Loss of Smell or Taste in Bakersfield
Taste and smell are complex senses that are surprisingly interconnected with various functions of the body. By specializing in sinus, nose and mouth treatments, Bakersfield Sinus Center has the expertise to provide treatment for the loss of smell or taste to patients in Porterville, Bakersfield, CA and surrounding communities.
What is Loss of Smell or Taste?
The body can experience a reduction or a complete loss in its ability to smell and taste when certain infections or conditions affect the nose and mouth. Most often, this is not a permanent condition, but a result of tissue in the sinuses, nose or mouth becoming inflamed. Of course, in order to restore those senses, the appropriate treatment needs to be performed.
A loss of smell or taste is a common symptom of sinusitis, colds, nasal polyps, and more. In fact, even allergies can impact your ability to smell and taste at times.
How is a Loss of Smell or Taste Diagnosed?
A loss of smell or taste is an unmistakable experience. You often know these symptoms are occurring, but they do have a handful of possible causes. If you have recently been sick or are experiencing other symptoms, you may need to see a doctor to diagnose the cause of your loss of smell or taste.
When you visit Bakersfield Sinus Center, we assess your symptoms and perform an examination to determine the source of your loss of smell or taste. Once we determine the primary cause, we can recommend a treatment that will work for you.
How is a Loss of Smell or Taste Treated?
The treatment of your loss of smell or taste will depend on your diagnosis.
In events where these symptoms are caused by allergies, we’ll likely begin with allergy testing. This can be an effective strategy for determining the origins of your allergies. After diagnosing your allergies, we’ll be able to recommend lifestyle habits, medications and other resources that can help you eliminate your symptoms.
If your loss of smell or taste is caused by sinusitis, we’ll probably recommend sinus surgery or a balloon sinuplasty. These treatments will help flush any buildup of fluids from the sinuses, alleviating a range of symptoms while also restoring your sense of smell and taste.
Finally, if your condition is caused by nasal polyps, we’ll recommend a polypectomy procedure. In this treatment, we will surgically remove the responsible polyps from the nasal canal to provide relief.
Can a Loss of Smell or Taste Be Completely Cured?
At Bakersfield Sinus Center, our goal is to help you achieve an improved quality of life by providing long-term relief from a loss of smell or taste. However, the cause of your condition will determine the extent and duration of the results you are able to achieve.
In nearly all cases, your sense of taste and smell will return in the days and weeks following treatment. But many of the conditions that cause a loss of smell or taste can be recurring. Even though it is unlikely, it is possible that you may develop sinusitis, nasal polyps, and other conditions again after they are treated. If treatment was successful the first time, you can expect the treatment to be effective again should you be re-diagnosed with your condition.
To learn more about loss of smell or taste treatment, contact us today to schedule your consultation at Bakersfield Sinus Center. We welcome patients from Bakersfield, Porterville, and the surrounding areas of California.
