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What Causes An Altered Sense Of Smell?

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Posted on Wed, 30 Apr 2014
Question: I have noticed more and more frequently a burned metallic smell, sometimes more offensive than others. It occurs even when I eat something spicy or at any time day or night.
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Answered by Dr. Vidya KR (4 hours later)
Brief Answer: Cold or sinus ingection Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using HCM. I went through your query and understood your concerns. Having an altered sense of smell is actually quite common. There are a number of possibilities for altered smell . vitamin or mineral deficiencies can cause altered smell, this would be very unlikely unless you are on a very restricted diet or have an intestinal problem that impairs absorption of nutrients. A metallic smell in the nose may be caused by a nasty cold or sinus infection. The root cause is the sickness and this may cause your smelling sense to be off. The condition will remedy itself when the illness is gone. Other cause are bad taste or migraine . Better to get examined by ENT specialist. treatment accordingly. Psychological factor do has role to play in smell. Once all possible causes are ruled out through examination. then you might need to adjust your medications for depression under your doctors advice and counselling . Hope I answered your query. Feel free to ask further related query. I will be glade to answer them. Wish you a good health. 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. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Vidya KR

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 1664 Questions

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What Causes An Altered Sense Of Smell?

Brief Answer: Cold or sinus ingection Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using HCM. I went through your query and understood your concerns. Having an altered sense of smell is actually quite common. There are a number of possibilities for altered smell . vitamin or mineral deficiencies can cause altered smell, this would be very unlikely unless you are on a very restricted diet or have an intestinal problem that impairs absorption of nutrients. A metallic smell in the nose may be caused by a nasty cold or sinus infection. The root cause is the sickness and this may cause your smelling sense to be off. The condition will remedy itself when the illness is gone. Other cause are bad taste or migraine . Better to get examined by ENT specialist. treatment accordingly. Psychological factor do has role to play in smell. Once all possible causes are ruled out through examination. then you might need to adjust your medications for depression under your doctors advice and counselling . Hope I answered your query. Feel free to ask further related query. I will be glade to answer them. Wish you a good health. Regards