Reduced Sense of Smell or Taste
Due to the close relationship between the taste and smell buds, any illnesses or irritants that end up causing swelling in the nose can result in a loss of taste and smell. While loss of smell is typically only a temporary inconvenience, it can also constitute a serious danger because the sense of smell is fully accountable for alerting a person to dangers such as gas leaks, fire, or rotten food.
Additionally, because it interferes with the sense of taste, it may cause a loss of interest in food. It can then result in unintentional shedding of weight and malnutrition. The olfactory nerves, which sense smell, are positioned high and deep within the nose. So, when a sinus infection occurs, the nose experiences swelling due to mucus filling it up. Mucus and inflammation prevent the smell from penetrating the top of the nasal cavity, which causes a complete or partial loss of smell.
To regain the sense of taste and smell, a person with a sinus infection should treat their condition first. Once the symptoms of the infection improve, the sense of taste and smell will gradually come back.
