Dr. Sandeep Shrestha
Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I have chronic sinusitis without polyps (CRSsNP) and have it for 1.5 years without a break in symptoms. It started with a weak sense of smell, severe congestion, postnasal drip, cough, severe pain, tinnitus, and eustachian tube dysfunction. My question is, is it possible for chronic sinusitis patients to recover and maintain a normal sense of smell? Is it very difficult to do, or do most patients never fully recover? I have responded well to my treatment but am not sure if there is permanent damage to the sense of smell or if it will require a longer period of time to improve.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
As per your concerns, yes, it is possible to recover and maintain an almost normal sense of smell. It is important to know the cause of chronic rhinosinusitis and treat it accordingly. Some patients may experience difficulty fully recover. Your sense of smell may take few months to recover fully. Continue your treatment and avoid dust and allergens. Take steam inhalation daily twice a day.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I was tested for airborne allergies. However, these tests were negative. I do not have asthma, but I do have GERD. My ENT has said I do not have any structural issues with my sinuses. I do have a mildly deviated septum, but he said it is mild and does not require surgery. My ENT has said I had the mild or mild-to-moderate disease. He showed minimal mucosal thickening and little mucus in my CT scan. He said it was similar to what a common cold looks like. Is it typical for patients with chronic sinusitis to maintain a normal sense of smell? Or is it usually always impaired in some way? Also, over time, do the effects of the disease typically cause permanent damage to the sense of smell? Or is this only if the disease goes untreated over several years? My ENT has told me that I have not had it a very long time, and my sense of smell should not be permanently damaged, but my concern is that eventually, even with control, there will be damaged over time.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Decrease sense of smell is one of the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). With the improvement of the CRS, most of the patients will have an improved sense of smell. However, in few cases, it may cause permanent damage. In your case, as your symptoms are improving, your sense of smell will probably return to normal with time.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
What usually causes permanent damage? Is it the length of time someone has it? I have symptoms for 1.5 years now, although they are almost gone. Or is it the severity of the swelling? My ENT told me that 1.5 years is not that long. Is that correct? My sense of smell increased a bit last night. He also told me the sense of smell is the last symptom to improve.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Persistent degeneration of the olfactory epithelium leads to permanent loss of smell. Yeah, one of the reasons is related to is the length of the time. In our case, it is not too long.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
In your practice, do you have many patients who can resolve their other symptoms of chronic sinusitis without polyps but cannot get their sense of smell back? This is a stressful period for me. My other symptoms are drastically getting better, but there is still not a normal sense of smell.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, many of my patients with improved symptoms complained of a decreased sense of smell, but most of them regain their smell after 4-5 months.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
My ENT said that chronic sinusitis could not be cured, so I am confused. Does this mean I will give symptoms for the rest of my life? Another ENT told me that it could last several months or even years. That is confusing. Is it forever, or does it go away? Can you explain, please? Do most people always have symptoms?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
More than a cure, it is about days free of symptoms. Most of my patients have symptoms free for years, but some present to the outpatient department every year. So, the main point is to make your symptoms free with good quality of life. There are no fixed times that say within this time, the symptoms will go away.
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Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
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