Loss of sense of smell after recovering from a cold may be caused by inflammatory edema of the olfactory region due to a cold, viral invasion of the nerves, mechanical obstruction and so on.
1. Inflammatory edema of the olfactory region: colds are mostly caused by bacteria, viruses and other pathogens invading the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, which can cause inflammatory edema of the olfactory region at the top of the nasal cavity, thus preventing the olfactory particles from effectively contacting the olfactory epithelium and triggering the loss of the sense of smell, etc. Usually there is no need to worry about this, and with the restoration of the nasal mucous membrane, the symptom will be alleviated or disappeared.
2. Virus invades the nerves: After the patient suffers from viral infection and cold, the virus may invade the olfactory nerves, thus reducing the sensitivity of the olfactory nerves, which may cause olfactory nerve damage or temporary loss of sense of smell.
3. Mechanical blockage: When the patient has a cold, due to the stimulation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract by bacteria and viruses, it may lead to an increase in the secretion of the upper respiratory tract, which may cause nasal congestion and narrowing of the nasal passages, thus leading to a decrease in or loss of the sense of smell.
It is recommended that patients seek timely medical examination to clarify the condition and then targeted treatment, while paying attention to nasal care, avoiding violent finger picking and digging the nostrils and so on.