Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Loss In Sense Of Smell And Taste When On Antibiotics?
I have lost my sense of smell and taste. I am taking Symbicort, spyriva, zyrtek, singulair daily. I take flonase and albuterol when needed. I have been taking most of the meds since December. Flonase and spyriva since mid april. If I stop any of these, will my sense of smell come back?
Tue, 21 Apr 2020
Hi
Antibiotics and many drugs can cause loss of taste and smell.Many antibiotics affect zinc absorption and zinc deficiency can cause a metallic taste or loss of taste.
Antibiotics can also kill good bacteria in the oral cavity thereby increasing the risk of oral infections.These infections can also affect taste and smell.
Steroid inhalers can cause sore throat and increased risk of fungal infections such as candidiasis in the mouth and pharynx.Fungal infections can also affect taste and smell.
Mouth gargling with salt water or oral antiseptics like betadine along with regular brushing and tongue cleaning,the symptoms can be controlled.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards
Dr.Saranya Ramadoss, General and Family Physician
Antibiotics and many drugs can cause loss of taste and smell.Many antibiotics affect zinc absorption and zinc deficiency can cause a metallic taste or loss of taste.
Antibiotics can also kill good bacteria in the oral cavity thereby increasing the risk of oral infections.These infections can also affect taste and smell.
Steroid inhalers can cause sore throat and increased risk of fungal infections such as candidiasis in the mouth and pharynx.Fungal infections can also affect taste and smell.
Mouth gargling with salt water or oral antiseptics like betadine along with regular brushing and tongue cleaning,the symptoms can be controlled.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards
Dr.Saranya Ramadoss, General and Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Montelukast
Loading Online Doctors....