell, I don’t taste.” In this case, the cause is swelling, which can be eliminated by using the following methods:

The second reason is inflammation of the sinuses.

If the loss of smell during a runny nose is partial, then with sinusitis, the ability to smell and taste food completely disappears. The person loses his appetite. Tasteless food does not cause salivation, the process of digestion is difficult.

It will not be possible to quickly restore lost functions with the help of vasoconstrictor drops, since their area of action is limited to the nasal cavity and the treatment of the common cold. For sinusitis, the following measures will be more effective:

UHF - deep heating: relieves inflammation, reduces swelling, returns the missing taste and the ability to distinguish odors.
Electrophoresis in the nose is prescribed both for sinusitis and for prolonged bacterial rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis - reason number three

Rhinitis is one of the first manifestations of an allergy. Loss of smell occurs due to severe swelling of the nasal passages, which, of course, cannot but affect the taste sensations. Despite the fact that this type of allergy is not inflammatory in nature, the restoration of lost functions takes several days. With confidence in the allergic nature of the common cold, treatment should begin immediately:

Medicine overdose

Drug abuse does not go unnoticed. The situation when the sense of smell is lost during a runny nose is familiar to many, but not everyone knows that this can occur as a result of excessive treatment. The constant and uncontrolled use of vasoconstrictors leads to the development of atrophic processes in the mucosa. You may feel constant dryness, congestion, loss of smell, loss of taste. The use of conventional drugs does not bring relief.

How to treat the nose in this situation?

It is possible to return the functions of receptors only by completely abandoning the medications.

To restore them, use:

Washing with decoctions of herbs: chamomile, sage, succession.
To quickly restore the sense of smell will help lubrication of the vestibule of the nose with menthol oil.
With snot, UVI is prescribed, and with edema, electrophoresis.

Recovery period after treatment

Usually, after the restoration of full breathing, olfactory sensations and the ability to distinguish taste return. But sometimes, you have to make an effort to restore the lost functions. This happens after prolonged, prolonged rhinitis. What to do when all the symptoms of the disease are left behind, and the functions of the nose are not restored:

Not every runny nose is accompanied by a loss of nasal function.