I lost my sense of smell four years ago. The doctors told me that it is natural and that it is not a sickness

case 0409

A few months ago I had flu-like symptoms (hot/cold temperature, runny nose, base of throat felt raw but swallowing not painful) that lasted for ten days. Afterwards I gradually realized that something is missing. I had no sense of smell anymore. My sense of taste has diminished by around 65% and is going downhill. I can sense spices, sweet/sour/salt. White wine tastes like vinegar. I can enjoy a few sips of red wine or beer but it becomes meaningless if I drink any more. I understand that there is no "cure". I have not yet visited my doctor because, over here, I don't think they know much about the problem.

case 0410

I lost my sense of smell gradually. The problem started with sneezing in the morning. An ear nose throat doctor suggested sinus surgery but I did not agree to it.

case 0411

I started smoking when I was 16 or 17. I woke up one day with no sense of smell. After a few weeks I consulted my pediatrician who confirmed my lack of smell. I also consulted with an ear nose throat doctor who found no underlying problem. I never pursued my loss of smell after this. I can taste. Later I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis that I believe started to flare up around the same time I lost my sense of smell.

case 0412

Two months ago I was awoken by a strong smell that I initially thought was burning of an electrical system although it did not necessarily smell like an electrical problem. Since then the sensation has persisted. It never goes away entirely but the severity does vary. It is a particularly rotten smell which when it is severe causes stomach upset and a gagging sensation. I was treated for a sinus infection after the onset of this with no discernible change in my smell symptoms. What helps me mitigate the symptoms is the chewing of strongly flavored gum and the coating of the inside of my nostril with petroleum jelly. There seems to be some feedback mechanism from the sense of taste to the sense of smell. This helps me to sleep relatively undisturbed as long as I breathe through my mouth. I did suffer a concussion due to a fall about 6 months before this incident.

case 0413

Some years back my husband said "I can smell gas", but I couldn't. He went into the kitchen and found that I had not completely turned off the stove. It also made me think about other things I couldn't smell. I cannot smell coffee brewing, bacon cooking, and onions among many other things. I also have lost my sense of taste. I think because of that, I never actually get hungry, all food tastes the same. My doctor cannot explain it. For many years I have had sinus trouble, blocked passages, mucus draining almost every morning. I have used inhalers and nasal sprays for many years, and once or twice I have been treated for a sinus infection with antibiotics. I have just about given up now.

case 0414

Nine years ago I suffered a very bad cold, and unlike previous times, when I lost my smell and taste, this time it didn't come back. I went to an ear nose throat specialist who checked my sinuses and conclude that the nerves had been deadened by the extreme hot temperatures caused by the cold. I later found another specialist who prescribed a treatment that did not result in any noticeable difference.

case 0415

I don't remember ever smelling. I was born without a sense of smell. My father, aunt, other aunt, uncle, and grandmother couldn't smell either. I was the only grandchild that couldn't smell.

case 0416

About a year ago I noticed my coffee had a strange taste. Then one day I was eating peanut butter pretzels and they smelled moldy and tasted musty. Other things that tasted like this: tuna fish, eggs, mayonnaise, roasts, turkey, sausage, popcorn, perfumes, and onions. The smell will be so strong it will wake me up at night. No underlying physical cause has been found. The smell and taste will make me gag and feel sick. I sometimes feel like I can't breathe because the smell and taste in my mouth are so strong.

case 0417

At the age of 11, I had a subarachnoid cyst in my brain pressuring on my optic nerves. The cyst was aspirated by opening the skull. After the surgery I noticed after one year that I could not smell anything at all. I feel that it might have been the result of the surgery. I am not able to get any specific remedy for this. If I can, I shall be the happiest person.

case 0418

Several years ago I had a bad cold and used an unapproved homeopathic nasal gel. Since that time my ability to smell things has decreased. I especially noticed this in regard to my ability to smell my cologne. My ability to smell things is not entirely gone, but it is diminished.

case 0419

I do not know why I lost my sense of smell. I worked in a company where they painted engines for automobiles. The last smell I remember is the smell of baked paint.

case 0420

I suffer three to four times a year from the common cold which lasts from two weeks to one month every time. During this my nose used to be stuffy. I started using decongestants four months ago and since have lost my sense of smell.

case 0421

I was suffering from what I thought was a normal head cold and sinus infection. It ended up lasting almost six month and no treatment worked. I lost almost 40 pounds at a rate of 4 to 6 pound per week. I was weak, had no energy, and no appetite. I have permanently lost all sense of smell and taste. It caused depression for a while and I had to force myself to eat. I am trying to cope with this on a daily basis even though it has been over two years now, I will never be able to smell the roses again or taste my morning cup of coffee.