HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)sinusitisI have chronic sinusitis without polyps. Will my sense of smell eventually return or improve?

How often will chronic sinusitis return?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Asiya Zaidi

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At November 3, 2021
Reviewed AtAugust 29, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis without polyps two years back. Then, I had congestion, pain, throbbing, postnasal drip, weak sense of smell and taste, dizziness, cough, tinnitus in my left ear, and eustachian tube dysfunction. My ENT suggested me to undergo a CT scan and scope. He said I had a mild disease in my maxillary and ethmoid sinuses only. No pus or infection and no blocked sinuses. He said I had a mildly deviated septum but that it does not require surgery. He prescribed me Budesonide rinses two times a day. I was tested for airborne allergies, but that test was negative. I do not have asthma. My symptoms are gone except for a weak sense of smell, tinnitus in the left ear, and very mild Eustachian tube dysfunction. I have had a good response to treatment. My questions are, does the sense of smell eventually return or improve? Sometimes my sense of smell fluctuates and improves but not for long. How often will chronic sinusitis return? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Asiya Zaidi

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Good to know that your symptoms have resolved. Most likely, you had an acute attack of sinusitis which has resolved now. I suggest you to follow the instructions mentioned below to improve your sense of smell. 1. Smell training videos can be found online. 2. Omega 3,6,9 tablets (especially omega 3 - antioxidant) as a supplement once daily for atleast a month. For tinnitus, Do you have an issue with your sense of hearing too? I would suggest you to get a pure tone audiogram and tympanometry for evaluation. I hope this has helped.

The Probable causes

Sinusitis. Eustachian dysfunction.

Investigations to be done

Smell test. Pure tone audiometry and tympanogram.

Differential diagnosis

Eustachian dysfunction.

Treatment plan

For anosmia, I have suggested supplements and smell training. For tinnitus will advise once I get the test results.

Preventive measures

Avoid forceful blowing of the nose.

Regarding follow up

Follow-up in 15 days.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Asiya Zaidi
Dr. Asiya Zaidi

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy