After 2020, most patients with a loss of taste or smell often suspect they have Covid-19. While this is one of the primary symptoms of Covid-19, it can also be caused by other conditions that affect the nose and throat. Our ENT specialists at SFENTA can help determine the underlying cause and provide a treatment plan to help your senses return. 

Treatment Methods

The first step in finding a treatment for a loss of taste or smell is determining the cause. SFENTA’s highly trained providers are experts in ENT care, with years of experience in treating these types of conditions, including sinus infections, allergies, and nasal polyps. They can evaluate your symptoms and make treatment recommendations. If you’re interested in learning more about your treatment options, we encourage you to contact us. 

Allergy Treatment

It’s possible to lose your sense of smell or taste due to allergies. SFENTA offers several types of allergy treatments including allergy drops, allergy shots, and biologic therapy. These treatments can improve allergy symptoms and help patients create a tolerance to the allergen to stop future reactions.

Learn More About Allergy Treatment

Sinus Infection Treatment

If the cause of your lost taste or smell is a sinus infection, we offer a balloon sinuplasty treatment to help you open the sinus cavities and find relief. A tiny medical “balloon” is inserted into the nasal passageway and inflated until the provider feels the passageways are open enough to begin draining normally.

Learn More About Sinus Treatments

Nasal Polyp Treatment

Nasal polyps can interfere with one’s sense of smell. Surgery may be required to remove these blockages. The same surgery can also help those with chronic sinusitis and limit nasal polyps from returning.

Learn More About Nasal Polyp Treatment

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Why Do We Lose Our Senses?

Our bodies rely on a group of nerves at the top of the nose to detect a smell. When the nose becomes clogged or blocked due to congestion, scents cannot make their way to the top of the nose. When the scent cannot get to this group of nerves, it results in either a partial or complete loss of smell. Our sense of smell and taste are also connected — so when a sense of smell is lost, a sense of taste can be as well. Most often, these losses are temporary and not cause for alarm. It’s essential to have any prolonged lost sense of taste or smell evaluated to ensure that the underlying condition is addressed correctly. 

Symptoms

  • Partial or complete loss of the sense of taste
  • Congestion 
  • Facial pressure or pain

About SFENTA

SFENTA’s network of ENT specialists has been helping patients across South Florida find relief from their symptoms for over 30 years.

Our office’s goal is to provide each patient with:

Patient-Centered Care

We offer one-on-one care with treatment plans customized to fit your needs and lifestyle.

Continuity of Care

We aim to provide care that offers you long-term relief, not just a quick solution.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

We’re staffed with over 50 board-certified providers who specialize in the full spectrum of ENT care.

The Security and Trust of a Community Staple

With over 30 locations across the area, we’re making ENT more accessible than ever.

Loss of Taste & Smell FAQs

Who is at risk?

Many patients experience a temporary loss of taste or smell. Those who are at greater risk are those who experience allergies, sinusitis, or nasal polyps. Those with certain neurological conditions may also be affected.

Is the condition dangerous?

In most cases, it is not dangerous and is only temporary. Loss of smell does pose a risk, as patients may be unable to smell dangerous materials such as fire, smoke, or gasoline.

I’m unable to smell. Do I have Covid-19?

Losing one’s sense of smell is not necessarily a guarantee of Covid-19, but it is possible. If you experience a loss of taste or smell and think you may have Covid-19, you should get tested and self-isolate.

With 37 convenient locations across the South Florida area, we’re never far away.

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