
Have Had Bronchitis, Coughing Phlegm, No Fever, Anosmia. Will Stress Make It Worse? Will My Sense Of Smell Return?

Thanks for posting your query.
Loss of smell after an upper respiratory infection is a common finding. Once the infection clears up, the congestion in your airways will decrease, the heaviness in your head, nose and ears will gradually lessen and the sense of smell will return. This loss is not permanent.
The best treatment for clearing the congested sinuses is steam inhalation. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot (but not boiling water) may help to soften, and loosen, the buildup of mucus. You may also find that adding some menthol crystals, or eucalyptus oil, to the water helps a lot. Other than that, avoid eating indigestible, spicy, foods and meats and eat simple wholesome foods. Out-of-door exercise, sunbaths also help a lot.
Please do not worry. All these symptoms will clear off gradually over next 2-3 weeks.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.


Thanks for writing again.
Although you are symptomatically better but the congestion inside the sinuses takes some time to subside. Please do not worry. The smell will return in next 2-3 weeks with regular steam inhalation.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

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