Sudden loss of smell and taste.

[Tinawogitina]

I am a lady of 69 years old and yes I am overweight but I feel healthy.A month ago I was given all sorts of tests (liver/kidneys /diabetis etc) for oncoming Arthritis, and all that came up was that my cholesterol was a tad high.
The last fortnight I have experienced a strange odour and smell about my person. Everything I now eat/drink smells and tastes like Nut oil.Even my sweat smells like nut oil.My urine seems to smell the same, but I am not sure whether that is because I now feel I have lost my sense of smell. Everything now tastes like cardboard, and that is a shame as I like to  cook and I rely on my sense (or lack of it now) for that.
Has anyone else experienced this at all, and if so what was the reason for it.?

[Tinawogitina]

Thank you for such a quick response. Today I visited my GP and he suggested it was either Sinus or gastric. To start with he is giving me a nasal spray for a month as trial test, then if that doesn't work then he is going to start giving me gastric tests. So ty for your suggestions, and diagnosis.

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hello,
A detailed clinical examination may be necessary for correct diagnosis and management. Loss of smell sensation is usually caused by acute sinusitis, rhinitis etc.CNS causes are brain tumour,aneurysm,hormonal disturbances,diabetes,multiple sclerosis, zinc deficiency, malnutrition etc.Loss of taste sensation can be due to nasal infections,flu,common cold, dryness of mouth, medications like antithyroid medications,rifampicin,gingivitis,vitamin B12 or zinc deficiency. You should consult a primary care physician. Based on your clinical examination findings he may further refer you to the concerned specialist. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Hope it helped.
Best luck and kind regards!