The senses of smell and taste

With review and feedback from CEENTA ENT doctor Roy Lewis, MD (Mooresville)

Many of the symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus are well known: fever, chills, and signs of respiratory illness. But scientists have recently determined that a loss of sense of smell and a distortion of the sense of taste are very likely tied to COVID-19, too.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology released an official statement that “anecdotal evidence is rapidly accumulating from sites around the world that anosmia and dysgeusia are significant symptoms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Anosmia is a loss of a sense of smell. Dysgeusia is a distortion of the sense of taste, such as when you have a metallic taste in your mouth.

Roy Lewis, MD

Fortunately, these symptoms are self-limiting and only last for a few weeks.

If you have these symptoms, you should self-quarantine and continue to monitor your health. A doctor’s appointment and test are only necessary if your symptoms worsen.

CEENTA ENT doctor Roy Lewis, MD, said, there is a simple treatment to help improve your sense of smell if you do experience loss, called Olfactory training with Essential Oils. First, select four of the following six essential oils odors:

  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla
  • Orange
  • Rose
  • Menthol
  • Banana

Then, take a deep sniff of each scent twice a day. Continue this for 12 weeks.

CEENTA is always concerned about your health, particularly now. Please follow all recommended guidelines to ensure your family and loved ones are safe during this time.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. Would you like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lewis? Call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.

 


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Comments

April 27, 2021

So glad I found this I thought I was going crazy, I had covid last September lost my sense of smell completely, It has taken 7 months for the return , and I wish it hadn't, coffee smells of ammonia, air freshener bo , my main concern is food smells and tastes metallic its so bad makes me feel sick , I have to put peppermint oil under my nose to be able to eat without reaching, its put me off food , I really don't look forward to meal time know , Only good thing I'm loosing weight faster than ever .
- June

April 28, 2021

Good morning. We recommend making an appointment with your doctor if you are concerned about your health or any serious changes to your body, particularly those that might be related to COVID-19.
Reply From: CEENTA

September 19, 2020

The taste and smell to me is like poison. Ammonia something really awful and strong. More like chemicals.
- Shanna

September 21, 2020

Good morning. If you are concerned about your sense of taste, we urge you to make an appointment with a doctor. If you live in the Charlotte region and would like to see a CEENTA physician, please call 704-295-3000.
Reply From: CEENTA

August 03, 2020

I need help ASAP please I already had the COVID-19 I got my smell and taste back for some time then like a month or so later everything tastes and smells different I said like cardboard but now I realize it’s like your saying metallic taste and smell on everything I eat or smell. It’s very annoying ugh I just need help how can that go away?
- Jeannette Salicrup

August 04, 2020

Good morning. We cannot diagnose individual patients without seeing them, so we recommend making an appointment with a doctor. If you live in the Charlotte region and would like an appointment with a CEENTA physician, please call 704-295-3000. Thank you.
Reply From: CEENTA

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