Baltimore City Wire

• Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population. 
• For sinus patients, early intervention not only enhances their immediate quality of life but also provides lasting relief and reduces long-term healthcare costs.
• Experts recommend that patients consult a healthcare provider if sinusitis symptoms persist for more than 10 days.

The loss of taste and smell are two of the most noticeable symptoms that can come from chronic sinusitis. According to Dr. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free, patients can avoid the loss of smell and taste with early intervention. 

“Early intervention is key. If you get more infections, if you're developing polyps, you can lose your sense of smell, which can be permanent,” Dr. Oberman told the Baltimore City Wire. “People who lose their sense of smell lose their sense of taste. If you addressed them earlier, you'd have people who are thriving and living, not suffering.”

Physical symptoms of chronic sinusitis can include nasal inflammation, a runny nose, postnasal drainage, congestion, pain or swelling in the face, headaches, loss of smell and taste, a sore throat, bad breath, or fatigue, according to Mayo Clinic.

Conditions that can affect someone’s sense of taste and smell include nasal and sinus problems, such as allergies, sinusitis or nasal polyps. Other conditions include the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, certain medications, and dental problems.

People who lose the ability to smell and taste frequently experience decreased appetite and poor nutrition and may be more likely to experience depression, according to Mayo Clinic. Some might use excess salt or sugar on food to try to make its taste stronger, which can make problems with diabetes or high blood sugar worse. Fortunately, if the loss of taste and smell is due to a sinus infection or other nasal issue, treating the infection will restore the senses of taste and smell.

If a patient’s sense of smell and/or taste don’t improve after treating sinus issues, a doctor may recommend smell training therapy. One of these strategies would consist of smelling four different scents for about 10 to 20 seconds twice a day for at least three months.

According to Frederick Breathe Free's website, Dr. Jamie Oberman earned his bachelor's degree from Boston College. He pursued graduate studies at Tufts Medical School through the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program. After completing medical school, he had a career in the Navy until his retirement in 2017, when he transitioned to comprehensive Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) medicine.