The Erratic Nature of My Sense of Smell
I am a 33-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 125 pounds, residing in the northeastern United States. Since March, I've been experiencing unusual fluctuations in my ability to smell. Initially, I attributed the gradual decline in my olfactory senses to the onset of spring allergies. However, by early April, I completely lost my sense of smell. The only relief I managed to find, albeit briefly, came from physical activities and pinching my nose shut while exhaling. Unfortunately, the respite was fleeting. Despite trying virtually every available antihistamine and nasal spray, none provided any meaningful relief. After enduring a lengthy wait for a doctor's visit, my new primary care physician prescribed a six-day course of methylprednisolone, which I started at the end of July. Remarkably, I experienced significant improvement, with my sense of smell returning to a level even better than it had been prior to these issues. Regrettably, this improvement was temporary. The erratic nature of my condition has returned, and I worry I may soon lose my sense of smell entirely. I consulted an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who found no signs of infection or nasal polyps and suggested that I see an allergist—a consultation scheduled for ten weeks away. I've been attempting to identify any specific triggers for this situation, but it seems to fluctuate without rhyme or reason, occurring in both indoor and outdoor environments. Just today, I woke up without the ability to smell anything. It reappeared after breakfast but vanished again by 11 am, returned around 2 pm, and then disappeared post 6 pm. Interestingly, on Sunday, my sense of smell persisted throughout the day until 11 pm. In an effort to remedy the situation, I've altered my diet, switched to unscented and hypoallergenic soaps, and changed my toothpaste, yet nothing has proven effective. I'm increasingly uncertain whether the issue is allergy-related since antihistamines have not provided any positive results. The unpredictability of this condition is both frustrating and alarming.
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 2:02:13 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through quite a challenging experience with your sense of smell, and the unpredictability of your symptoms is understandably frustrating. Fluctuations in the ability to smell may stem from several causes, including allergies, neurological factors, or environmental exposures. Your recent improvement following methylprednisolone suggests that inflammation could play a role in your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Fluctuating sense of smell can be linked to allergies, inflammation, or possibly other underlying issues.
- You've already started steps towards identifying and managing this, which is great.
- There are specific, prioritized actions you can take in the meantime while waiting for your allergist appointment.
Explanation
Your experience aligns with conditions like anosmia (loss of smell) and hyposmia (reduced smell), which can be influenced by various factors. Allergies are a common culprit, but since antihistamines haven't helped, there might be other explanations at play, including non-allergic rhinitis or even neurological issues. Since the ENT specialist found no structural issues, it suggests that your smell fluctuations might not be due to a physical blockage but rather a functional problem.
Next Steps
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Keep a Daily Journal: Start tracking your symptoms in detail. Note when your sense of smell is normal, diminished, or absent, and any associated activities or foods. This can identify patterns or potential triggers.
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Consider Environmental Factors: Pay attention to specific environments that correspond with your symptoms. Changes in humidity, cleaning products, or even temperature could be influencing your olfactory function.
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Hydration and Nasal Care: Ensure you're well-hydrated throughout the day. Saline nasal sprays can help moisturize the nasal passages, potentially reducing inflammation.
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Explore Additional Therapies: You might consider essential oil inhalation (not scented products) to gently stimulate your olfactory system, although there's limited scientific evidence on effectiveness. Start with mild scents and monitor your response.
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Follow Up on Allergist Appointment: Be prepared to discuss all observations and previous treatments in your upcoming appointment. This includes mentioning the temporary benefit from steroids, as it may help guide your allergist towards the right diagnosis and treatment plan.
Continue to practice patience and self-care as you work through this. If you experience any sudden changes such as a persistent loss of smell, facial pain, or other concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to seek medical advice sooner. I'm here to support you and answer any further questions you may have!
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