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Loss Of Sense Of Smell?

jlinc

By jlinc
in Related Issues & Disorders

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jlinc Rookie
jlinc
Posted

Hi there,

I've had sinus trouble my entire life. Then, in 1997 or 98 (hard to pinpoint when) I lost my sense of smell almost completely. Now, even when I can breathe through my nose just fine, I can't smell anything but very strong odors, like a peeled orange, vinegar, or bleach.

I was diagnosed celiac in Fall 2003, and I thought that when I finally got gluten-free (which, because I learned only slowly how strict I had to be, took me two years), that I'd get my smell back. But it's never come back.

When I go to my physician, he says I've just got allergies (which, I do - big time) and to take an allergy medication like loratidine. I've done that, but it's had little effect. Often, I'll be able to breathe just fine, but still can only smell the strongest stenches.

Has anyone else had this trouble?

Many thanks for anyone's experience.

Josh.

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dlp252 Apprentice
dlp252
Posted

Yes! Me! :P I haven't had a sense of smell in years. I went gluten-casein free in December and have actually noticed a little improvement. I still can't smell most things, unless like you said they are strong, but I'm finding in the last few months I catch little whiffs of things...like my unscented soap, lol. I'm hoping that it will slowly keep getting better and better the longer I stay off the gluten/casein.

jlinc Rookie
jlinc
Posted
  • Author

Donna - thanks for replying. I've tried going casein-free for a couple of months, but didn't notice any real change in any symptoms, good or bad. I've pretty much been perfect so long as I assiduously avoid gluten. But if you've had progress after 7 mo's, then maybe I will try it again.

Thank you!

J.

trents Grand Master
trents
Posted

Ditto. My wife smells everything. I only smell the very strongest odors. In a way, it is a blessing sometimes.

Steve

azmom3 Contributor
azmom3
Posted
Hi there,

I've had sinus trouble my entire life. Then, in 1997 or 98 (hard to pinpoint when) I lost my sense of smell almost completely. Now, even when I can breathe through my nose just fine, I can't smell anything but very strong odors, like a peeled orange, vinegar, or bleach.

I was diagnosed celiac in Fall 2003, and I thought that when I finally got gluten-free (which, because I learned only slowly how strict I had to be, took me two years), that I'd get my smell back. But it's never come back.

When I go to my physician, he says I've just got allergies (which, I do - big time) and to take an allergy medication like loratidine. I've done that, but it's had little effect. Often, I'll be able to breathe just fine, but still can only smell the strongest stenches.

Has anyone else had this trouble?

Many thanks for anyone's experience.

Josh.

Have you tried seeing an ENT specialist (ears, nose, throat) or an allergist? they might be able to help more than a regular doctor. Good luck!

I have the opposite problem. Ever since my last pregnancy (2 years ago) I have an extremely heightened sense of smell. It's great when someone's making cookies, but most of the time it's the biggest pain...dirty laundry, garbage, sweaty people.....YUCK! I literally gag from the smells sometimes. Now let me clarify that I have not been tested for celiac. I just recently found out that my son is positive, so I will be doing a blood test for me and the other kids for starters soon. I have had so many of the symptoms for so long now that it wouldn't surprise me if I am. Anybody else have this problem? I know pregnant people get a heightened sense of smell, but it just seems like mine never went away.

  • 5 years later...
marjean Newbie
marjean
Posted

I have this problem, too..I didnt even realize it was from Celiac. It takes the fun out of eating, doesnt it? I am sticking to the gluten free diet..The bloating and stomach cramps are gone, but everything else is the same..along w/ the loss of smell, and now the dermatitis inside my nose..very painful.

CRashster Newbie
CRashster
Posted

I, too, have this. Never really had a sense of smell that I can remember. My wife smells for me. Ever since going gluten free, it's has gotten a bit better, but only a little. I get tired of people asking me if I can taste. yes, I still have tastebuds.

Crash

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glutentheintolerant Rookie
glutentheintolerant
Posted

Perhaps you just have a poor sense of smell? Like some people have poor vision, poor hearing or poor taste. The latter especially applies to furniture.

I've never been particularly good at telling scents apart. My dogs usually fish out things for me, I just follow their noses.

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