What to do if you have lost your sense of smell due to a cold

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What to do if you have lost your sense of smell and taste with a runny nose?

The sense of smell plays a big role in our lives: thanks to it, we can not only enjoy pleasant aromas, but also perceive food as more appetizing.

Table of contents:

Remember how tasteless a dish seems when your nose is stuffy and you can’t distinguish smells.

What is the mechanism for the development of the loss of this sense, what to do if the sense of smell is lost due to a runny nose, and how to restore the taste to your favorite dishes: let's figure it out.

A little physiology

Partial or complete loss of smell has a scientific term - anosmia. Deterioration in the perception of taste is called ageusia. To understand the reasons for the formation of these symptoms, let’s touch on physiology.

The olfactory region is located in the mucous membrane of the upper part of the nasal cavity. It is represented by special sensitive cells that are able to perceive odors and transmit them along the olfactory nerve to the brain, where they are processed.

The perception of taste is also carried out in the brain, at the level of the taste analyzer. Nerve impulses coming from cells located on the papillae of the tongue are analyzed by the central nervous system and are recognized by the person.

Since the nerve fibers of the olfactory and gustatory analyzers intersect, the perception of taste and smell of many dishes is inextricably linked.

Causes of loss of smell and taste

One of the most common causes of anosmia and augesia is a common cold. Infectious agents (viruses, bacteria or fungi) invade the nasal mucosa, causing inflammation - rhinitis.

Swelling and accumulated mucus interfere with sensitive cells to perceive information, and the person almost does not smell. Against this background, all dishes become bland and tasteless. In addition to a runny nose, doctors identify several other reasons why the sense of smell may disappear:

  • Peripheral action (problem in the nasal cavity):
    • Long-term use of nasal vasoconstrictor drops;
    • Contact with harmful substances;
    • Deviation of the nasal septum;
    • Polyps and other neoplasms in the nasal cavity;
  • Central action (problem at the brain level):
    • Consequences of traumatic brain injury;
    • Damage to the olfactory nerve;
    • Polyneuropathy in diabetes mellitus;
    • Age-related changes.

How to deal with the problem: expert advice

What should you do if, after a runny nose, your sense of smell has disappeared, and all food seems tasteless and unappetizing? The solution to this problem must be comprehensive and include several steps.

Step 1. Eliminate the cause of the disease

Most often, a runny nose is a consequence of an infection that has “settled” in the body. It is important to consult a doctor to identify the causative agent of rhinitis and adequate therapy:

Occurring in 50-60% of cases, it is treated symptomatically (warm drinks, saline infusions) or by prescribing antiviral drugs (Remantadine, Relenza).

Requires antibiotics. The main groups of drugs are penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides.

If the runny nose is allergic in nature.

Doctors prescribe antihistamines (Suprastin, Zyrtec, Claritin).

Note! Vasoconstrictor nasal drops, which have probably saved those who have had a stuffy nose and lost their sense of smell at least once in their lives, do not cure a runny nose, but only eliminate its unpleasant symptoms. Since these drugs are quickly addictive and have a lot of side effects, doctors recommend using them no more than three times a day and no more than five days in a row.

Step 2. Clear the nasal cavity of mucus

You can restore your sense of smell and taste with a runny nose by rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution. The simplest saline solution can be made at home by dissolving 1 tsp. without a slide of salt in a glass of boiled water. You can also use ready-made pharmaceutical preparations:

The procedure is simple:

  • Draw saline solution into a syringe;
  • Lean over the sink with your head turned to the side;
  • Insert the tip of the syringe into the nostril;
  • Gently press the bulb to irrigate the nasal cavity. The liquid should go around the nasal septum and flow out of the other nostril.

Doctors recommend rinsing the nose 2-3 times a day until the condition improves.

Step 3. Ease your breathing

Simple, but at the same time effective ways to ease nasal breathing and restore the sense of smell during a runny nose are:

Hot shower before bed.

Water vapor will moisturize and clear the nasal passages of mucus, and breathing and smelling will become much easier. It is important to avoid hypothermia after water procedures.

Maintaining optimal (60-65%) indoor humidity.

This indicator can be achieved using a humidifier or wet towels hung around the apartment.

Drink plenty of warm drinks.

Drink more hot tea with lemon or raspberry jam, low-fat chicken broth.

Step 4. Traditional methods of treatment

Traditional medicine suggests using garlic to restore the sense of smell and taste during a runny nose. How to quickly cope with unpleasant symptoms using garlic water?

  • Prepare a decoction of garlic by adding 4 cloves of peeled and chopped garlic to 200 ml of boiling water;
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes and add a pinch of salt at the end of cooking;
  • Drink the mixture hot;
  • Taking this remedy after lunch for three days will help you fully experience tastes and smells again.

Before using garlic infusion, consult your doctor. The product has contraindications (individual intolerance, diseases of the stomach, intestines, etc.).

How to eliminate a runny nose at home

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Propolis for the common cold: basic methods of preparation

Source: http://gaimoritus.ru/nasmork/propalo-obonyanie-pri-nasmorke.html

What to do if you lose your sense of smell with a runny nose

I lost my sense of smell when I have a runny nose, what can I do to quickly get it back? This question often appears during colds. You can cope with the problem of loss of the ability to smell quite easily, the main thing is to consult a doctor in time and strictly follow his recommendations.

