Sense of smell, Otolaryngology FAQ

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Understanding Sinusitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Insights

Is it sinusitis? I would like to ask the doctor about experiencing pain in my nose and around my eye sockets last week that was severe enough to make me tear up during the night. The next day, I went to an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with sinusitis and prescribed antibiotics ...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Based on your description, your symptoms include discomfort in the bridge of the nose, eye sockets, and back of the head, which are particularly noticeable when lying down. These symptoms may indeed be related to sinusitis. Sinusitis (or sinus inflammation) is a common condition ...

[Read More] Understanding Sinusitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Insights


Does Nose Picking Affect Your Sense of Smell?

Regarding nose picking? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if nose picking can affect the sense of smell? Thank you, doctor.


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, picking your nose will not affect your sense of smell.

[Read More] Does Nose Picking Affect Your Sense of Smell?


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 Taste and Smell Issues: When to Seek Medical Help

Olfactory and gustatory disorders? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been able to taste food while eating, but normally the flavor should linger in my mouth. However, for the past few days, I haven't been able to feel it. I would like to know what could be the problem and i...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
If you experience persistent abnormalities in your sense of smell or taste that do not improve, you should consult an otolaryngologist or a neurologist for evaluation.

[Read More] Understanding Taste and Smell Issues: When to Seek Medical Help


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


Understanding Respiratory and Olfactory Issues: Common Concerns and Answers

Respiratory System and Olfactory Issues Due to the pandemic, I have developed anxiety and have some personal conditions and virus-related questions I would like to ask a doctor. Here are my questions: 1. I usually breathe in and out through my nose, but only one side releases ai...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
1. Nasal congestion and reduced sense of smell may be related to allergic rhinitis. To determine if there is a deviated septum or turbinate hypertrophy, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for examination. 2. The presence of an odor does not necessarily correlate wit...

[Read More] Understanding Respiratory and Olfactory Issues: Common Concerns and Answers


Understanding Post-COVID Symptoms: Dry Cough, Nasal Drip, and Throat Irritation

Post-nasal drip, throat dryness and itchiness, dry cough? Hello, doctor. Since I was diagnosed on June 28, I have seen significant improvement with medication. However, I am experiencing a dry cough and post-nasal drip. I had a laryngoscopy on July 16, and the doctor noted an inc...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the symptoms persist without improvement, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for evaluation to determine whether medication treatment is necessary or if observation is sufficient.

[Read More] Understanding Post-COVID Symptoms: Dry Cough, Nasal Drip, and Throat Irritation


Post-Surgery Taste Loss: Causes and Recovery After Pituitary Tumor Removal

Postoperative loss of taste? Hello, the other day my mother was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor that was pressing on her optic nerve. She underwent endoscopic surgery for its removal, during which her deviated septum was also addressed. Currently, her nose is still congested, an...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the surgeon assesses that the surgery will not have an impact, it is advisable to wait until the nasal packing is removed and then observe whether the sense of smell gradually returns.

[Read More] Post-Surgery Taste Loss: Causes and Recovery After Pituitary Tumor Removal


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-Nasal Laser Surgery: Understanding Unusual Taste and Smell Issues

Olfactory issues after nasal turbinate laser treatment? Hello, Doctor. I underwent laser surgery on my nasal turbinates on March 18. During this period, I only experienced a loss of smell for the first two days, and no other symptoms occurred. However, about a week ago, I started...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, general nasal turbinate laser surgery typically does not affect the olfactory nerves. It is advisable to observe the situation until the nasal crusting decreases and the wounds heal, and then assess whether the sense of smell returns to normal. However, if the sense of sme...

[Read More] Post-Nasal Laser Surgery: Understanding Unusual Taste and Smell Issues


Post-COVID Smell Loss: Understanding Recovery and Concerns

Olfactory dysfunction after diagnosis? Hello Doctor, I am currently 42 days post-diagnosis. On day 4, I experienced a loss of smell and taste, which began to improve on day 8 when I could detect some scents more clearly. My taste started to recover from a waxy sensation to about ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is common for viral infections to cause damage to the olfactory nerve. If you are concerned about a tumor in the brain causing pressure, you can visit a neurologist for an examination.

