A loss of smell (anosmia) and taste (ageusia) can arise from a number of factors, including age, health problems and adverse reactions to medicine. Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that can result in temporary loss of taste and smell.
Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common types of chronic rhinitis, affecting approximately 10% to 20% of the population. Let’s take a look at why allergies occur and how they may cause you to lose your sense of taste or smell.
Why Do Allergies Occur?
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance (allergen) it believes is harmful by releasing histamine. The release of histamine causes the symptoms associated with allergies, including but not limited to:
- Hives
- Itchy or water eyes
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Temporary loss of taste and smell
How Can Allergies Lead To Loss of Taste and Smell?
Your nose contains receptor cells in the mucus membranes. When molecules in the air enter your nose, they attach to the receptor cells that then send messages to your brain about the smell.
Your tongue has similar receptors that respond to molecules dissolving in the mouth by activating your sense of taste. Because taste and smell work together, a loss of smell is frequently followed by a loss of taste.
Loss of taste and smell from allergies generally occurs for two reasons:
- Inflammation. When your sinuses become inflamed from allergies, the smell receptors in your nose may be cut off from doing their job.
- Congestion. Allergies can cause severe congestion in the nose. A stuffy or plugged-up nose may lead to a decreased sense of taste and smell.
Decreasing inflammation and congestion from allergies can help restore your sense of smell.
Tips for Allergy Relief
A couple of home remedies for relieving nasal congestion from allergies include:
- Nasal irrigation. Using a neti pot, pour a solution of saline and warm, purified water through one nostril, tilting your head to allow it to drain out the other nostril. Always spit out the solution if any drains into the throat.
- Steam. Steam can help loosen the mucus in your sinuses. Fill a bowl with hot water, drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam. Try picking up some eucalyptus essential oil from the Charleston Farmers Market to give the steam a refreshing boost.
For more tips on allergy relief, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today to make an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.