If the loss of sense of smell and taste is an isolated problem, ie not associated with other symptoms such as headache, visual disturbance, sinus congestion, facial numbness, facial pain, etc. If this is indeed the case, a failure to recover the sense of smell after 1 year would suggest a poor prognosis for recovery. Some evidence suggests that 3 months or more of zinc supplementation may be helpful in as many as a third of patients for reasons that are not entirely clear. By far and away the most common cause of diminished sense of smell is upper respiratory infection - usually the common cold. Chronic sinus disease is often associated with smell disturbances.
Tumors are uncommon causes of smell disturbance.
OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.