After getting a headache due to a cold shower, I lost the sense of smell. Why?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a problem with my sense of smell. I have lost my sense of smell after having a headache after taking a cold shower directly to my head. It has been six days now. I cannot smell things like perfume, food, and soap. But I can taste the food that I eat every day.

I do not feel that I have a cold or sinus. I am negative for COVID-19. I do not have any travel history, and I am staying inside my home. Please mention the kind of problem I faced. Is it temporary?

Because it got started after getting a headache after a cold shower. I have mild pain in my nose with a mild throbbing headache. It comes and goes on, and it lasts for a minute.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As per the history, you have hyposmia. It results in a decrease in the sensation of smell. Hyposmia is caused due to various reasons such as allergic rhinitis, head trauma, deviated nasal septum, smoking, dental pain, drugs, neurological disorder, or sometimes it can be idiopathic. It is important to evaluate the condition that causes hyposmia.

Please answer a few of my questions so I can guide you better:

Do you have a smoking habit?
Are you taking any medication?
Do you have any systemic disease?
Do you have any nasal or sinus problems?

Detailed history helps us to have a better diagnosis. As it is just six days, it may return to normal spontaneously if you do not have any definite cause. You can do steam inhalation two to three times a day. It is good for both the nose and paranasal sinuses.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.