elizabethturnbo
May 14, 2013, 11:54 AM
I have been using nose spray for some time now and need to know if that is the reason I lost my sense of smell, if not what other reason or reasons could this be happening for, also is this something I should seek medical help? Thank you for your time, Ella Turnbow
Wondergirl
May 14, 2013, 12:00 PM
Yes, that's one cause. Wikipedia says, "Another specific cause of permanent loss could be from damage to olfactory receptor neurons because of use of certain types of nasal spray; i.e., those that cause vasoconstriction of the nasal microcirculation. To avoid such damage and the subsequent risk of loss of smell, vasoconstricting nasal sprays should be used only when absolutely necessary and then for only a short amount of time. Non-vasoconstricting sprays, such as those used to treat allergy-related congestion, are safe to use for prescribed periods of time."
There are other reasons too, so checking with your doctor about this would be a good idea.