I have loss of smell and taste. Could this be linked to some kind of allergy?

Hi Kathie Henry,

The answer is yes. There could be a link but there are other causes.

Some reports I have read estimate between 1 and 200,000 people in America suffering from this problem. There are many causes which include sinus disease, nasal polyps, tobacco smoking, dental problems, head injury, hormonal disturbances, prolonged or intense chemical or insecticide exposure, and rarely brain or nasal-sinus cancer.

The sense of taste and smell tends to be best between the ages of 30 and 60 years. Many people have a decrease in these senses after age 60.

Some people remember having reduced sense of taste and smell after an Upper Respiratory Tract infection or flu syndrome.

People that have seasonal or perennial (year round) nasal allergies may have impaired sense of taste and smell because of severe swelling in the upper nasal passages.

Allergic rhinitis (hayfever) is associated with increased risk of developing nasal polyps, which are benign growths that originate from nasal sinuses and may protrude into the nasal passage. The development of nasal polyps may first be signaled by loss of the sense of smell (anosmia). Decreased sense of taste may be associated with impaired sense of smell (as per above).

A board certified allergist or ENT specialist may be very helpful in evaluating your problem. 

Yours,

J. Thompson, MD.

I have a seasonal loss of smell and taste, which occurs in the spring and fall.  I want to know if this might be an allergy.