To restore your sense of smell, you need to know the main types of this disease. This is necessary to choose the right treatment methods and medications. There are only two types of smell disorders:

  • Hyposmia - is a decrease in the ability to smell, appears due to colds, inflammatory processes on the mucous membrane, polyps, allergies.
  • Anosmia is a complete loss of smell that occurs with a runny nose. Appears due to inflammation of the nasal mucosa (after suffering from an acute respiratory viral infection), an infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract, polyps, tumors, or taking certain antibiotics that reduce the sense of smell. Loss of smell occurs due to the accumulation of large amounts of mucus in the upper respiratory tract. It fills the sinuses and becomes very thick over time. Anosmia can be temporary or permanent. Decreased sense of smell can be unilateral or bilateral, affecting only certain odors.

The sense of smell has disappeared with a runny nose, what to do - patients are most often interested in colds. Loss of the ability to smell can also be accompanied by general malaise and fever. Let's look at the main causes of loss of smell.

Causes of loss of smell

The main cause of loss of smell is swelling of the nasal mucosa. Swelling can occur as a result of the following main reasons:

  • Allergy
  • Cold (ARI)
  • Chronic disease of the nasal mucosa
  • Viral infections (ARVI, influenza)
  • Inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses (with sinusitis, sinusitis, frontal sinuses).

A runny nose is the main manifestation of all these diseases, and loss of smell only accompanies it, that is, it may not always happen. After a runny nose appears, you need to consult a doctor so that he can confirm that the disorder of smell occurred precisely because of rhinitis, and not other disorders in the body.

Lost sense of smell with a runny nose: what to do

The most important thing in deciding how to restore your sense of smell after a runny nose is not to self-medicate. Only a doctor can give competent recommendations and provide qualified assistance to restore all the functions of the nasal mucosa and the ability to distinguish all odors.

One of the most effective ways to quickly restore your sense of smell with a runny nose is to use medications that are selected depending on the causes and nature of the disease that caused the loss of the ability to smell. As a rule, the following vasoconstrictor drugs are prescribed:

These drugs effectively treat a runny nose and are excellent ways to restore your sense of smell after the flu or during an illness. Therefore, they are the ones most often prescribed for treatment. However, these drugs must be used carefully and not overused, otherwise swelling of the mucous membrane may occur.

Treatment with folk remedies

If the cause of loss of smell is a runny nose, then you can try turning to traditional medicine recipes. If you have a mild cold that has caused a runny nose, you can do without medications altogether by resorting to traditional methods of treatment.

Inhalations, which are made using various essential oils or solutions, have become very popular in the treatment of the runny nose. Here are some recipes for making them.

  • Add 10 drops of lemon juice, 2-3 drops of lavender or mint essential oil to 200 ml of boiling water. Inhale the steam through each nostril, inhaling for 4-5 minutes. The procedure is carried out once a day for 10 days.
  • Eucalyptus essential oil – 2 drops per glass of boiling water.
  • Essential oils of eucalyptus, rosemary and fir - one drop of each per 200 ml of boiling water.
  • Drop basil essential oil onto a napkin. Keep it close to you, or you can put it in your chest pocket.

In folk medicine, nasal drops are also widely used, which are easy to prepare at home. For example, you can mix menthol and camphor oils in a 1:1 ratio. This mixture is dripped three times a day, 3-4 drops into each nasal passage.

Other methods of treating nose swelling and returning olfactory sensations include the following:

  • Rinsing the nose with saline solutions or decoctions of medicinal plants.
  • Breathing exercises.
  • Nose massage.
  • Physiotherapeutic treatment (laser therapy, magnetic therapy, ultraviolet irradiation).
  • Complete smoking cessation.

With a timely and correct approach to the treatment of a runny nose and the disease that caused it, you can quickly relieve swelling of the nose and restore the ability to distinguish odors.

Source: http://03-med.info/lor/chto-delat-esli-propalo-obonyanie-pri-nasmorke.html

Lost sense of smell with a runny nose: what to do?

Sometimes the course of a runny nose in a person is accompanied by a lack of perception of smells and even taste sensations. This problem requires consultation with a specialist, an otolaryngologist. A medical examination and recommendations will help eliminate the unpleasant consequences of rhinitis as soon as possible.

What types of smell disorders do doctors identify?

Before prescribing a regimen of treatment procedures and medications, the doctor must determine which of the known types of disorders the patient’s lack of perception of smells belongs to. Medicine distinguishes this disorder into the following types:

  1. Hyposomia (when the sense of smell is partially preserved, the patient poorly recognizes aromas that are not clearly expressed).
  2. Hypersomia (when the sense of smell is present, but in an acute form).
  3. Cacosmia (the disorder does not go along with respiratory diseases, a rare type of disorder when the patient is unpleasant to the normal smell).
  4. Anosmia (when the sense of smell is completely absent, often occurs due to infection, or as a consequence of a stroke).

The absence or distortion of a person’s sense of smell is the cause of dysfunction in the form of depression, increased irritability and similar manifestations.

For what reasons does the sense of smell disappear along with a runny nose and what to do?

