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Suggest Treatment For Loss On Smell And Taste When On Flonase

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Posted on Wed, 14 Jan 2015
Question: Hi, I have sinus allergies and was recently prescribed Flonase. I noticed that my sense of smell and taste began to change. This started back in July of this year. I quit using the flonase in September but nothing has gone back to normal. Is this permanent? I can't identify odors and food doesn't taste right.... please help...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Parin N. Parmar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please give more details

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for asking at HCM.

I went through your history and understand your concern. I would like to make suggestions for you as follows:

1. Change/loss of smell and taste are known side effects of intranasal corticosteroids (such as Flonase) as well as they can occur due to chronic nose/sinus problems and allergies as well.

So it is important to know exactly how they developed and how are your nose/sinus symptoms at present.

2. At present I assume you started Flonase in July and then developed altered smell & taste. You quit using Flonase in September and still have taste and smell problems. Please correct me if I got you wrong, on follow-up.

3. I would also like to know how are your nose & sinus symptoms at present. Do you have any nose obstruction, snoring, mouth breathing, headache, facial heaviness, etc at present? What was your diagnosis for starting Flonase? It was chronic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis or something else? Have you been examined by an ENT doctor for nose or sinus problems? Do you have nasal polyps?

4. I would like to mention here that both smell and taste are interconnected. So it is very important to know what is the status of nose and sinus from inside.

I request you to please provide above details on follow-up. I will try my best to help you with best of my knowledge and efforts.

Wish you the best of the health ahead.

Thank you & Regards,

Dr Parin
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Parin N. Parmar (38 minutes later)
I was diagnosed with sinusitis in July, started with antibiotics and then as a preventive they put me on flonase. My allergies to mold get worse in the fo
all when the leaves begin to fall. Yes, I breath through my mouth somewhat, especially at night. My sinuses feel like they are swollen inside and I do seem to snore. I don't have any blockages that I know of. I have not been to my doctor with this problem as of now,but I am growing increasingly concerned about my senses be damaged...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Parin N. Parmar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I would suggest an ENT specialist consultation

Detailed Answer:
Dear madam,

Thank you for your follow-up.

Your information made things more clear.

I would suggest you as follows:

1. As your symptoms of sinus are not relieved yet, it is difficult to tell alteration of smell and taste are due to Flonase. Because they can be due to the nose/sinus disorder itself. Mouth breathing & snoring also give clue towards persistent nose/sinus problems.

Had your symptoms improved with treatment, only in that case, I would say that alteration of taste and smell are due to intranasal corticosteroids.

2. So my first suggestions would be to consult an ENT specialist who will examine nose cavity and sinus openings from inside. Depending upon his examination, he may suggest you CT of sinuses or rhinoscopy (examination of interior of nose with help of a scope) to identify the cause of your persistent symptoms.

Further treatment can be suggested from final diagnosis of your persistent symptoms only.

Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.

Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask on follow-up.

Wish you the best of the health ahead.

Thank you & Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Parin N. Parmar

Allergist and Immunologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 870 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Loss On Smell And Taste When On Flonase

Brief Answer: Please give more details Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for asking at HCM. I went through your history and understand your concern. I would like to make suggestions for you as follows: 1. Change/loss of smell and taste are known side effects of intranasal corticosteroids (such as Flonase) as well as they can occur due to chronic nose/sinus problems and allergies as well. So it is important to know exactly how they developed and how are your nose/sinus symptoms at present. 2. At present I assume you started Flonase in July and then developed altered smell & taste. You quit using Flonase in September and still have taste and smell problems. Please correct me if I got you wrong, on follow-up. 3. I would also like to know how are your nose & sinus symptoms at present. Do you have any nose obstruction, snoring, mouth breathing, headache, facial heaviness, etc at present? What was your diagnosis for starting Flonase? It was chronic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis or something else? Have you been examined by an ENT doctor for nose or sinus problems? Do you have nasal polyps? 4. I would like to mention here that both smell and taste are interconnected. So it is very important to know what is the status of nose and sinus from inside. I request you to please provide above details on follow-up. I will try my best to help you with best of my knowledge and efforts. Wish you the best of the health ahead. Thank you & Regards, Dr Parin