Lost sense of taste and smell

[Judystilldreamsofhorses]

I’ve had an absolutely rotten cold, and haven’t been able to smell or taste anything for about ten days now. I’m still choked up and coughing, but past the ill-Ill stage. Any tips to help me taste my turkey on Tuesday, please?

Are your sinuses bunged up?

If so, go get a Sudafed blocked nose spray. It's about £3.50 and near instantaneous. Bloody amazing. Don't overuse it though, keep within the guidance or it loses its efficacy.

Lots of hot steamy showers / long hot baths. Use a gym steam room if you have access to one but leave a box of tissues outside the door so you can pop in and out!

Yes, my entire face feels “full”, even my teeth hurt! I have Otrivine, but will get the Sudafed tomorrow, thanks. I had a huge bath this afternoon which helped while I was in it, but the effects seemed to disappear as soon as I was out. I suspect it’s a wait it out situation, but god, it is boring. On the upside I have lost 5lb, which is more than I usually gain over Christmas, so win.

Inhale over a bowl of streaming water with some Vicks added with a towel over your head. Take sinutab capsules.

Sinus rinsing can help, as long as there’s not an infection.
I always need a steroid spray to clear mine or it hangs on for months- asthma nurse said it’s fine. All the anti allergy sprays have a steroid in them. Again, can’t use for too long but it works for me.

Looking at the ingredients, Otrivine seems to be the same stuff.... If it's xylometazoline, it is anyway!

Shame if it's not working for you, it's my magic cure.

Maybe more applications of steam - the old head over a hot bowl of water with a towel treatment? I used to get free gym passes when I got sinus infections (GP advice!!) and the steam room for as long as I could stand it was amazing.

Steam, steam, steam! Like pp say, it’s the one thing that will clear your sinuses. 10 minutes over a bowl of steam 4 times a day should start to clear things.