The main cause of loss of smell is inflamed and swollen nasal mucosa. The mucous membrane becomes inflamed during colds, infection of the body with infectious viruses, as a manifestation of an allergic reaction, rhinitis, sinusitis and other nasal diseases, when there is a functional disorder of the normal state of the mucous membrane. Neglecting the instructions for using nasal drops can also cause loss of the sense of smell.

Usually, the sense of smell lost during a runny nose returns to a person within a few days after recovery, during the recovery period. It should be remembered that panic and nervousness can slow down the body’s recovery after illness. If taste and smell have not returned during this time, you should undergo a diagnostic examination at a medical facility.

Traditional treatment for smell problems

The treatment regimen is determined by the otolaryngologist after determining the diagnosis. As a rule, it includes general and local therapy. When the sense of smell has not returned after a runny nose, treatment procedures begin with eliminating the causes of difficulty in nasal breathing. If swelling of the nasal mucosa persists, so-called vasoconstrictor drops (for example, naphthyzin or similar ones) are prescribed. The nasal cavity is washed with the most common saline solutions, and protargol (collarol) - silver solutions - is instilled.

Surgical intervention is indicated when persistent nasal congestion and severe swelling of the mucous membrane are the result of an anatomical defect (in this case we are talking about polyps, adenoids). As practice shows, a cold only aggravates a chronic process.

Immunocorrection, which is part of the treatment regimen, is designed to eliminate the possibility of relapse of the disease. These are homeopathic remedies, echinacea preparations, imudon, kagocel and the like.

In some cases, the patient is given a novocaine blockade or injections of a hydrocortisone suspension in the form of endonasal injections. Oral administration of drugs containing valerian, motherwort, and bromine is prescribed.

Physiotherapeutic procedures also give good results in the treatment of lack of smell. They practice laser therapy, magnetic therapy, UHF, ultraviolet radiation, inhalation, and electrophoresis.

The listed medications and procedures quite effectively eliminate the causes of impaired sense of smell.

Traditional methods in the fight to regain the sense of smell

An alternative to official medicine is always folk recipes based on medicinal herbs and the properties of natural foods. The following treatment methods are practiced for smell dysfunction.

The juice is squeezed out of fresh grated horseradish root. Dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:10. The resulting solution is instilled into each nasal passage, 2 drops, twice a day. A positive result occurs on the third day of use. If such a concentration of juice causes a burning sensation in the nasal mucosa, the recipe should not be used.

A medicinal mixture for inhalation can be based on boiled potatoes, essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, fir, basil), infusions of anti-inflammatory herbs (calendula, chamomile, pine buds).

The hot vapors are inhaled through the nose for 5 to 7 minutes. For home procedures, a kitchen pan or a special nebulizer inhalation device, sold in pharmacies, is used. The device has the advantage of having different nozzles for the procedure, which deliver steam exactly to the destination without loss along the way.

Infusions from medicinal raw materials are prepared in advance at the rate of 1 tablespoon of crushed herbs per glass of boiling water. Infusion time ranges from 20 to 40 minutes. For inhalation, use a strained solution.

Essential oils are added to hot water immediately before the procedure in a volume of 5-7 drops per recommended serving of water.

Inhalations with lemon and essential oils

For a glass of boiling water, take 10 drops of fresh lemon juice and 3 drops of essential oil. Breathe over the pan or nebulizer with sharp breaths. The interval between procedures is at least 24 hours.

Nasal drops based on camphor and menthol

The therapeutic effect consists of a very pungent odor, which has a beneficial effect on stimulating the weakened sense of smell. The composition is prepared immediately before use and consists of equal parts of menthol and camphor oils. Place 3 drops in each nasal passage twice a day. The duration of treatment is 7 days; when improvement occurs, stop taking the drops.

To restore your sense of smell, you can use the pungent smell of other foods: garlic, onions, vinegar, ammonia, coffee beans.

Rinsing the nose with iodine-saline solution

Use sea salt in a proportion of 10 grams per 100 ml of water, stir and add iodine in the amount of 4 drops. The solution is mixed well until smooth. Wash each nostril twice a day with 1 ml of solution. Injected into the nasal passages using a disposable 2 ml syringe.

Beetroot - honey drops

Fresh beet juice is mixed with half a teaspoon of quality honey. Instill 3 times a day, 2-5 drops into each nasal passage. The product can be used to treat runny nose in children.

A widely known Vietnamese remedy is used to lightly lubricate the bridge of the nose, frontal and maxillary sinuses, and wings of the nose. It is not recommended to lubricate the nasal mucosa. The procedure is repeated for no more than 5 days.

Turundas soaked in medicinal agent

Turundas are prepared from a sterile bandage in the form of small twisted wicks. A “wick” generously lubricated with the medicinal composition is placed deep into the nasal passages for 5-15 minutes. At this time, breathing occurs through the mouth. Usually the procedure is performed before bedtime. The following is used as a medicinal composition:

  • Natural honey has a liquid consistency (for children, mix with an equal amount of butter).
  • Aqueous solution of propolis.
  • Aloe juice with water in an arbitrary ratio (so as not to heat).
  • Kalanchoe juice, diluted in half with water.

If an allergic reaction is observed, stop using the medication. To relieve allergy symptoms, suprastin or another similar medicine is recommended.

