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What Causes Reduced Sense Of Smell In Right Nostril After Treating Viral Fever?
Question: Hi doctor,
Had a viral fever with runny nose. Lost smell. Two weeks later can smell only from right nostril. Will my smell come back?
Morning time smell is dul
Had a viral fever with runny nose. Lost smell. Two weeks later can smell only from right nostril. Will my smell come back?
Morning time smell is dul
Hi XXXX! Good morning. I am Dr Shareef answering your query. Simple viral upper respiratory tract would unlikely to cause any kind of permanent loss of smell excepting for the duration of nasal blockage and a very short period there after. The smelling power of your nose would very much likely come back soon. Good luck.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Had a viral fever followed by sinusitis from may 4 to may 14. Lost smell on may 7. Also traveled by plane on may 2 and may 13. Prescribed steroids, nasal decongestants and antibiotic because the diagnosis on may 14 was acute bacterial sinusitis. Almost two weeks later i can only smell from my right nostril about 60% and almost nothing from my right left nostril. Is this smell loss permament?
Brief Answer:
Complete loss unlikely. Early treatment should help it recover.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Complete loss of smell after an infection in an otherwise healthy individual is rare. Hence this is likely to be temporary, though there is no sign or test to predict this.
2. In your case, the loss of smell will be related to persistent bacterial sinusitis and the damage caused by the initial viral infection. Air travel during such conditions causes Barotrauma.
3. A lot of patients consult after months and years. Since you have detected it early I recommend that you get admitted in a hospital where intravenous medications (including antibiotics, high dose steroids, local steroid sprays), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) nasal swabs for culture, CT/MRI Scans, Nasal endoscopy, blood tests and tests for smell can be done.
4. Upload these test and examination results for further treatment options.
I must emphasize that this could recover on its own after the underlying cause is treated. Close monitoring is required as you have noticed this soon. early treatment will definitely help if you see no improvement in the next few days.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Complete loss unlikely. Early treatment should help it recover.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Complete loss of smell after an infection in an otherwise healthy individual is rare. Hence this is likely to be temporary, though there is no sign or test to predict this.
2. In your case, the loss of smell will be related to persistent bacterial sinusitis and the damage caused by the initial viral infection. Air travel during such conditions causes Barotrauma.
3. A lot of patients consult after months and years. Since you have detected it early I recommend that you get admitted in a hospital where intravenous medications (including antibiotics, high dose steroids, local steroid sprays), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) nasal swabs for culture, CT/MRI Scans, Nasal endoscopy, blood tests and tests for smell can be done.
4. Upload these test and examination results for further treatment options.
I must emphasize that this could recover on its own after the underlying cause is treated. Close monitoring is required as you have noticed this soon. early treatment will definitely help if you see no improvement in the next few days.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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