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What Causes Decrease In Sense Of Smell?

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Posted on Thu, 19 Mar 2015
Question: i am not getting smell of onion garlic tea coffee gas or oranges. smell of orange & apple has change .
i Experienced fluttering on my right side of brain previously i felt shivers in my right side brain.
I have lost appetite for food just eat because i feel hungry. please tell me what is wrong with me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and I can understand your concern.

It is important to know when did your symptoms start or when have you noticed this decrease of smelling?
-Have you had symptoms of a cold or flu lately?
-The sensation of fluttering and shivers on head most likely are just involuntary muscle contractions triggered by anxiety,stress,caffeine intake ,electrolyte imbalance etc.Usually are benign and harmless findings that doesn't require treatment.
It is unlikely that such sensations are related to smell problems you have.

The most common cause for a decrease or loss of smelling is a recent viral infection ,because it damage the epithelial lining of upper respiratory tract ,where are located the receptors of smelling.
Usually the ability to smell returns gradually after the infection resolves but in other cases it may last up to several week.
Other possible causes are:
-Head injury (if you have had any injury lately ,even minor one)
-Local causes in nose like polyps,inflammation ,allergy,sinusitis etc.
-Exposure to some toxic materials and smoking.
-Some medications like beta blockers, ACE inhibitors can cause such symptoms.

I would suggest to consult a physician for examination ,if the symptoms persist.A detailed medical history ,associated symptoms, a detailed physical examination are necessary to determine the cause.
The loss of appetite is secondary and related to smell problems you are having.As soon as your smell is back ,your appetite will be normal again.


Hope it helps.
Let me know if you need further help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (9 minutes later)
yes I had flu approx. four months back & i was prescribed Codin & mouth inhaler
for cough. I had very bad cough. after that it has started & still going on.
if my medicine has caused me this then how long time it takes to become normal.
I smell perfume from Bread. i can't bring it near my mouth. Apple doesn't smell like apple. all the fruits smell same. Even i can't smell pickle.smell of apple & bread make me sick. I can't smell my perfume either.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
the viral infection can be the cause.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

If these problems with smell started when you had the flu,most likely the cause is the viral infection.
Smell problems are common after a viral infection.This because the smell receptors on the upper part of nasal mucosa get damage during the inflammation and it may take some time before it recover completely.
It is difficult to determine the time needed for complete recovery because it is different in different patients.
In some cases it may take up to several weeks,and in others a longer time and in rare cases the damage is permanent.

I would recommend a consult with your doctor to do a physical examination to exclude other possible causes.

Hope it helps.
Wish you all the best,

Dr.Rovena
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rovena

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1243 Questions

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What Causes Decrease In Sense Of Smell?

Brief Answer: detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I read carefully your query and I can understand your concern. It is important to know when did your symptoms start or when have you noticed this decrease of smelling? -Have you had symptoms of a cold or flu lately? -The sensation of fluttering and shivers on head most likely are just involuntary muscle contractions triggered by anxiety,stress,caffeine intake ,electrolyte imbalance etc.Usually are benign and harmless findings that doesn't require treatment. It is unlikely that such sensations are related to smell problems you have. The most common cause for a decrease or loss of smelling is a recent viral infection ,because it damage the epithelial lining of upper respiratory tract ,where are located the receptors of smelling. Usually the ability to smell returns gradually after the infection resolves but in other cases it may last up to several week. Other possible causes are: -Head injury (if you have had any injury lately ,even minor one) -Local causes in nose like polyps,inflammation ,allergy,sinusitis etc. -Exposure to some toxic materials and smoking. -Some medications like beta blockers, ACE inhibitors can cause such symptoms. I would suggest to consult a physician for examination ,if the symptoms persist.A detailed medical history ,associated symptoms, a detailed physical examination are necessary to determine the cause. The loss of appetite is secondary and related to smell problems you are having.As soon as your smell is back ,your appetite will be normal again. Hope it helps. Let me know if you need further help. Kind regards, Dr.Rovena Murati