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InsightHorizon Digest

Can nasal spray cause loss of taste

Author

John Parsons

Updated on April 22, 2026

A: The official prescribing information for Nasacort AQ mentions “alterations of taste and smell.” We have heard from many readers who also have experienced loss of smell or changes in the sense of taste after using a nasal steroid spray like triamcinolone or fluticasone.

Can nasal congestion cause taste loss?

Similar to upper respiratory infections, both allergy related nasal congestion and sinus infections can trigger the loss of your sense of taste and smell due to increased inflammation and mucus in the nasal cavities.

Can decongestants cause taste loss?

Avoid using too many nasal decongestants, which can lead to repeated nasal congestion. If you lose your sense of smell, you may have changes in taste.

Can you lose your sense of smell from nose spray?

Intranasal zinc products, decongestant nose sprays, and certain oral drugs, such as nifedipine and phenothiazines, are examples of drugs that may cause permanent loss of smell. Anosmia may also result from diseases of the nerve pathways that transmit smells to the brain.

What are the side effects of nasal spray?

  • a stinging or burning sensation in the nose.
  • dryness and crustiness in the nose.
  • a dry, irritated throat.
  • an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
  • itchiness, redness and swelling in the nose.
  • nosebleeds.

What causes losing taste?

Loss of taste is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), salivary gland infection, sinusitis, poor dental hygiene, or even certain medicines. The medical term for a complete loss of taste is ageusia. A partial loss of taste is called dysgeusia.

How do I get my taste and smell back?

Powerfully aromatic and flavorful foods like ginger, peppermint and peanut butter can help you get your sense of smell and taste back. So can strongly-scented essential oils.

How long will it take to regain sense of smell?

Most people regain their sense of smell and taste within two to six months. However, there have been cases of lingering COVID-19-related anosmia, lasting more than six months. “In most cases, smell loss is temporary, but it can take months or even years to recover.

Can you lose sense of smell but not taste with Covid?

Can you just lose your sense of taste or smell? It’s unlikely to lose the sense of smell without also perceiving a loss or change in taste.

Is loss of taste sudden with Covid?

These days a sudden loss of taste and smell is a cause for alarm. Of course, the first thing that jumps to mind is the potential of having COVID-19. The good news is that COVID-19 isn’t the only disease that can lead to a loss of taste and smell. Other potentially less serious issues could be the reason, too.

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What do you do if you can't taste anything?

  1. Monitor expiry dates. A lack of taste can hinder your ability to notice if foods taste “off” or have gone bad. …
  2. Drink fluids. …
  3. Take an oral supplement. …
  4. Try eating in a distracting environment. …
  5. Seek professional help.

Can allergies cause you to lose your sense of taste?

Loss of smell and taste with allergies is caused by nasal congestion. If you aren’t able to breathe through your nose, particles can’t reach the nerves in your nose, and the information can’t get to your brain. This is also why your sense of taste is affected.

What happens if you use too much nasal spray?

Overuse of nasal sprays can also lead to other side effects, including headache, coughing, nasal passage swelling (inflammation), increased risk of sinus infection, and, rarely, tears in the nostril membranes. Don’t let that scare you from getting the relief you need.

Can I use nasal spray if I have COVID-19?

Nasal steroid sprays may reduce the severity of COVID-19, according to a new study. Researchers found that for people who regularly used a prescription corticosteroid like Beconase or Nasonex before getting sick with COVID-19, the risk of severe outcomes like hospitalization and death dropped by as much as 25%.

Can nasal sprays affect Covid test?

Endogenous (e.g. blood) or exogenous (e.g. nasal spray ions, or chemicals that affect the pH of the test cassette) may impact on test performance, giving rise to false-positive results [10].

Why can't I taste anything or smell?

These include diabetes, Bell’s palsy, Huntington’s disease, Kleinfelter syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Paget’s disease of bone, and Sjogren’s syndrome. If you can’t taste or smell after a few days, talk to your doctor to rule out other conditions.

How long does Covid loss of taste and smell last?

19, 2021 — A new study says 700,000 to 1.6 million people in the United States who got COVID-19 may have lost their sense of smell for 6 months or longer. That’s the conclusion of researchers at the Washington University in St.

Why have I lost my sense of smell?

Anosmia may be caused by an infection, such as a cold or flu. It may also be caused by nasal polyps or other blockages. Loss of sense of smell is also a common symptom of COVID-19. In most instances, treating the underlying cause of anosmia can restore your sense of smell.

Why do we lose taste and smell with Covid?

Why do people with COVID-19 lose their sensitivity to smells? Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, there is an emerging consensus that smell loss occurs when the coronavirus infects cells that support neurons in the nose.

When do COVID-19 symptoms start appearing?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: Fever or chills.

What kind of taste do you have with Covid?

Folks with COVID can have a reduced sense of taste (hypogueusia); a distorted sense of taste, in which everything tastes sweet, sour, bitter or metallic (dysgeusia); or a total loss of all taste (ageusia), according to the study.

Is there a cure for loss of taste?

Although you can’t reverse age-related loss of taste and smell, some causes of impaired taste and smell are treatable. For example, your doctor might adjust your medications if they’re contributing to the problem. Many nasal and sinus conditions and dental problems can be treated as well.

Is it bad to use nasal spray everyday?

To prevent rebound congestion, use over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays for no more than three days in a row, with as few doses as possible each day. Prescription nasal sprays containing steroids don’t cause this rebound effect, so they can be used on a daily basis for years.

Is it good to use nasal spray everyday?

Nasal sprays with corticosteroids are safe to use daily for most people. People who need to use steroid nose sprays for 6 months or more should talk with their physician.

How many times a day can you use saline nasal spray?

The recommended dose for relieving nasal congestion and dryness is 2 sprays per nostril as needed. When used as a pretreatment prior to administering nasal steroids the recommended dose is 1 spray per nostril 2 to 6 times daily.

Does nasal spray help sinus infection?

Nasal sprays help drainage of mucus from your nasal passages. The topical steroids can also decrease the inflammation of your blood vessels and help empty fluids from your nose. That’s why they are commonly used to help treat sinus infection symptoms.

Does Flonase weaken immune system?

Fluticasone can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

Is Flonase nasal spray a steroid?

Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat sneezing, itchy or runny nose, or other symptoms caused by hay fever. It is also used to treat nasal polyps in adults. This is a steroid medicine. This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor’s prescription.