Sense of smell and taste, Otolaryngology FAQ

Share to:
Understanding Taste Abnormalities: When to Seek ENT Care

Slightly altered taste sensation? Hello doctor, in the past few days, my father (55 years old) has noticed that the first bite of food has little taste, but the second bite tastes normal. He does not have any sores in his mouth or on his tongue, nor does he experience dry mouth o...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you are experiencing persistent abnormalities in your sense of smell and taste, it is common for these sensory disturbances to be related to infections. You can start by self-monitoring, as most cases tend to gradually improve. If you are concerned, you may visit an oto...

[Read More] Understanding Taste Abnormalities: When to Seek ENT Care


Understanding Odor Issues: When to Seek ENT Care After COVID-19

Olfactory issues Hello, I have been experiencing an unusual odor in my nasal cavity for the past few days (somewhat similar to grains), which becomes more pronounced when I eat. Two months ago, I had a brief cold, and after recovering, I experienced a similar situation (though th...


Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
It is recommended to have an evaluation by an otolaryngologist to determine whether it is sinusitis or chronic rhinitis. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Understanding Odor Issues: When to Seek ENT Care After COVID-19


Unusual Taste and Smell After Nasal Surgery: What to Know

Eating certain foods can result in unusual tastes? Hello, doctor. Recently, I underwent a turbinate laser surgery due to severe post-nasal drip. The recovery period for the first month and a half was normal, but as the scabs in my nasal cavity were about to fall off, I started ex...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, for any postoperative concerns, it is best to consult the original surgeon. Regarding the sense of smell and taste, you may consider supplementing with B vitamins.

[Read More] Unusual Taste and Smell After Nasal Surgery: What to Know


Post-Surgery Smell and Taste Loss After Septoplasty: What to Expect

Decreased olfactory and gustatory function after septoplasty? Hello, Doctor. I underwent a septoplasty at a hospital at the end of April, and since then, my sense of smell and taste has significantly diminished. I can still somewhat detect scents from products like body wash or s...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, if you have only undergone a septoplasty without any additional sinus surgeries or turbinate procedures, it is theoretically unlikely that the surgery would cause long-term loss of smell. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist to check for other potential causes ...

[Read More] Post-Surgery Smell and Taste Loss After Septoplasty: What to Expect


Understanding Taste and Smell Disorders: Causes and Solutions

Olfactory and gustatory disorders? Hello, I have had issues with my sense of smell and taste for a long time. When I eat, everything tastes too salty, and I can't eat it... it doesn't matter who made it, it's the same. I can't even tolerate black pepper; the o...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you first visit an otolaryngologist to arrange for an examination based on your condition. Wishing you peace and good health.

[Read More] Understanding Taste and Smell Disorders: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Mild Cough and Phlegm: Is It COVID-19?

Mild cough with phlegm? Hello, I started experiencing a mild cough about two days ago, and my throat feels phlegmy. I've tried to cough it up, and it has been white so far. The coughing has improved significantly in areas with less air conditioning (almost no coughing). Addi...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, if you currently have upper respiratory symptoms and relevant contact history, please call 1922 to inquire, as it is difficult to determine solely from written descriptions whether COVID-19 can be ruled out. Wishing you peace and health.

[Read More] Understanding Mild Cough and Phlegm: Is It COVID-19?


Post-Fever Loss of Smell: Understanding Olfactory Dysfunction and Treatment

Loss of smell after fever, with subsequent treatment resulting in hyposmia? A few months ago, after experiencing a significant fever, I lost my sense of smell and taste. I consulted an otolaryngologist who suspected that my olfactory nerve was damaged and recommended that I go to...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello Mr. Jan, Olfactory dysfunction may be caused by inflammation or central nervous system issues. If it is due to inflammation, conditions such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or nasal tumors could be responsible. If it is related to the central nervous system, a neurologis...

[Read More] Post-Fever Loss of Smell: Understanding Olfactory Dysfunction and Treatment


Understanding Altered Taste and Smell After Nasal Surgery

Altered taste and smell? Hello, doctor. I have a history of allergic rhinitis and underwent a septoplasty in March of this year. Everything went well post-surgery, but I initially experienced a loss of taste and a diminished sense of smell, which I understand is normal. Eventuall...


Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
Olfactory dysfunction can also affect the sense of taste. After surgery in March, there may be temporary damage to some of the mucosa, but once the wounds heal, both the sense of smell and taste should recover. The presence of foul odors may indicate acute rhinitis, and pesticide...

[Read More] Understanding Altered Taste and Smell After Nasal Surgery


Persistent Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention for Recovery

The cold is not improving? Hello, doctor. I have had a cold for two weeks. It started with a mild cough, and since I am in Europe, it has been inconvenient to seek medical care, so I have been taking over-the-counter medications. This week, I started experiencing a high fever tha...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the symptoms are somewhat similar to sinusitis. If the thick nasal discharge does not improve, it may be necessary to use antibiotics. As for the sense of smell, it may gradually recover after the sinusitis improves. It is advisable to seek medical attention if the symptom...

[Read More] Persistent Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention for Recovery


Understanding How Colds Affect Your Sense of Smell and Taste

The common cold affects the sense of smell and taste? Hello Dr. Yeh, I recently had a severe cold with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion (with phlegm). I am feeling much better now, and my nose is no longer congested, but I have noticed that I cannot smel...


Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Miss, your sense of taste and smell may return after your cold has resolved, but it is also possible that they may not fully recover.

[Read More] Understanding How Colds Affect Your Sense of Smell and Taste


Concerns About Nasal Issues: Seeking Expert Advice on Symptoms

Could you please provide more details or specify your question? Around 1999, I experienced severe chronic nasal congestion that even affected my sleep. After an examination, the doctor diagnosed me with inferior turbinate hypertrophy and allergic rhinitis, and I underwent laser s...


Dr. Cai Zhenggu Reply:
Hello, sister: Based on your description, you may be suffering from hypertrophic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis. I recommend that you visit my clinic for a detailed examination so that I can provide you with a definitive answer.

[Read More] Concerns About Nasal Issues: Seeking Expert Advice on Symptoms