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Does Mold Infestation Cause Loss Of Sense Of Smell?

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Posted on Tue, 27 Sep 2016
Question: We came home last spring to mold in our home due to a broken water line. I became ill at that time and now I have lost most of my ability to smell. Will this correct itself and is it from the mold that was in our house?
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Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Is it selective or for all substances?

Detailed Answer:
HI and thanks or this query.

I will like to know if you are unable to get any smell or all smells. Did you have repeated nose infections or you never had an infection of the nostrils. Well, if you never had repeated nose infections, that might be unlikely. Besides, for how long has this been going on?

For now, let me get these responses from you and promise to return to you with more information and insights on this.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (58 minutes later)
Smells of ordinary items like coffee, skunk, roses, even my strongly scented lilies are faint smell to me. I have always had sinus problems but have never lost my inability to smell the items mentioned. My dogs were skunked this summer and I was able to get a smell of something but not the usual skunk smell. The smell was so strong that others visiting got up to see what had happened.

This has been since last spring since we came home to the mold infested house. Not much improvement in the year.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely caused by recurrent sinus infections.

Detailed Answer:
HI,

I have reviewed these additional details. It is most likely that the lost of smells is caused by the recurrent sinus infections and not the mold. This is well documented and unfortunately not always reversible. I will suggest that you follow up with an ENT for proper evaluation and details on the stage and what measures are necessary to avoid further deterioration.

Keep me posted on this and let me know how it plays out with the ENT evaluation and guidance.

Until then, I Wish you well.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6321 Questions

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Does Mold Infestation Cause Loss Of Sense Of Smell?

Brief Answer: Is it selective or for all substances? Detailed Answer: HI and thanks or this query. I will like to know if you are unable to get any smell or all smells. Did you have repeated nose infections or you never had an infection of the nostrils. Well, if you never had repeated nose infections, that might be unlikely. Besides, for how long has this been going on? For now, let me get these responses from you and promise to return to you with more information and insights on this.