Loss of smell and taste (not Covid)

[eric1548]

A few days ago I started feeling congested.  It turned to usual cold symptoms:  congestion, sneezing, fatigue.  Two Covid tests: negative.  After a few days of hydration, rest and a cold medication for people with high blood pressure I felt better but I lost my sense of smell and taste yesterday.  Any suggestions?  

[shadowmed]

I would do a third test to rule out Covid. My BiL felt very ill, tested himself for Covid for two days in a row  - negative. On the third day of feeling terrible, he tested positive. Same thing happened with my son. Once you have finally ruled it out, I suppose it could be another virus that has same effect. Or, possibly, that your sinuses are still totally blocked, though you would expect to still be able to taste things. Hope your senses return soon

[eric1548]

Thanks again for your comments.  I think I should try to get an ENT appointment because I'll be travelling in a month's time and want to resolve this,  

[Annafill]

My friend had the same situation. Taste and smell returned by themselves after a few months

[SassyLassie]

Hello~I am so sorry that you are having these issues, especially since you want to travel soon. Sometimes, after I have a bad cold, my taste and smell are off but they usually come back after a week. It seems like you have had some tests but none have resolved anything. Maybe an ENT will be able to help.  Please let us know the outcome.

[shadowmed]

That sounds a good idea. I wish you all the best and enjoy your travels!

[shadowmed]

It’s strange, isn’t it? I’m glad you don’t have Covid; that’s a positive at least. Has your sense of smell/taste gone altogether or has it just changed? I know viruses can change how things smell and taste for a while. If things taste weird or horrible, we don’t eat. Maybe that’s what the body needs for a short while, fluids and a little bland food only. I remember going down with some germ a few years ago. Everything tasted unpleasant and ready meals for microwaving were especially disgusting. It put me off them for weeks! Perhaps my body was trying to tell me something. Seriously though, I understand that viruses can hijack the DNA of most cells in the body, so it’s no wonder they affect taste and smell. Maybe you still have the infection distorting your senses. All the best x

[eric1548]

Thanks.  On your advice I did a third Covid test.  Negative.  Having had Covid, the symptoms I experience last weekend were not nearly so virulent.  The doctor prescribed a spray however it is the same that I was using which has been ineffective.  Hopefully it's a matter of (not too much) time.  I don't know what else to do.