Lost Your Sense of Smell or Taste?

Causes

There are several causes for the loss of smell or taste. Illness causing inflammation of the nasal nerve filaments of the mucous membrane in the nose may be the reason for the loss of smell. Prime examples of these are sinus infections and allergies. Long standing inflammation may lead to partial or complete destruction of these nerves, and then the loss is a permanent one.

Some people have a reaction to cinnamon, especially in the oil form, as found in some toothpastes.

A deficiency in zinc can lead to loss of smell and taste.

Some medications can affect one's sense of taste and smell, such as anti-depressants, anticonvulsants, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, chemotherapy, cardiac medications, and muscle relaxants.

Also, certain health conditions have loss of smell and taste as a symptom: Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, bronchial asthma, and diabetes mellitus. Stroke, too, can cause loss of taste. One third of first-time stroke victims experience a loss of taste.

An unfortunate side effect of loss of smell and taste is that you may overeat! Ah, so now you have an excuse!! On the flip side, loss of taste can also lead to weight loss as one's desire to eat lessens as the joy of eating diminishes.

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Remedies