Medicine To Help Get Taste And Smell Back
Loss of smell and taste can be distressing and frustrating, and it can affect one's quality of life. There are several reasons why someone may lose their sense of smell and taste, including respiratory infections, nasal polyps, head injuries, and smoking. Fortunately, there are several medicines that can help get taste and smell back. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective medicines for treating smell and taste loss.
1. Zinc Supplements
Zinc supplements have been shown to help improve the sense of smell and taste in some people. Zinc plays an important role in maintaining the health of the olfactory system, which is responsible for detecting smells. Zinc supplements can be taken orally, and they come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and lozenges.
Zinc supplements are generally considered safe, but taking too much can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended dosage on the supplement label or consult with a healthcare professional before taking zinc supplements.
2. Steroids
Steroids are another medicine that can help get taste and smell back. Steroids work by reducing inflammation in the nasal cavity, which can help improve the sense of smell and taste. Steroids can be administered orally, intravenously, or through nasal sprays.
However, steroids should be used with caution, as they can have several side effects, including weight gain, mood changes, and an increased risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking steroids.
3. Antihistamines
Antihistamines are another medicine that can help get taste and smell back. Antihistamines work by blocking the histamine receptors in the body, which can reduce inflammation and improve the sense of smell and taste. Antihistamines can be taken orally or through nasal sprays.
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness and dry mouth, so they should be used with caution. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking antihistamines.
4. Vitamin A Supplements
Vitamin A supplements have been shown to help improve the sense of smell in some people. Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining the health of the olfactory system. Vitamin A supplements can be taken orally, and they come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and gummies.
However, taking too much vitamin A can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headache. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended dosage on the supplement label or consult with a healthcare professional before taking vitamin A supplements.
5. Saline Nasal Sprays
Saline nasal sprays are a non-medical treatment that can help improve the sense of smell and taste. Saline nasal sprays work by flushing out the nasal passages, which can reduce inflammation and improve the sense of smell and taste.
Saline nasal sprays are generally considered safe, but they can cause dryness, irritation, and nosebleeds in some people. Therefore, it is important to use saline nasal sprays as directed or consult with a healthcare professional before using them.
Conclusion
Loss of smell and taste can be frustrating, but there are several medicines that can help get taste and smell back. Zinc supplements, steroids, antihistamines, vitamin A supplements, and saline nasal sprays are some of the most effective medicines for treating smell and taste loss. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any of these medicines to ensure they are safe and effective for you.