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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Did I Completely Lose My Senses After Using Sudafed Nasal Spray?

Hi, I have had flu for the past 4 days without a cold and I have started to feel better today. However, today I got a sudden cold so bad that my nose was completely blocked and I could not speak or breathe. I purchased a Sudafed nasal spray and used this once. This really hurt and my nose is now completely clear but feels slightly painful. After using the spray I instantly lost my sense of smell and taste. The loss of smell is complete loss and I cannot smell anything at all, not even the strongest of smells. Will the senses come back and should I be concerned or is this normal?
Mon, 30 Nov 2015
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ENT Specialist 's  Response
Dear, It seems that after using the Sudafed nasal spray your nasal mucosa has shrunken due to the shrinking of blood vessels in nose. This has resulted in the opening of nose but at the same time, it causes reduction in blood supply to nasal mucosa and nerves. This causes ischemia of nerves and resulted in loss of smell. This is a temporary phenomenon and will reverse with return of smell sense. However, avoid using Sudafed nasal spray
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Why Did I Completely Lose My Senses After Using Sudafed Nasal Spray?

Dear, It seems that after using the Sudafed nasal spray your nasal mucosa has shrunken due to the shrinking of blood vessels in nose. This has resulted in the opening of nose but at the same time, it causes reduction in blood supply to nasal mucosa and nerves. This causes ischemia of nerves and resulted in loss of smell. This is a temporary phenomenon and will reverse with return of smell sense. However, avoid using Sudafed nasal spray