Did Your Nasal Spray Cause Loss of Smell?

It promises sweet relief.

After putting up with a stuffy nose that makes you miserable, you reach for the nasal spray, and it opens up your nasal passages. Finally, you can breathe!

But then you notice something else. You start to lose your sense of smell, and you aren’t able to taste anything. You’re wondering if your nasal spray caused loss of smell. 

Some nasal sprays have been found to cause a loss of smell. It’s a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa or rebound congestion. Often, the solution lies in seeking help from one of our ENTs in Raleigh who will be happy to serve you. As the premier otolaryngologists in the area, our dedication to patients spans five decades of excellence. If you have difficulty smelling, we urge you to schedule an appointment so we can get to the heart of your problem, and discover if the nasal spray causes loss of smell. 

To complicate matters, the more you use your nasal spray, the less effective it can become. This may prompt you to use it even more often, creating a vicious cycle that can cause more harm than good. 

We have effective solutions for your rebound congestion With a staff of physicians who are leaders in their field, we will work together to create a treatment plan to relieve your stuffy nose without the dependency on nasal sprays. 

How We Treat Your Rebound Congestion

We always suggest conservative treatment first. Therefore, try these methods to control your congestion as nasal spray alternatives. 

What Nasal Spray Alternatives Can I Use?

• Take a hot shower. Steam often loosens mucus and reduces nasal passage inflammation
• Staying hydrated can relieve your congestion
• We also suggest using a warm compress to help ease discomfort. 
• Sleeping with your head elevated can reduce congestion.

What If Nasal Spray Alternatives Don’t Work and I Develop Rebound Congestion?

Fortunately, most cases of rebound congestion resolve after you discontinue the nasal spray. Afterward, your sense of smell should return if your nasal spray causes loss of smell.

However, if the inflammation and swelling from the rebound congestion doesn’t resolve, we can do the following:

• We’ll prescribe steroid nasal sprays to reduce your inflammation. 
• We may also prescribe oral decongestants.
• We can suggest saline nasal sprays that do not contain medicines or chemicals. This will provide relief without worrying about the possibility of rebound congestion.

Can Nasal Spray Cause Loss of Taste? 

Yes, it can. Your sense of taste and smell are closely related, as smell is a crucial part of how you experience food. If your nasal spray has effectively limited your smell, then your food may taste bland and plain. 

Can Nasal Spray Damage Nerves in the Nose?

If used for a long time, then yes, nasal spray can cause nasal nerve damage. 

Which Type of Nasal Sprays Can Be Harmful?

The FDA has issued warnings for the nasal gel and products related to Zicam Cold Remedy. Officials stated that the zinc in the product could lead to a loss of smell that could become permanent. Not only would permanent loss of smell negatively impact the quality of life, but it can be dangerous; those who can’t smell may not detect scents such as something burning or gas leaks.

We encourage you to carefully read the label of any over-the-counter nasal spray you take. Even better, speak with one of our leading ENTs in Raleigh. We can let you know what precautions to take and how long you should use the product.

Smell Better, Feel Better: See Why We’re the Raleigh Area’s Premier ENT Practice

Rebound congestion isn’t the only condition that can cause loss of smell. Allergies, colds and conditions such as nasal polyps can all play a role. We can provide an accurate diagnosis, timely treatment, and perform a nasal endoscopy if needed.

You need a practice that combines compassion with state-of-the-art medicine and experienced physicians. For decades, we’ve provided services ranging from allergy treatment and testing to the comprehensive care available through our sinus center.

When you’re looking for a solution, contact us today for an appointment.

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.