Lost or changed sense of smell

A lost or changed sense of smell is most often caused by a cold or flu, sinusitis, an allergy like hay fever or growths in your nose (nasal polyps).

Rinsing the inside of your nose with a saltwater solution may help if your sense of smell is affected by an infection or allergy.

A lost or changed sense of small may slowly get better on its own. Sometimes the cause can be treated, such as steroid nasal sprays for nasal polyps.

A change in your sense of smell can be unpleasant and can also affect taste. But it’s not usually serious and may get better in a few weeks or months.