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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes An Altered Sense Of Taste And Smell?

I suspect my office (vacant bldg. for quite some time) has mold that has caused me to develop a horrible taste/smell. I can t get my employer to look for the source but need some guidance. the smell is quite offensive and has been going on for about 4 yrs
Thu, 27 Sep 2018
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi,

Yes, it is true that mold exposure can cause allergies as well as irritate and infect your sinuses leading to a disturbing smell. In case if you are observing smell and taste that others cannot then it can be a condition known as phantom smell or phantosmia. As smell and taste are interrelated senses both can be affected.

So my suggestion is to consult an Emergency room and get evaluated. As a clinical examination, sinus X-ray or nasal endoscopy can help in ruling out the exact cause and treatment can be done accordingly.

For now, do steam inhalations with a few drops of eucalyptus oil in water. Use masks wherever possible especially in areas where you think you are exposed to molds.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Honey Arora,
Dentist
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What Causes An Altered Sense Of Taste And Smell?

Hi, Yes, it is true that mold exposure can cause allergies as well as irritate and infect your sinuses leading to a disturbing smell. In case if you are observing smell and taste that others cannot then it can be a condition known as phantom smell or phantosmia. As smell and taste are interrelated senses both can be affected. So my suggestion is to consult an Emergency room and get evaluated. As a clinical examination, sinus X-ray or nasal endoscopy can help in ruling out the exact cause and treatment can be done accordingly. For now, do steam inhalations with a few drops of eucalyptus oil in water. Use masks wherever possible especially in areas where you think you are exposed to molds. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Honey Arora, Dentist