Will I get my smell loss back after sinus surgery a month ago?

Question

I’ve had sinus surgery, full house polyp removal and septoplasty. I could smell for a few weeks right after the surgery, however 4-5 weeks later I have lost all smell. Is this normal? Will I have my smell back?

Samir Undavia, MD · Answer

It is common after sinus surgery for polyps to have some difficulty smelling and tasting. Sometimes there is swelling or crusting that can obstruct the area where your smell receptors are. In other cases, there maybe regrowth of polyps. This is not very alarming in an allergic patient. In fact, a very important reason for sinus surgery is to make sure your nose is open so that appropriate medications can be delivered if there are severe allergies to keep the polyps from growing back. I would discuss with your surgeon whether further allergic treatment ( antihistamines, topical steroids in the form of nasal sprays or steroid sinus rinses, and oral steroids) might be indicated at this time.  Good Luck!

Eric T. Carniol, MD · Answer

I am sorry that you cannot smell now. If you were smelling before and after surgery, than likely your smell areas had not been affected by the polyps or the treatment. Losing the smell now may be a sign of congestion or possibly that the inflammation or your polyps are starting to reform. You may wish to follow up with your surgeon for a repeat examination and to discuss your medications for the nose. Remember that sinus surgery for polyps is not a final solution and instead surgery is meant to open the airway to help you get the medications to where they need to go.

Will I get my smell loss back after sinus surgery a month ago?

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