An integrated approach to restoring the sense of smell

Systemic treatment often produces faster positive results than individual procedures. A set of measures for the treatment of anosmia and hyposomia due to colds is as follows:

  • Instilling cabbage juice.
  • Massage movements in the area of ​​the paranasal sinuses, bridge of the nose and wings of the nose.
  • Coniferous aromatherapy (30 minutes daily).
  • Inhaling the smell of smoldering wormwood.
  • Tension and relaxation in the nasal passages.
  • Swimming.
  • Departure to the resort.
  • Breathe the air of coniferous forests, the sea, and reservoirs with a high iodine content.
  • Rest for the nervous system.

To overcome the disease, the use of one medicine is often not enough. It is necessary to help the body eliminate factors predisposing it. The use of the above methods and means is aimed at solving this problem.

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Source: http://howtogetrid.ru/propalo-obonyanie-pri-nasmorke-chto-delat/

How to restore the sense of taste and smell during a cold?

Many people are faced with a phenomenon where the ability to perceive smells and tastes noticeably decreases or disappears altogether.

To those who are not familiar with this condition, all this may seem like something insignificant. But in fact, the loss of taste and smell greatly complicates life, makes it dull and insipid, which greatly affects the emotional state.

Mechanism of perception of smells and tastes

Each of us perceives odors through sensitive cells that are located in the mucous membrane deep in the nasal cavity. The signal travels through nerve channels to the brain, which processes the information.

Taste buds are located in the oral cavity. Salty, sour, sweet or bitter are perceived by special papillae of the tongue. Each group occupies its own zone and is responsible for the perception of a particular taste. All taste sensations are also analyzed by the brain.

Loss of smell in medical terms is anosmia. If a person has ceased to perceive tastes, this is called augesia.

The nerve fibers of both analyzers are closely connected. Therefore, a missing sense of smell often leads to changes in taste sensations, familiar dishes are perceived inadequately, because... It seems to us that food does not have the usual taste. But in reality, we are simply not able to detect the aroma of a dish.

The most common causes of disorders of taste and olfactory perception

The most common reason that we stop perceiving the smell and taste of food is a cold, but it may not be the only culprit. It is very important to determine the origin of symptoms in time in order to prescribe the correct therapy.

Acute inflammation, swelling and accumulation of mucus occur with a common cold, which provokes the development of pathogenic flora, which is always present in the body, or the penetration of viruses and bacteria into the body. When unfavorable conditions arise and the general weakening of the immune system, pathogens multiply quickly. The sinuses, when fighting infection, produce mucus, which is designed to combat the deeper penetration of pathogens.

Loss of smell and the inability to enjoy food can have several reasons:

  1. dysfunction of the muscles working in the walls of the nasal vessels. This effect is observed in those who abuse drops for the common cold. They do not have a therapeutic effect, but only affect the symptoms, so they are not recommended for use for more than 5 days. After this period, vasoconstrictor agents begin to negatively affect the condition of the mucous membrane, as a result of which our olfactory abilities are impaired;
  2. allergy. It causes severe swelling and profuse nasal discharge, which leads to loss of smell;
  3. contact with irritants. Some substances or even products can act as provocateurs. You may lose your sense of smell or taste after contact with garlic or vinegar. Olfactory dysfunction often occurs when using chemical cleaning products with a strong odor. The functioning of the receptors in the nasal mucosa is also disrupted when they are exposed to cigarette smoke;
  4. hormonal disbalance. The perception of taste and smell sometimes changes during menstruation or pregnancy, or taking oral contraceptives. Such changes are temporary and usually go away on their own;

congenital and acquired anatomical defects. This should include polyps, adenoids, various inflammations, and individual structural features of the nasal septum. Surgery can solve some of these problems;

  • mechanical damage. They arise not only as a result of extensive trauma, but also due to exposure to small particles: metal or wood shavings, dust, etc.;
  • age-related changes;
  • CNS disorders.

    • Loss of sensation due to nervous disorders

    Has several gradations:

    • complete loss of sensation (anosmia);
    • illusory perception of surrounding odors (cacosmia);
    • partial perception, capturing only strong odors (hyposmia);
    • highly heightened sense of smell (hyperosmia).

    All problems associated with the sense of smell are usually caused by reasons that can be classified into two groups: peripheral action and central action. For the first group, the cause is pathologies arising in the nasal cavity. The second are the consequences of disruption of the brain, as well as the olfactory nerve under the influence of various diseases or age.

    Loss of taste and smell after a cold or due to other reasons can lead to a state of apathy or increased irritability. Many resort to symptomatic treatment.

    But to effectively fight to restore sensitivity and normalize the functioning of the receptors in the nasal cavity and mouth, you need to follow medical recommendations. Only a doctor can accurately determine why the sense of smell and taste is lost and give the right advice on how to restore them.

    You especially need to be wary if the person who has lost sensitivity does not have a runny nose. You may need the help of a neurologist to diagnose possible brain pathologies or other serious diseases.

    Methods to combat loss of sensitivity

    The attending physician knows best how to restore the sense of taste and smell during a cold.

    Sometimes it is necessary to conduct a special test, which is designed to determine how right the patient is when he says: “I don’t feel the taste of food...” or “The sense of smell has disappeared...” The test consists of asking the patient in turn to inhale the contents of bottles containing strong-smelling substances. A vinegar solution, valerian tincture, and ammonia are usually poured there.

