Wellness

[VaBelle35]

Some antibiotics make you lose your appetite, some make everything taste like metal.

If you research side effects of your medication, you will see pages and pages of them.

I would say if it doesn't get better by January 1, see an ENT.

[PINKdogWOOD]

I've experienced some time in the past for a good while of no smell, no taste. Don't know what brought this on for me, I do believe I must relate it to using a nasal spray for years due to the onset out of the blue horrendously bad sinuses. After many years I stopped cold turkey the nasal spray and the sinus problems left too. Eventually my sense of taste & smell returned but I don't know if all of these were related or not - my guess is yes.

[Jackhound Mom]

---

@kitty4me wrote:
Hello everyone, Im in my mid 50's and recently had Bronchitis that al so turned into a Sinus Infection in the beginning of September. I was put on an Antibiotic called Azithromycin. Now here is the problem. Since mid September I have no sense of taste or smell. I called my Doctor and I was told thid isn't unusual and that as we age this does occur. She said it could take weeks to return. Well I habe a faint taste like it's sweet or salty but thts it. Strong smells I barely smell. Like Vicks Vapor rub really can't smell it. Has this happened to you? Thanks in advance.

---

Hello Kitty,

I would go to an ENT ear, nose & throat if you have one in your town.  An ENT diagnosed my Trigeminal nerve problem before my Neuroligist confirmed it.  I also had Bell's Palsey and yes it does change smell, hearing and taste. 

I've taken your anitbiotic for respitory infections and did not have the symptoms you are having.

Good luck to you and let us know how you are,

Cathy

[RedTop]

I have a cousin who just turned 50 this year, who lost her sense of taste and smell over 15 years ago, due to allergies and chronic infections.   There is one strong antibiotic that will briefly restore her sense of smell for the 10 days she takes it.   She’s learned to live with her odd condition.   

[cotton4me]

Some info I found:

"Antibiotics that can cause smell loss include ampicillin, used to treat urinary tract infections and types of meningitis, and azithromycin, used to treat some ear infections as well as pneumonia."
From the Daily Mail (UK)

From RX List(of common side effects of azithromycin - https://www.rxlist.com/zithromax-side-effects-drug-center.htm

• decreased sense of taste or smell.

[Bird mama]

@kitty4me

I understand that this can be unsettling.  In 2003, Biaxin must have been the popular RX to prescribe because me and my husband went to different doctors on the same day and came home with the same RX for bronchitis.

Biaxin gave each of us temporary hearing loss in one ear (not kidding you) and we had no sense of taste.

I can't remember how long it took to come back, but in time we could hear and taste food again.

Since then, I just tell people I have an allergy to it so they won't prescribe it again.

[kitty4me]

Thank you everyone for all your post. I was on Azithromycin. It was a Nurse I talked to she didn't say because I'm older this caused my loss of smell and taste. She said this can happen as we age. My Oncologist is going to talk to my Primary Doctor about this. I just want to smell and taste things again.

[AuntG]

I had no idea how common that is. Hope those senses return.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

I haven't had a sense of smell in decades.  It was weird at first but I've gotten used to it.  

I can "read" scents like patchouli, geranium, mint - the stronger, more savory ones.  Sweet, like freesia (and I love that) I can't pick up on.

Funny, though - I can remember the smells.  I just can't smell them.

I can taste, however.  I attribute much of this to genetics.

[Vivian]

In 1996 I had sinus surgery. My surgeon told me it was the worst case he had ever seen. I won't go into gross detail about that but I will say the surgery was more extensive than expected. For one year afterwards, I had no sense of smell or taste. It was the only time I didn’t have to worry about my weight. Finally, it all came back, including my enjoyment of food. I think the inflammation and trauma were to blame. Although our sesnses wane a bit as we age, they don’t disappear entirely. Given my experience with all things sinus, I recommend that you make an appointment to see an ENT (ear, nose, & throat) specialist, also called an otolaryngologist. Good luck!