

When you are dehydrated, your body produces less saliva, which can cause the mouth to feel dry and lead to a decreased ability to taste food properly. This is one of the more overlooked reasons for loss of taste and smell with the flu. Dehydration can make your mouth and tongue feel dry, which can affect your ability to taste. However, if you’re not drinking enough fluids, it can affect your sense of taste. When you have the flu, it’s important to stay hydrated. It’s also one of the factors that contribute to a loss of taste and smell with the flu. This can result in a decreased ability to taste certain flavors or a distortion of taste, such as a metallic or bitter taste. When the taste buds become inflamed or swollen, it can disrupt their normal function and alter our perception of taste. The taste buds are small, mushroom-shaped structures located on the tongue, and they contain the receptors that allow us to detect the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Swollen taste buds, also known as papillitis, can significantly impact your sense of taste. It is important to seek medical attention from one of our ear, nose, and throat doctors in Raleigh if sinus inflammation is suspected, as prompt treatment can help to alleviate symptoms and restore normal olfactory function. In some cases, sinusitis can even lead to a complete loss of the sense of smell. Nasal CongestionĪdditionally, the inflammation can also cause the mucus membranes that line the nasal passages to produce excess mucus, which can further impair the loss of taste and smell with flu. As a result, the ability to detect smells is often compromised, as the odor molecules cannot reach the olfactory (scent) receptors located in the top of the nose. The inflammation causes the sinuses to become congested and swollen, which can lead to a blockage of the nasal passages. Sinus inflammation, also known as sinusitis, can have a significant impact on your sense of smell. Here are five reasons why you can have a loss of taste and smell with the flu: 1. The medical term for losing your sense of smell is known as anosmia. We’ll go into this in detail a bit later in the article, but essentially, if your sense of smell diminishes, you’ll likely find that your food is bland or tasteless.



5 Reasons Why You May Have a Loss of Taste and Smell With Fluįirst, it’s important to realize that your senses of taste and sense of smell are closely linked. It’s a common symptom of the flu and can be quite frustrating.īut have you ever wondered why your taste and smell are affected by influenza? We’ll explore 5 ways that the flu can change the way you taste and smell. Have you ever experienced a loss of taste and smell with the flu? If so, you’re not alone.
