Altered Taste and Smell

[Suszan]

Yesterday when I ate breakfast I noticed that my food tasted and felt like 'cardboard' in my mouth. The only things I can almost taste are hot and/or sweet things like sweet chilli sauce and Coca Cola but I think that it''s more the strong sensation of the chilli and the acid that I am experiencing. I tried to eat some vegetables and vegetarian patties tonight with watermelon for dessert (things I always enjoy) but all I could feel was the texture without the taste and I had to throw out my food as the strange smell(?) taste(?) of everything made me feel ill. Even the food residue on the plate made me feel the same way. I am also getting fleeting 'smells' but I can't quite make out what they are. Only thing that's different from a couple of days ago is I have had some diahorrea since yesterday and had to cough out some gunk from my sinuses that looked pretty black/brown and maybe bloody, today. Any ideas?

[Dr Santos]

Hi Suszan,

Among healthy individuals the maximum number of daily bowel movements is approximately three. But diarrhea can also be defined as having more bowel movements than your usual. If it has been 7 days already, you may want to have a stool exam to rule out any bacterial infection. This is usually treated with antibiotic management. Drink plenty of fluids and eat plenty of apples and bananas since these are known to help form stool.  
Although cats can carry diseases and pass them to people, the chances of getting sick by touching or owning a cat is nil.  The more common cat-related diseases such as cat scratch disease and plague are rare. Toxoplasmosis, another disease from cats, are more likely to be obtained from eating raw meat or from gardening.

Do keep us posted. Take care always.

[Suszan]

Hi,

Diarrhea still with me (after 7 days). Just had a batch of foster kittens (and their Mum). Could I have caught something from them? If so, what is most likely? (btw live in urban area of Sydney, Australia).

Thanks,

Suszan

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
It's good to hear that you are already feeling well and your sense of taste and smell is back. Do not hesitate to post if you do have additional queries or clarifications. Take care and best regards.

[Suszan]

Thanks for your advice. I was starting to panic when I 'lost' my sense of taste and smell. Everything is now OK. Thanks again.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Are there other symptoms present like colds or congested nose? Diarrhea may be attributed to a viral or bacterial infection. This  could lead to altered smell or taste especially if the cause is viral or if you have a history of allergic reaction. . Viral infections usually resolve after a few days. Rest and drink plenty of fluids. However, if it persists, have this evaluated further for proper management.  Take care and do keep us posted.