Lost Sense Of Smell & Some Sense Of Taste

[MightyMouse]

Hi all, first off, taking my own frequent advice: I am scheduled to see my doctor on Tuesday for this and other issues.

Within the past 2 weeks I've lost nearly all of my sense of smell and most of my sense of taste. It's freaking me out a bit--and I'm not easily freaked out. I can only taste hot and bitter/sour. Missing are sweet, savory and limited is salty or meaty.

I did a google search on the topic and it seemed like there were so many potential culprits that I wasn't sure if I should be reassured that it could be something as simple as a medication I'm taking, or if I should be worrying because the number of potential culprits is so BIG.

The only new thing in my medication regimen has been Zelnorm---loss of taste is not listed among the possible side effects. I also started taking Neurontin--also not listed among any possible side effect, even the rare events.

Does anyone here know if altered smell or taste is possibly autonomic related??? Thanks, Nina

[briarrose]

I lost my sense of smell many years ago. I saw quite a few doctors about it including and ENT specialist. None of them gave me a good reason for the loss.

As for taste, I get this weird taste in my mouth occasionally and it is absolutely disgusting. It can last a few hours or a week, which ruins my appetite because I can't taste anything else. Funny you should bring up the topic because I've been struggling with that horrible taste for the past few days and it's probably been a year since I've had to deal with it.

Let us know if you find a good culprit.

BTW, I take Neurontin but I had the problem before that medication.

Steph

[Be Still]

Occam's razor would suggest that your recent upper respiratory infections would have temporarily stifled these senses. Doesn't sound like any fun.

*Occam's Razor: All things considered, the simplest answer is the most likely to be true.

[taylortotmom]

Nina, my initial thought is that it could be related to all those sinus infections you have had. But, like the others stated I would be very curious to see what your doctor has to offer. I have a terrible taste that comes pretty frequently that is indescribable. I have no idea where it comes from and it is unlike anything else I've ever expereinced. Let's hope in your case it is an easy diagnosis with an easier fix.

Carmen

[cmtaylor5]

I lost my sense of smell and taste completely after and URI followed by a sinus infection, so I have to agree with Be Still. It was a really weird feeling not to be able to taste anything! It lasted for several weeks and then gradually came back.

Good Luck,

Carolyn

[JaneEyre9]

Hey Nina,

Did you take any zinc or zinc nasal spray like Zicam? I read that it has been associated with the symptoms you're describing. Other than that, I have no idea, but I sure hope it clears up for you soon!

[mtkim]

I have never had a sense of smell. My parents took me to an ENT when I was young and we never found out why I didn't have a sense of smell. I remember the doctor laughing when he had me close my eyes and used an ammonia swab under my nose. I didn't have a clue. I can taste sweet, salt, sour, and hot, but cannot taste spices at all. I absoluted loved salty foods. I was the person who would rather have chips than chocolate any day. When I had my first real down and out episode I lost my craving for salt and I have to force myself to eat more salt now. I do get that really terrible taste in my mouth though. Sometimes it lasts just a day and sometimes it lasts for a week or two.

My parents read in the newspaper when I was a teenager that they were treating people without a sense of smell with zinc. You guessed it, I was allergic to zinc.

Kim

[MightyMouse]

I am familiar with Occam's Razor. Following along that line of reasoning, I stepped up my sinus rinsing regimen when we returned from vacation last weekend. Today is the first time it was fruitful (uh, gross, but yucky junk came out in good quantity).

I did use Zicam for two days before vacation--but only used it...um...maybe 3 times total?

Last night I had asthma coughing fits all night--My back was already sore, but it's now aching in other spots. Two days to doctor visits... ho hum. guess I'll have to wait a little bit. I did pick up some antibiotics while I was in Mexico b/c they are otc there, but I don't want to use them unless my doc says I definitely have an infection.

Nina

[dianaD]

Nina,

I don't have any answers for you, but I wanted you to know that that question was one of the questions on my symptoms questionaire from Mayo. So, somebody else is wondering if it is related, too. You must not be the only one...

Diana

[MightyMouse]

Diana, hmmm I don't know whether not to smile or to worry Nina

[SunsetParadise49]

I've never heard of this happening to anyone else other then to my aunt. But my aunt fell and hit her head and ever since then she can't smell very much and can only taste sweet things and I believe sometimes even sour things. I hope they figure something out Nina!

[dizzygirl]

Nina-- my first thought was sinus infection or allergies---hayfever.. or something.. i know that that casues me to loose my taste buds for a while.. especially this time of year.. with all extra allergens floating in the air...

Do you think that you are coming down with something possibly?? I dont want to jinx's you or anything..as I know its been rough for you the past few months.. I hope that your doc has some answers for you nina.. take care and feel better..

hugs to ya

dizz

[momofpreciousboy]

I have both. I wonder too if it is related to autonomic function. I also have loss of sensation everywhere- not total, but noticable. Good luck, and it could easily be from sinus. JenniferTX

[Wufflebear]

When I am havieng a very bad day I get this, everything tasts funny and also I smell funny smells that just arent there... But only on really bad days.

[calypso]

Nina,

I have definitely noticed that over time, all of my senses have dulled a bit. I can't smell, taste, hear, see or feel things like I used to. It disturbs me that I can have water dripping on my feet from doing the dishes, but I can't feel it. Or sometimes I turn on the water and can't tell if it's hot or cold.

But this didn't happen to me overnight. If you are having more of a sudden loss of sense of taste/smell, I would be willing to bet it has something to do with your sinuses being blocked or irritated. I had a cold about a month ago, and although it wasn't a particularly bad one, after I had it, I lost my taste/smell senses almost completely for a week. It drove me nuts! (Mainly because I eat almost nonstop, and I might as well have been eating dirt.)

So I would explore the sinus/upper respiratory route. But if it lasts beyond another week or two, then it's time to check in with a POTS/dysautonomia expert, I suppose. Hopefully it goes away soon!

Amy

[Gena]

Nina, my first thought when I read your post was "I wonder if she takes Zicam or some type of zinc nasal spray?" I have read articles in the past that it totally takes away your sense of smell and taste. You may want to research this or just wait and talk to your doctor. I know you said you only used it a few times recently, but maybe you are sensitive to it??

Let us know what the doc says.

Gena

[MightyMouse]

Hi Again--

I saw my gp--she thinks it's my seasonal allergies rather than an infection. She switched me to a different nose spray (I'm on flonase, but that was since shifted to generic...); gave me some samples to try. She didn't hear any rubs or crackles in my right side, which is actually better than last week. I'm wondering if my sinus rinsing helped to clear stuff up.

When I asked when my taste and smell would come back she just sighed and said "I wish I could tell you."

Nina