    At home, in the experiment, you can use those liquids and products that are on hand: alcohol, perfume or paint thinner, a burnt match. If the patient is still unable to smell each subsequent smell, then we can conclude that he has a problem.

    To figure out how to restore your sense of smell and the ability to enjoy food, you definitely need an otolaryngologist.

    Traditional treatment

    If the doctor determines that the cause of excessive mucous discharge is a cold, sinusitis, viral infections, or allergies, vasoconstrictors are prescribed. On the 3-5th day of using the appropriate drops or spray, you usually feel a significant improvement in nasal breathing. Over time, the patient will notice that his sense of smell is gradually restored.

    A runny nose caused by a virus infection occurs in most cases. It responds well to symptomatic treatment. The patient is advised to drink plenty of warm fluids, administer saline and antiviral agents.

    If the cause of the malaise is a bacterial infection, then antibiotics will be required. Allergic rhinitis can be treated with antihistamines.

    All of the methods described above eliminate the cause of the disease. But how can you restore your sense of smell and taste if your nose is stuffy? It is necessary to clear the respiratory system of accumulated thickened mucus.

    For this, a ready-made preparation or a simple saline solution, which is easy to make at home, is suitable. Take 1 tsp. salt (preferably sea salt), stir it in warm boiled water (1 glass). You will also need a syringe. The resulting filtered solution is taken there and both nostrils are washed alternately over the sink so that the water enters one nostril and flows out of the other. It is advisable to carry out the procedure 2-3 times a day.

    How to relieve the condition

    What other methods can be resorted to, what can be done to alleviate the patient’s condition? He is shown:

    • Hot shower. The nasal passages are well cleaned by steam. After a shower, you need to wrap yourself up well and go to bed.
    • Air humidification. Try to maintain room humidity within 60-65%. To do this, you can hang a wet cloth on the steam heating radiator or use a humidifier purchased in a store.
    • Lots of warm liquid. Teas, compotes, fruit drinks, and not very rich chicken broth are suitable.
    • Physiotherapy, laser therapy, magnetic therapy. Inhalations using drugs containing hydrocortisone will help.
    • Use of immunomodulatory agents.
    • A good help is massage and breathing exercises.

    How to restore lost taste sensations? The best answer to this question can be obtained from a specialist. Doctors usually prescribe medications containing erythromycin if the bacterial or viral nature of the ailment is identified, as well as artificial saliva preparations if there is a deficiency of it.

    Folk remedies

    The advantage of traditional medicine is that it uses only natural substances. These recipes can also be used in addition to drug treatment. Here are the simplest ones:

    • Inhalations. Add 10 drops of lemon juice and one of the essential oils to a glass of boiling water: mint, lavender, fir or eucalyptus. Treatment lasts from 5 to 10 days, one procedure per day. Inhalations over hot potatoes, chamomile and sage decoctions are also very popular.
    • Oil drops. Menthol and camphor oils are usually used in equal proportions or basil oil.
    • Turunda. 2 times a day, cotton swabs soaked in butter and vegetable oil in equal parts plus three times less propolis are placed in the nasal passages.
    • Drops. Based on honey and beet juice (1:3), peach oil, mumiyo (10:1).
    • Warming up. Only if the doctor who determined the cause of the disease does not prohibit it, because warming up is not always useful.
    • Balm “Star”. It is recommended to lubricate certain points.

    To restore taste they also use:

    • Herbal inhalations.
    • Drink. Milk with honey helps a lot.
    • Garlic decoction. Boil 200 ml of water, boil 4 cloves of garlic in it for 2-3 minutes, add a little salt and drink hot.
    Impatient patients often ask the question: “How quickly can I recover when I again feel all the shades of smells and tastes?” A doctor will never be able to answer such questions with certainty. How long it will take a person to get back to normal depends on the individual characteristics of each person.

    Prevention

    Prevention will help you avoid problems. In order not to ask the doctor about why the sense of smell or sense of taste disappears, diseases of the nasopharynx should be treated in a timely manner, and in case of chronic runny nose, hygiene procedures should not be neglected.

    And also follow the traditional advice about eating healthy food, getting rid of bad habits, walking and exercising in the fresh air. It is always better to prevent the occurrence of a disease than to treat it for a long time.

    Source: http://respiratornie-bolezni.com/prostuda/kak-vernut-vkus-i-zapah-pri-prostude.html

    Lost sense of smell after a long runny nose: how to restore

    For many people, as a result of nasal congestion, the ability to smell various smells disappears for some time. If a person has lost their sense of smell due to a runny nose, they should cure the cold and wait a few days for the olfactory function to recover on its own.

    Causes

    Due to colds, which are accompanied by nasal discharge, a person may lose their sense of smell, taste, and hearing acuity may decrease. Allergic rhinitis can also cause a person to lack a sense of smell. The main causes of sudden loss of smell are the inflammatory process and swelling of the nasal mucosa due to influenza, sinusitis, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and other diseases of the nasal cavity. Sometimes a person loses their sense of smell due to uncontrolled use of nasal drops.

    Classification of smell disorders:

    • anosmia – complete insensitivity to smells;
    • hyposmia – partial loss of smell;
    • cacosmia – perverted perception of smells;
    • hypersomia – heightened sensitivity to odors.

