Can a deviated septum cause a loss of smell and taste? Can septoplasty fix it?

Question

Hi all, I have quite a bad deviated septum (at least i think it is that) that blocks my right nostril almost entirely (if i look up i see a red mass with a tiny gap down the right hand side) - my external nose crooks to the left. Anyway i've noticed that i cant taste as well recently, certain foods taste blander & i cant smell that great, its really getting me down &im worried its something sinister causing it rather than my deviated septum. If the deviation is the cause can septoplasty fix it?

Clyde Mathison, MD · Answer

Functional nasal surgery (septoplasty with possible inferior turbinate reductions) will improve nasal breathing via increasing the amount of air flowing into the nasal cavity.  This will, in turn, increase the amount of air flowing past the nerves responsible for smelling, and thus should improve your ability to smell.  Taste and smell are closely linked. The sensation of flavor is actually a combination of the two.  There are other causes of decreased ability to smell, such as nasal inflammation from allergies or sinusitis.  I recommend being evaluated by an otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon) to see if either of these play a role in your main complaint.  Hope this helps.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A deviated septum can cause a decreased sense of smell and nasal obstruction do to blockage of bone and cartilage in the back of the nose. When there is a restriction of airflow across the olfactory area, a decrease in the sense of smell will be experienced. Fixing a deviated septum will not change the shape of the nose, a cosmetic rhinoplasty will. A septoplasty is performed for medical necessity to improve airflow dynamics through the nose, and improve his sense of smell. For many examples and more information, please see the link below

Can a deviated septum cause a loss of smell and taste? Can septoplasty fix it?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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Can a deviated septum cause a loss of smell and taste? Can septoplasty fix it?

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.