Loss of Taste & Smell

Name: Loss of Taste & Smell
Brand: Louisiana ENT Specialists
Rating: 5 (97 reviews)

Experiencing a reduction or complete loss of taste and smell will significantly impact quality of life. These symptoms can come about due to various causes. While COVID-19 has brought this issue to the forefront, it is essential to recognize that other medical conditions like nasal obstructions, sinus issues, and allergies can also lead to loss of sense of smell and taste.

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What causes loss of taste and smell?

Several factors can lead to a loss of taste and smell, which include:

Viral infections like Covid-19
Chronic sinus infections
Nasal polyps
Allergic reactions
Neurological disorders

This sensory loss usually resolves with time as the underlying condition is resolved.

What are the treatments for loss of sense of taste and smell?

At Louisiana ENT Specialists, we provide specialized care for those experiencing a loss of taste and smell through a variety of treatment options:

Balloon Sinuplasty: This minimally invasive procedure alleviates sinus blockages, potentially restoring the sense of smell.

Allergy Management: With tailored Asensa™ allergy drops and conventional allergy shots, we address the allergic triggers impairing your senses.

Nasal Polyp Removal: Surgical removal of nasal polyps can clear the nasal passageways, improving the senses of smell and taste.

The link between taste and smell

The nerves responsible for smell are situated at the top of the nasal cavity, and swelling or blockage can prevent odors from reaching these critical sensors. Since taste is linked to smell, a loss in one can affect the other. Most occurrences of these sensory losses are temporary and resolved with appropriate treatment.

Diagnosing loss of taste and smell at Louisiana ENT Specialists

Diagnostic Tools: The UPSIT®: The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) offers an objective method to assess the extent of smell loss. Through "scratch and sniff" samples, this test can pinpoint the severity and help guide treatment plans.
Smell Training Exercises: Regularly practicing smell training can aid in the recovery of the olfactory function. Patients are encouraged to consistently expose themselves to a variety of scents, which can gradually rehabilitate their sense of smell.

What are the symptoms?

Diminished or absent ability to taste
Reduced or lost sense of smell
Experiencing unusual or "phantom" smells

Why choose Louisiana ENT Specialists

Family-centric, community-oriented care

At Louisiana ENT Specialists, our roots run as deep as the rich history of Louisiana. As local doctors who have grown up and thrived in the state, we pride ourselves on extending a kind and professional hand to you and your loved ones. We have been here for your family, and we will continue to be here, providing compassionate and quality care from generation to generation. When you choose our team, you are not just selecting doctors; you are choosing a family tradition of excellence in ENT care.

Rapid, on-time, convenient service

We understand that your time is precious. Louisiana ENT Specialists offers same-day appointments to address your ENT issues without delay. Our emphasis on timely service means you spend less time waiting and more time receiving the care you need. With our one-stop solution for all ENT-related problems, you get the highest quality care right when needed at convenient locations throughout Louisiana.

Personalized and compassionate approach

Every patient is unique, and at Louisiana ENT Specialists, we tailor our care to meet your individual needs. Our minimally invasive solutions are designed to provide long-lasting relief so you can return to what matters most in life. Our advanced training in allergy and membership in the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy underscores our commitment to innovative care. When you are with one of our doctors, you are the focus, and we are dedicated to ensuring that you feel heard, cared for, and satisfied with your treatment.

Top-rated physician network

Louisiana ENT Specialists is home to the largest group of ENT doctors in Louisiana, independently united by a shared vision of excellence and exceptional family-like company culture. Our collaborative approach means that you have access to the collective expertise of the largest ENT group in the state, offering a wide array of specialties and the most comprehensive care available. When you choose our team, you are choosing a practice that cares about delivering attentive and efficient care to every member of your family, just as we have always done for our Louisiana community. Let us take care of you with the compassion and dedication that has become a hallmark of our service.