    Loss of smell or its decrease can be congenital or acquired. Congenital pathologies arise due to the abnormal structure of the nose, underdevelopment of the olfactory center in the brain, and impaired development of the olfactory nerve. Acquired loss of smell may be of peripheral or central origin.

    Types of peripheral anosmia:

    • functional – occurs due to viral infections during colds and allergic rhinitis;
    • respiratory - appears with adenoids, polyps, tumors, deviated nasal septum, when the smell cannot reach the olfactory analyzer;
    • age-related – occurs as a result of atrophic changes in the nasal mucosa;
    • essential – the olfactory organ is affected due to injury, burn, inflammation, tumor.

    A decrease in the sense of smell due to damage to the central nervous system occurs in the following diseases:

    • meningitis;
    • traumatic brain injury;
    • Alzheimer's disease;
    • encephalopathy;
    • arachnoiditis;
    • meningioma, etc.

    Important! If you lose your sense of smell, you should seek help from a specialist. This simple violation may be a signal of a dangerous disease that should be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.

    Treatment

    In medical practice, there are no treatments or medications that would restore a person’s sense of smell. Diseases due to which the patient has lost the ability to distinguish odors are subject to therapeutic treatment. If the nose is stuffy due to a runny nose, the patient is prescribed decongestion drops and corticosteroids. The use of medications does not guarantee restoration of smell. Physiotherapy and inhalations are aimed only at eliminating nasal congestion.

    Loss of smell due to a runny nose is a natural phenomenon; the sense of smell can be restored within one week.

    Important! During pregnancy, women experience hyposmia, which goes away over time without treatment.

    What to do if after 7 days your sense of smell has not returned? Most likely, the reason for its absence was polyps, a tumor, or diseases of the central nervous system that occur without a runny nose.

    Before starting treatment, a test called olfactometry is done. The patient is asked to alternately inhale vapors of four odorous substances and guess their names. Traditionally, testing is carried out using vinegar, wine alcohol, valerian and ammonia. The level of impairment of the olfactory ability is judged by what smell the patient can smell.

    At home, you can independently test your ability to smell different odors. To do this, it is recommended to smell alcohol, valerian, nail polish remover, vinegar, perfume, coffee, or an extinguished match. If a certain smell could not be detected, this means that the person’s olfactory sensations have decreased.

    Loss of smell is treated by an otolaryngologist. You can restore your sense of smell, which has temporarily disappeared, with the help of the following medications:

    Vasoconstrictor medications quickly eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane. They can be used for 5 days, but not longer, so as not to cause addiction or medicinal rhinitis. The patient is also prescribed rinsing of the nasal cavity with saline solutions and drugs containing silver - Collargol or Protargol - are instilled into the nose. If the loss of smell is caused by allergic rhinitis, then the patient is prescribed antihistamines: Telfast, Suprastin, Claritin. Some doctors prescribe zinc supplements and vitamins A and B to treat anosmia.

    Important! If the cause of anosmia is polyps or tumors in the nose, doctors often immediately resort to surgery. If the sense of smell is lost due to a tumor in the brain, then such a disease is treated with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

    Physiotherapy and folk remedies

    In a hospital setting, you can undergo a number of physical procedures, for example, magnetic therapy, laser therapy, and ultraviolet radiation. At home, anosmia is treated with inhalations using essential oils and medicinal herbs. You can breathe over hot boiled potatoes or boiled water with the addition of lemon balm, mint, and lavender oils.

    Inhalation recipe

    Place the herbs in a saucepan and pour boiling water over them. Boil the broth for five minutes. Let it brew for 10 minutes. Add a few drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil. You need to breathe warm steam for 10 minutes.

    It is useful to regularly rinse the nasopharynx with saline solutions. Take 1 tsp per glass of water. salt. For rinsing, you can use decoctions of medicinal herbs (linden, chamomile, string, sage, calendula) or a few drops of iodine. The nose is washed using a special pharmaceutical watering can or a syringe without a needle. You can buy ready-made nasal rinsing sprays: Aqua Maris, No-sol, Aqualor, Quicks.

    Propolis and oil

    The sense of smell can be restored with the help of propolis and butter. To do this, add a pinch of propolis (3:1) to the soft oil and mix everything until smooth. Soak cotton pads with oil cream and place them in the nostrils for 10 minutes. Treatment is carried out before bedtime.

    You can restore your sense of smell using aloe juice, diluted in half with water. Soak cotton swabs in the mixture and insert them into the nose for 10 minutes. The nostrils can be lubricated with liquid honey.

    Breathing exercises are also useful. To do this, you need to alternately strain and relax your nose for several minutes. Shock therapy helps well, when the patient takes turns inhaling various pungent odors, for example, Vishnevsky ointment, garlic, turpentine.

    Consequences

    Due to the lack of smell, a person will not be able to detect a gas leak in an apartment or determine by smell how spoiled the food is. This pathology can lead to poisoning. People with anosmia may still have taste but no response to smells.

    Partial loss of smell leads to lack of appetite and depression. People with anosmia cannot smell the smell of flowers or perfumes. They are unable to remember pleasant moments from their lives associated with smells, and this is fraught with emotional disorders.

