Loss of Taste and Smell, But Covid Tests Say Negative
A 27-year-old female, weighing 156 pounds and standing at 5’3”, has no notable medical background and does not engage in substance use, including drugs, alcohol, or smoking. She is currently on a dosage of 40mg of Paxil for anxiety. About fourteen days ago, both of her children were unwell, and subsequent testing indicated a faint positive result for Covid-19. Recently, over the course of 2 to 3 days, she has experienced a significant reduction in both taste and smell, despite performing multiple Covid tests that all returned negative results. The sole symptoms she seems to have are the loss of taste and smell, along with occasional burning sensations in her nasal passages. Aside from these issues, she reports feeling completely healthy. Should she consider this to be a case of Covid-19, given the minor symptoms, or is it possible that it could simply be related to sinus problems? Additionally, she had a nostril piercing a week ago, which has been healing well without any signs of infection, leading her to believe that it shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 12:40:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the loss of taste and smell, especially after potential exposure to COVID-19. While it is possible to experience these symptoms without a positive COVID-19 test, they can also be associated with other conditions, such as sinus infections or post-viral syndromes.
Explanation
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Loss of Taste and Smell: These symptoms can occur due to various reasons, including respiratory infections (like sinusitis), allergies, or even medication side effects. Your situation, combined with recent illness in the household, does warrant attention to your symptoms.
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Recent Piercing: The nostril piercing is likely unrelated unless there's an accompanying infection, which you've indicated is not the case.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your loss of taste and smell. Note if they improve, worsen, or if any new symptoms develop, such as nasal congestion, cough, or fever. A common viral infection could still be at play even if COVID-19 tests are negative.
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Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as this can help support your nasal passages and overall health.
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Steam Inhalation: Try inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or taking a hot shower to help with any potential nasal congestion. This can also soothe your nasal passages and may help restore your senses.
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Avoid Irritants: Minimize exposure to smoke, strong odors, or allergens which can further irritate your nasal passages.
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Consult About Medications: Since you're on Paxil, discuss any potential side effects with a healthcare provider, as some antidepressants can impact taste and smell.
If your symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks or worsen, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation for potential nasal or sinus issues. Please take care of yourself, and remember that clarity regarding your health is essential.
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