Sinus Cold

Hi I recently got some relief from a bad cold that I suffered from for 5 days. My sinuses are still a little congested but not enough to really bother me. Yesterday as I was eating breakfast I realized that I couldn't taste or smell what I was eating. As the day went on and different foods I ate it became clear to me that I couldn't taste or smell anything!!
I have a feeling it has something to do with my cold I had but my nose passage is clear and I can breath through my nose perfectly fine.... So why can I not taste or smell anything?? Is it possible the cold I had temporairly turned off those 2 senses and will come back eventually??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
What you are having is anosmia which is inability to perceive odors. A temporary loss of smell can be caused by a blocked nose or infection. Since you are having sinusitis hence it may be responsible for causing this loss of smell but it is temporary and will go away once the infection clears up. Inhale plenty of steam so that congestion sinuses clears up soon.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.