    Prevention

    To avoid loss of smell, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right, exercise, and try not to get colds. If a runny nose appears, you need to treat it in time and not let it run. Alcohol and smoking, staying in an environment hazardous to health, breathing harmful fumes, acids, varnishes, and gases have a negative effect on the sense of smell. It is necessary to protect yourself with special masks, use gas masks, and respirators.

    Every person needs to smell. Without them, human life cannot be complete. If you lose your sense of smell as a result of a runny nose, you need to cure the cold and wait a few days for your olfactory functions to be restored.

    Questions and answers:

    Good afternoon Can

    Pinosol drops help a lot

    © 2017 Treatment with folk remedies - the best recipes

    The information is provided for informational purposes.

    Source: http://www.lechim-prosto.ru/propalo-obonyanie-pri-nasmorke.html

    If you lose your sense of smell with a runny nose: what to do?

    The ability to perceive smells and tastes allows a person to feel the fullness of life, enjoy pleasant aromas and avoid bad-smelling things. Often, a common runny nose causes the development of smell disorders. This condition brings significant discomfort and can last for several days or much longer. If your sense of smell is lost due to a runny nose, the lost function can be restored fairly quickly. For this, various effective methods recommended by conventional and alternative medicine are used.

    Why does the sense of smell and taste disappear when you have a runny nose?

    Anosmia is a complete or partial loss of the ability to distinguish odors. If a similar phenomenon occurs with a runny nose, there should be no reason for concern - in this case, this process is natural. Most often, it is easily reversible, since in most patients the condition normalizes after reducing the swelling of the nasal mucosa and eliminating the root cause of the development of the disorder.

    During a cold and a severe runny nose, the following processes occur, leading to the disappearance of the sense of smell:

    • the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity (neuroepithelium containing odor-sensitive cilia) swells;
    • its structure changes;
    • the sensitivity of the receptors in the nasal passages weakens.

    A condition in which the nose breathes, but does not smell, is often accompanied by a large accumulation of mucus, deterioration in the quality of sleep, and increased irritability.

    The pathology occurs in two main forms - hyposmia and anosmia. In the first case, the negative phenomenon is temporary, sensitivity is partially lost and gradually normalizes with minimal external influence. The development of anosmia is fraught with a complete loss of sensitivity to smells and tastes, can result in more severe consequences and requires a professional approach to treatment.

    Most often, after a runny nose, full sense of smell returns after 5-7 days. Under unfavorable circumstances, the defect may remain forever - as an unpleasant consequence of the illness.

    Causes of loss of smell

    The most common cause of temporary loss of olfactory sensations in most people is untimely and poor-quality treatment of a runny nose. With rhinitis, there is also a weakening or complete disappearance of taste sensations, for which the receptors covering the body of the tongue are responsible. Colds and runny noses do not affect their normal functioning, and loss of taste is naturally associated with a lack of smell.

    The lack of smell makes it impossible to fully enjoy the taste of food. If a person does not smell food, the brain is not able to analyze in detail the various flavors of different dishes. At the same time, it retains the ability to detect sweet, salty, etc.

    In addition to a runny nose, causes of loss of smell include:

    1. Viral infections that also cause itching in the nasal cavity, sneezing, nasal congestion, and copious mucus discharge.
    2. Infectious and inflammatory processes occurring in the nasopharynx.
    3. Sinusitis, after which there is often a loss of taste and olfactory function.
    4. Uncontrolled use of medications intended for nasal use. An overdose of such drugs can damage the nasal mucosa and deprive it of the ability to perceive even strong odors.
    5. Irritation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa by substances with a pronounced taste and aroma (alcohol, garlic, spicy seasonings) or substances of chemical origin.
    6. Allergic reactions causing severe swelling and profuse nasal discharge.
    7. Hormonal imbalance that develops against the background of menstruation, the use of oral contraceptives, during the period of bearing a child.
    8. Anatomical features of the structure of the nasal cavity, the presence of polyps or adenoids in it.
    A common cause of loss of smell is regular smoking (both active and passive). The full functioning of nasal receptors is reduced as a result of constant irritation of the mucous membrane by tobacco smoke.

    How to restore your sense of smell

    In order to normalize lost taste sensations and the ability to distinguish aromas, the following is used:

    • drug therapy;
    • physical procedures;
    • treatment using folk remedies;
    • surgical intervention.

    To effectively combat the disease, you will first need to eliminate the runny nose and mucus accumulating in the nasal cavity. To do this, doctors recommend resorting to the following methods:

    1. Rinsing with saline solutions and preparations containing silver (in children, this procedure must be carried out under the supervision of adults and taking into account age characteristics). For nasal irrigation, pharmaceutical products Quix, Salin, Physiomer, Morenasal, Aqua Maris, etc. are used.
    2. The use of nasal drops that have a vasoconstrictor effect (Tizin, Xylometazoline, Naphazoline). Such drugs can be used for no more than 7 days, since prolonged instillation can lead to the opposite effect.
    3. The use of sprays that help eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane, reduce the amount of nasal discharge, restore full breathing and restore the function of taste buds. For this purpose, Vibrocil, Afrin, Otrivin, Ximelin, Oxymetazoline are indicated.
    4. Prescription of immunocorrectors (for frequent relapses). Imudon or tincture of Echinacea purpurea help increase the body's defenses.
    5. Sedative therapy with the ingestion of valerian and motherwort preparations, which help improve overall well-being, make it easier to fall asleep and relieve irritation.

