I can't smell or taste anything.?

Question

For a while, my nose has been congested, so i got Afrin nasal spray. It helped and i can breathe through my nose somewhat, but for some reason, i still can't smell or taste anything. What the deuce?

The spray is called Afrin. It has a menthol feel to it. Leaves my nose burning.

I know about the connection between smell and taste. The spray gets rid of most or all of the congestion for 12 hours. But in those 12 hours, i'm unable to taste or smell even with my nose free from congestion.

Answer 1

I have also lost my smell/ taste after a severe sinus infection or even a bad cold. What color is the stuff that comes out when you blow your nose? If it is clear, it's probably allergies. If it is green or yellow, it could be an infection, and you should see a doc.
Drink lots of fluids to help liquify the mucus [ sometimes spicy foods help.]

Answer 2

In most people, smell and taste are very closely linked (with the nose plugged, most people can't tell the difference between a piece of apple and a piece of potato, for instance). If you still can't taste after your nose is completely clear, then I'd definitely see a doctor, but I'd be willing to bet that by the time it's clear, your senses of smell and taste will be back to normal.

Answer 3

Taste is tied to smell. If you can't smell something, you can't taste it. Try it sometime, after your cold is better. Hold your nose and eat something. You would taste it.

Answer 4

I've heard of people getting their sense of taste and smell permantly removed from a cold medicine. You should probably look into the medicine.

EDIT: And what brand was it?

Answer 5

You're sick buddy! All very normal to be conjested and have no taste buds. Give it a few days you should be fine.

Answer 6

blow your nose