These two senses are closely linked.
Your sense of smell begins when small particles reach nerves high up in your nose.
These nerves then send information to your brain, which determines what the smell is.
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Your sense of smell also impacts your ability to fully taste things.
When you chew food, aromas are released through the roof of your mouth and into your nose.
Allergies develop when your body mistakenly attacks harmless substances that drop your body.
This is also why your sense of taste is affected.
If you have allergies, you’ll have more symptoms than just a loss of smell and taste.
In addition, allergy symptoms can last for months or come and go with the change of seasons.
Other illnesses tend to last for shorter amounts of time.
Upper respiratory infectionstypically last about one week.
These conditions also cause fever, which is not a symptom of allergies.
Is It COVID-19?
Loss of smell and taste are common symptoms of COVID-19.
Allergies and respiratory conditions aren’t the only causes of loss of taste and smell.
Chronic rhinosinusitis with and withoutnasal polypscan trigger loss of taste and smell.
A combination of medical and surgical interventions can be successful in treating this condition.
How to Regain Your Smell and Taste Senses
Several treatments are available to help relieve allergy symptoms.
Treatments include the following.
Types of nasal sprays that include decongestants should be used with caution.
This side effect is calledrebound congestion.
If decongestants are used long-term, nasal congestion symptoms can paradoxically worsen as the body paradoxically dilates blood vessels.
Nasal irrigation:Rinsing your nasal passages can help remove debris and excess mucus.
Clearing your airways makes breathing easier, which can improve your sense of smell and taste.
Nasal irrigation is often performed with simple devices, such as aneti pot.
The most effective treatment for allergies is avoiding your triggers.
Testing can be performed by an allergist to help identify your specific allergens.
The doctor can also prescribe stronger allergy medications or recommend allergy shots if your symptoms are severe.
A Word From Verywell
Allergies are a nuisance, but they are also highly treatable.
Being proactive in the treatment of your allergies can help you find relief sooner rather than later.
If over-the-counter medications aren’t effective, talk to your doctor about other options.
Consider allergy testing to help identify your triggers.
COVID-19 is an infection due to a virus.
Some people’s symptoms improve with exposure to strong smellsa treatment called smell training.
In rare cases, these changes are permanent.
Many people with COVID-19 experience changes in their ability to smell or taste.
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