Question:
I have a question for Dr. Robert Pincus. I was prescribed oral steroids (methylprednisolone 4mg) due to loss of smell. I took the 7 day regime of oral steroids. About 10 days after completing this treatment I again lost my sense of smell. My doctor said this could not be treated. I am seeking a second opinion from you. Thank you for any information you can provide.
Answer:
Thank you for your question. It is not hopeless when you have lost your sense of smell. There are two main reasons that we lose the sense of smell. The first and most common is that there is congestion in the nose at the area of the cribriform plate (the top of the nasal cavity) where the smell fibers are located. This happens when we have a cold or often from a sinus infection or nasal polyps. Obviously, these are not only treatable, but will almost always get better.
Damage to the smell fibers themselves, either after a viral infection, trauma, breathing in certain toxins, or other causes are more difficult to treat.
At the NY Sinus Center we believe it is important to find out what has caused your loss of smell and aim our treatments at the particular cause of your problem.
The fact that your smell improved temporarily with oral steroids is an EXCELLENT sign that your sense of smell is both treatable and more likely to be regained. We would be happy to try to help.
I hope this helps clear things up.
Robert Pincus MD
Co-Director NY Sinus Center
NY Otolaryngology Group ” Care beyond excellence”
Frequently Asked Questions
Loss of smell commonly occurs due to nasal congestion at the cribriform plate area, often caused by colds, sinus infections, or nasal polyps. Another cause is damage to the smell fibers themselves, which can result from viral infections, trauma, exposure to certain toxins, or other factors.
Yes, loss of smell caused by nasal congestion, such as that resulting from colds, sinus infections, or nasal polyps, is treatable. Most cases improve with appropriate medical therapies aimed at resolving the congestion and inflammation.
Damage to smell fibers is more challenging to treat compared to congestion-related smell loss. Causes include viral infections, trauma, or toxin exposure. However, treatment options may still exist depending on the individual case and cause.
A temporary improvement in smell after using oral steroids suggests that the loss of smell is likely treatable and that regaining the sense of smell is possible. This response generally indicates inflammation or congestion that steroids helped reduce.
The NY Sinus Center focuses on identifying the underlying cause of smell loss and tailoring treatment to address that specific cause. This personalized approach can improve outcomes and help patients regain their sense of smell.
No, it is not always hopeless. Different causes of smell loss respond differently to treatment. Seeking a second opinion, like from the NY Sinus Center, may provide additional options and hope for recovery.
Determining the specific cause of smell loss is crucial because treatment strategies vary significantly. Addressing the root cause, whether congestion or nerve damage, offers the best chance for restoring the sense of smell.
