North Panhandle News

• 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. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free, treating chronic sinusitis will improve your general health. 

“Nasal obstruction, chronic sinusitis, or chronic allergies really affect one's quality of life. If you have a poor outlook on life because you're always suffering from allergies or sinus problems, it's going to affect the rest of your general health,” Dr. Blair told the North Panhandle News. “So if you can get your breathing and nose in tip-top shape, you’re going to feel better and your overall quality of health will improve.”

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.

Dr. Matthew Blair earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Miami, according to the Gulf Coast Breathe Free's website. He obtained his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2010 and completed his internship and residency in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Michigan. Dr. Blair achieved board certification in 2015.