[Read More] Post-COVID Smell Loss: Understanding Recovery and Concerns


Can Radiation Therapy Restore Smell and Taste in Head and Neck Patients?

Side effects of radiation therapy? Can loss or alteration of smell and taste due to head and neck radiation therapy recover? Specifically, can the sense of smell recover? Most of the information found only mentions taste, and the statements are not definitive.


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the original location of the disease, its severity, as well as the dosage and duration of treatment all have an impact. It is advisable to discuss this with the attending physician.

[Read More] Can Radiation Therapy Restore Smell and Taste in Head and Neck Patients?


Understanding Atrophic Rhinitis: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Rates

Treatment of atrophic rhinitis Hello, Director Ji: I underwent cauterization of the nasal mucosa with traditional Chinese medicine around the age of 16. At that time, my parents mistakenly believed in a folk remedy and took me to a practitioner who inserted cotton soaked in med...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first use sterile isotonic saline solution along with a proper nasal irrigator for daily nasal cavity cleansing. Depending on the situation, under the guidance of a physician, antibiotic irrigation or antibiotic ointment may also be used. However, it i...

[Read More] Understanding Atrophic Rhinitis: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Rates


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 Nasal Septum Deviation and Its Impact on Smell

Deviated septum and olfactory issues? Hello Doctor, since October of last year, I have experienced complete loss of smell on one side (which may have been happening for a long time, but I didn't notice it because the other side was normal), along with chronic nasal congestio...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, if there is only a deviated septum and hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates, theoretically there should not be any unilateral olfactory issues. It is recommended to wait for the examination report results. Wishing you peace and good health.

[Read More] Understanding Nasal Septum Deviation and Its Impact on Smell


Understanding Nasal Allergy Treatments: Nerve Resection and Surgery Options

Nasal allergy, nerve resection surgery? Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from nasal allergies for a long time. Thirteen years ago, I underwent septoplasty and polypectomy, but my allergy symptoms did not improve significantly after the surgery, so I chose to coexist with the ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, 1. The nasal septum is composed of cartilage, and the chances of recurrence after resection are low, but there is still a possibility. 2. The sphenopalatine ganglion block and the posterior nasal nerve block are likely similar procedures, primarily aimed at alleviating ...

[Read More] Understanding Nasal Allergy Treatments: Nerve Resection and Surgery Options


Understanding Septoplasty: Advances, Risks, and Recovery Insights

Consultation for Septoplasty Surgery Hello Doctor, in recent years, there seems to have been advancements in the surgery for deviated septum. I have a few questions regarding the procedure: 1. With the latest techniques for deviated septum surgery, can hypertrophy of the superior...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, Question 1: Generally, non-essential conditions (e.g., middle turbinate syndrome and others) do not require special treatment for the superior and middle turbinates, as damage to the sense of smell cannot effectively resolve spatial issues. Question 2: Common complicat...

[Read More] Understanding Septoplasty: Advances, Risks, and Recovery Insights


Understanding Taste Disorders: When to Seek ENT Care

Olfactory and gustatory disorders? Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent nasal congestion lately. My sense of smell is not significantly affected, but the biggest issue is that while I can taste food, the flavors are very faint, which is quite distressing. I do not have a run...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the primary flavors of food come from the sense of smell; the tongue is only responsible for detecting sweet, sour, bitter, and salty tastes. If there is a persistent decline in your sense of smell, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist to check for issues such as...

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


Is Spraying 75% Alcohol in the Nose Safe? ENT Concerns and Advice

Questions related to disinfectant alcohol? Dear Doctor, This morning I had a sudden idea and sprayed 75% denatured alcohol into my nasal cavity (without inhaling). I only realized afterward that this might be harmful. Could this damage my nasal mucosa, nasopharynx, or other org...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, if there are no obvious discomforts such as nosebleeds, nasal congestion, or abnormal sense of smell, you can observe for now. Please be careful not to use alcohol in the nasal cavity again. Wishing you safety and good health.

[Read More] Is Spraying 75% Alcohol in the Nose Safe? ENT Concerns and Advice


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