subject: Sinus Infection And Loss Of Sense Of Smell - Nurse's Guide [print this page] If you're suffering from loss of sense of smell (called anosmia) right now or have recently lost ability to smell and are not sure what's caused it perhaps it could be due to a diagnosed or undiagnosed sinus infection. Although it's more common for one to lose their sense of smell when they're suffering from chronic sinusitis rather than acute or short term sinusitis or a sinus infection.
Sinusitis (which is any inflammation or infection in the sinus cavities) can affect the sense of smell by causing swelling of the mucous membranes that line the nose or nasal passages. This can reduce the odorants or particles that may reach the nerve endings high up in the nose or nasal passages. This is a common type of loss of sense of smell. Usually when the sinus infection, or some other sinus inflammation, is cured or healed, that's the end of the problem and sense of smell is regained. The loss is usually temporary.
But if this happens often then over a period of time this nasal and sinus inflammation can damage the olfactory nerve endings. This can eventually lead to reduced sense of smell or in some cases a complete loss of ability to smell.
There are other reasons one may lose their sense of smell including a brain or head injury or a viral infection. Allergic rhinitis, allergies, the common cold, hay fever and smoking or chronic exposure to secondhand smoke are also common causes. It's also found in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease patients and people with seizure disorders and some are more common causes than others. Exposure to chemicals including formaldehyde can cause it.
It's been reported that even medications including zinc compounds (used for viral infections) can cause loss of sense of smell also. It's listed in the side effects of many drugs or medications including thyroid medications, nasal decongestants and many others and I would immediately review all my medications for possible side effects if I was taking any then discuss with your pharmacist and doctor.
But if you have a loss of smell now you may be wondering what's causing it. Since a sinus infection or sinusitis is probably one of the most common causes you want to rule that out. Maybe you know you have an infection but many times people don't know. Let's say you're not sure but you have a slight cough or a slightly irritated throat or runny or congested nose, headache, have yellow mucus or feel a lump in your throat. You could have one symptom, many or none obvious.
There are many sinus symptoms but I would rule out sinus infection first if I had a loss of sense of smell. Once you're sure you have a sinus problem, infection or sinusitis then you can go about using a natural treatment program at home to get rid of your sinus problem and get back your ability to smell. If you're not sure or think it's something else there are many other causes then the most common ones I've listed here.
