Hi. Way back at the beginning of October I got a really bad cold that lasted for 8 weeks, however, since that I have still not regained my sense of taste and smell. Well, it comes back from time to time for a couple of minutes or so, then it goes again. Is this normal? Should I be worried? Thanks for any help you can give.
2007-01-13 11:02:54 · 6 answers · asked by doodlenatty 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Both the senses of taste and smell are linked through the ofactory glands.
A temporary loss of smell can be caused by a stuffy nose or infection. In contrast, a permanent loss of smell may be caused by death of olfactory receptor neurons in the nose, or by brain injury in which there is damage to the olfactory nerve or damage to brain areas that process smell:
Upper respiratory tract infection (sinusitis or the common cold)
Nasal polyps
Smoking
Head trauma
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Parkinson's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease
Toxins (especially acrylates, methacrylates and cadmium)
Old age
Kallmann syndrome
Laryngectomy with permanent tracheostomy
Esthesioneuroblastomais an exceedingly rare cancerous tumor that originates in or near the olfactory nerve. Symptoms are anosmia (loss of sense of smell) often accompanied by chronic sinusitus.
The loss of taste can be caused by:
Neurological Damage, Problems with the Endocrine System, and others like: local damage and inflammation that interferes with the taste buds or local nervous system such as that stemming from radiation therapy, Glossitis, tobacco abuse, and denture use will also cause Aguesia. Other known causes of ageusia include loss of taste-sensitivity from aging (resulting in a difficulty detecting salty or bitter taste), Anxiety Disorder, Cancer, Renal Failure and Hepatic failure.
There may be a correlation to your recent cold, but it would be worthwile to have it checked out. There are some potentially nasty things that could be at the root of the problem.
Best to be sure.
2007-01-13 12:01:59 · answer #1 · answered by Daremo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-16 00:18:12 · answer #2 · answered by Lucille 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be sign of two serious medical problems. 1: a brain tumor, and 2: cancer
Go to the doctor and get checked out.
2007-01-13 11:08:53 · answer #3 · answered by Boston Bluefish 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Consult a physician immediately. This is NOT normal.
2007-01-13 11:10:19 · answer #4 · answered by Wolfshadow 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you are still sick, you need to go to the doctor.
2007-01-13 11:08:00 · answer #5 · answered by judy_r8 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think your a bit ill...i think you should go to the doctor!!
2007-01-13 11:09:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