    To restore a patient’s sense of smell and taste during a runny nose, a specialist may prescribe endonasal injections (injection of hormone-containing medications into areas of pathology).

    After completing the therapeutic course, effective physical procedures are prescribed to consolidate the results of treatment and speed up the recovery of the body. Many patients are recommended to undergo phonophoresis, ultraviolet irradiation of the pharynx and nose, electrophoresis, and nasal massage. At home, if you have a runny nose, warming can be done using a blue lamp, but such sessions must be coordinated with a specialist.

    Independent use of pharmaceutical drugs to restore the sense of smell during a runny nose is unacceptable. Any treatment methods for anosmia should be discussed in detail with your doctor.

    Help of traditional medicine in restoring taste and smell

    Traditional medicine can offer various ways to restore a weakened sense of smell and taste in normal home conditions. A good effect with a weakened sense of smell can be obtained through inhalations, applications, instillations and foot baths.

    Inhalations with natural ingredients

    If vegetable oils have not been used before, the first step is to conduct sensitivity testing. A small amount of the product is applied to the elbow and wait for the skin reaction. In its absence, the product can be used without fear.

    When starting the procedure, you need to add the following components to a small amount of water:

    Inhalations are carried out during an exacerbation of a runny nose and after it decreases. For sessions, a steam inhaler or a wide enamel pan can be used. In the second case, you need to cover your head with a towel. For adults, you will need to inhale the steam for at least 3 minutes; for children over 3 years of age, 1 minute is enough. The water temperature should reach degrees.

    Sessions can be held up to 3 times during the day. Also, decoctions of calendula, sage, and freshly squeezed garlic juice can be used for inhalation treatment of impaired sense of smell.

    Instillation of herbal remedies for a runny nose

    Celandine juice helps to quickly and effectively restore your sense of smell and taste. The pure product is not suitable for preparing nasal drops - you will need to dilute it with clean boiled water in equal proportions and instill the resulting product into each nostril (3-4 drops). It is recommended to carry out the procedure 3 to 5 times a day.

    Natural combined drops can provide a pronounced therapeutic effect in case of deterioration of the sense of smell. Honey and fresh beet juice are mixed in equal quantities. The resulting mixture is injected into the nasal passages three times throughout the day (2 drops for children and 4 for adults). Duration of treatment is from 5 to 7 days.

    Applications and foot baths to improve the sense of smell

    Ointment with propolis is effective for applications. It is prepared as follows - combine a small amount of bee product with two types of oils (olive + butter). Flaxseed, corn or sunflower are also suitable. The mixture is heated using a water bath, after which all components are thoroughly mixed. Turundas with the finished composition applied to them are placed in both nostrils for 20 minutes. The procedure must be repeated in the morning and evening for 5-7 days. And after a runny nose, your sense of smell will return within 7-8 days

    To restore your sense of smell when you have a runny nose, you can use natural liquid honey. For this purpose, gauze turundas soaked in bee product are inserted into the nostrils for 20 minutes.

    If you have lost your sense of smell and taste due to a cold and runny nose, foot baths will provide a significant positive result. To prepare them, various components are used - mustard, eucalyptus tincture or pepper. These products are added in small quantities to a container with clean hot water. The procedure allows not only to restore lost functions, but also improves blood circulation, eliminates nasal congestion, and speeds up recovery.

    If you have lost your sense of smell and taste due to a cold, then the weakened sense of smell will benefit from inhaling through your nose sharp aromas (onions, horseradish), menthol oil vapors, smoke produced by burning garlic peels, and the pharmaceutical drug “Zvezdochka”, beloved by many generations.

    When loss of smell becomes a reason for surgery

    Surgical treatment may be indicated if there is no runny nose or nasal discharge, breathing has been restored, but the sense of smell and taste have not returned to normal.

    A radical method of eliminating anosmia is resorted to if, during an examination of the patient’s nasal cavity, polyps or cystic formations are discovered. Surgery is also indicated for a deviated nasal septum.

    If malignant tumors appear in the nose, in addition to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are used, after which the chances of a complete restoration of the sense of smell increase significantly.

    Prevention of deterioration of smell after a runny nose

    To avoid loss of smell and taste, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

    1. Treat rhinitis and colds at the initial stage of development.
    2. During periods of increased incidence, rinse your nose with saline solutions, chamomile, and eucalyptus decoction.
    3. Regularly conduct aromatherapy sessions with medicinal essential oils.
    4. Practice moderate exercise.
    5. Include natural foods fortified with zinc and vitamin A in your daily diet.
    6. After suffering from ARVI or flu, harden and strengthen the body’s immune system.

    For a runny nose, vasoconstrictor medications for the nose should be used after receiving a doctor’s prescription, in full accordance with the attached instructions.

    Any disturbances in the sense of smell may indicate the development of pathology in the central nervous system or impaired blood supply to the brain. If the ability to distinguish smells and tastes is weakened or lost, not accompanied by deterioration in nasal breathing, an immediate visit to the doctor and medical examination will be required.

    Source: http://pulmono.ru/nos/drugie3/esli-pri-nasmorke-propadaet-obonyanie-chto-delat