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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Loss In Sense Of Smell After Shingles?

Had shingles left side of my face about 18 months ago at age 69. 6 weeks later had lost sense of smell. Now suffer from Chronic rhinits which no treatment has helped. Still have no sense of smell. Shingles were the worst right above bridge of nose. Are my olfactory nerves damaged permanently?
Mon, 13 Mar 2017
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ENT Specialist 's  Response
in my opinion shingles occurs due to a neurotrophic virus, involve nerves. I could have involved olfactory nerves causing their damage. but as far as I know these nerves are only nerves in body known to regenerate once damaged. but virus must have caused some irreversible physiological changes rendering them ineffective. still I would recommend you to take neurotrophic vitamin I.e. vit B12 and Vit B6. you must visit ENT specialist nearby to get your UPSIT olfactory test done.
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What Causes Loss In Sense Of Smell After Shingles?

in my opinion shingles occurs due to a neurotrophic virus, involve nerves. I could have involved olfactory nerves causing their damage. but as far as I know these nerves are only nerves in body known to regenerate once damaged. but virus must have caused some irreversible physiological changes rendering them ineffective. still I would recommend you to take neurotrophic vitamin I.e. vit B12 and Vit B6. you must visit ENT specialist nearby to get your UPSIT olfactory test done.