It’s been a little over a couple of years since the coronavirus has taken over the world and our lives. After many theories, many assumptions, and many speculations, people now have enough information on the virus and its symptoms. However, we are quite not there yet.
Wanna know why? Continue reading the blog.
One such assumption is taking every symptom that is remotely related to coronavirus. For example, loss of smell and taste. The symptoms of loss of smell and loss of taste are closely associated with the covid-19 disease. They are so closely associated that sometimes people think they are infected with Covid every time they lose their sense of taste and smell.
The sense of taste and smell are important, and they help you maintain your quality of experiences. If you are someone who has been infected with coronavirus or any other respiratory infections, there are natural ways you could follow to regain smell and taste.
Stay with us until the end of the blog to know more about loss of smell, loss of taste, common smell and taste disorders and how to get your smell back.
Why is the loss of smell and taste not always because of coronavirus?
We all might have experienced the sudden loss of our coffee’s aroma, the strong taste of ginger, and so on, every time we get an upper respiratory infection. We all know the effect of a common cold or a flu on our ability to taste and smell. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that over 65% of respiratory infections cause these symptoms. And coronavirus is only one among them.
What causes loss of smell?
Loss of smell can happen due to nasal polyps, allergies, viruses, sinusitis, environmental irritants, neurological conditions, head injuries, radiation, aging, and as a side effect of medications.
Medically, anosmia is described as a condition with complete or temporary loss of smell and hyposmia is a decrease in the ability to smell. Loss of smell can be a result of an injury to the head or due to a respiratory infection. And loss of taste is a consequence triggered by loss of smell as 95% of foods taste only because we could smell them.
A head injury can damage the fibers of the olfactory nerves that are linked to the smell receptor in the brain. In most cases, the loss due to head injury is permanent. Another reason for loss of smell is due to respiratory infections. In some cases, it would be due to the degeneration in the brain. Sometimes a simple congestion in the nose can make you lose the sense of smell. The good news is in most cases the smells come back eventually.
What is the connection between Covid-19 and loss of smell?
There is still no concrete evidence as to what exactly happens between the smell receptors and Covid-19 virus. However, there are some theories that bind it to the virus attacking the nerve cells in the nose that are responsible for smell and taste. However, there is still sufficient evidence to be established in this regard.
So, if you have been diagnosed with anosmia there are natural ways you can regain your sense of smell. Here are the 3 ways you could try.
● Aroma therapy - Also known as smell training, the therapy requires the individual to smell any 4 smells with strong flavors. They can be spices or ingredients that are available in your kitchen. Coffee, cloves, citrus, and mint can be your picks. You can also use raw or powder of ginger as it has a distinctive smell. This works best if you have lost smell due to coronavirus or any other respiratory infection.
● Saline irrigation - If you are diagnosed with an allergy like sinus, saline irrigation works best to get your smell back by flushing the mucus out of your nasal cavity. However, ensure you follow your ENT doctor or allergy specialist’s advice for better results.
● Castor oil - Another great solution to get your smell back. Warm a few drops of castor oil and gently drop two drops of it in each nostril before you sleep and right after you wake up. Ensure the oil is just warm enough and not hot.
When to see the doctor?
In many cases, anosmia should not take more than 30 days to heal. If it lasts for more than that, you should seek medical help. Prolonged anosmia can be permanent in some cases, and it can cause malnutrition, weight loss, and even depression. Your doctor might prescribe medications like alpha lipoic acid or cis retinoic acid along with the home remedies.
The smell of scent brings joy and significantly enhances your quality of life. Work on your senses following these natural methods. If you are unable to find it back, book an appointment with Vikram ENT hospital in Coimbatore for better treatment.
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