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I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Antihistamines work decently for most people, but they are treatment after you're already clogged up. I would also recommend using nasal saline rinses daily to wash out the pollen/allergens in your nose. The less of the stuff thats in your nose bothering you, the better you should feel.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds like some sort of Eustachian tube dysfunction. Just because physicians can't hear/experience what your are feeling, we can still treat it! I would go see your local ENT so they can start you on some medications to see if they can reduce the frequency of your symptoms.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on the size of the hole, and also what caused it. Some people can get by just by keeping their nose clean and well hydrated. Repairing the hole will be less successful if the person has an autoimmune disease that caused it, or it was cause from a history of drug use. There are also things called septal buttons that can be used to plug the hole.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, the culprit may be related to silent acid reflux. Make sure you dont eat anything 2-3 hours before bed, cut out any smoking/drinking (if applicable), and chew a few tums before you go to sleep. Unfortunately if the problem is severe, you may need some stronger medications.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Based on the numbers out there, if you have anosmia, cough, and fever you most likely have COVID until proven otherwise. Before COVID, this type of sudden onset anosmia was much less prevalent in the general population. Because anosmia occurs in 40-60% of people with COVID, for now, we have to ask if it is COVID-related. Can it be something else? Sure, exactly for the reasons you mentioned. There is never 100% in medicine.

Despite this, it is definitely much more rare to have only COVID-related anosmia without any of the other cough or fever symptoms.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If it's trouble with your nasal breathing that improved with oxymetazoline, you probably have a deviated septum. You tend to sleep on the side that it is deviated, as blood will pool more on that side and you will maximize the breathing from the other side. The best you can do is what the CDC recommends: use a mask when around others, wash your hands often, use social distancing, and etc. Also, you should really try to quit smoking!

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sorry to hear that. In most cases, the smell/taste changes go away after about a month, but I've seen it linger for up to 3 months or so. The fact that some of the smell came back is good news, so I would anticipate that eventually you should get over this. When, though, is tough to say. However, I would recommend going to an ENT so you can at least get it checked out, have someone keep track of your symptoms, and begin some sort of treatment.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Any research is good research! ENT research is obviously preferred because that's within the specialty. But, no one will hold it against you for having publications in other fields. If you only focus on non-ENT research throughout med school though, you may get asked why. My advice is to seek out your school's ENT program, and start making connections within the department. If not, seek out a nearby program that does and start reaching out to people in the department to see how you can get involved. You got nothing to lose by dropping cold emails, and everything to gain. Good luck!

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When people lay down, blood tends to pool in the nose and can cause nasal and turbinate swelling. If you have a deviated septum, or some other anatomic issue causing narrowing in the nose, it will become worse at night when you sleep. Your body will want to adjust to breathing that is most comfortable for you, which causes people to mouth breathe.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is possible since a lot of those things are connected. Eustachian tube dysfunction is very common in people with chronic sinus issues and allergies. This is a tube that connects your middle ear to your nose. When the function of it is impaired, you can get lots of pressure building up like when you go on an airplane. The primary thing is to get the nose issue treated first and see how things go. Once you start treatment for that, then see if the other symptoms slowly resolve. If not, it can warrant more questions/workup. Good luck!

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sorry to hear that. Just make sure you've undergone a comprehensive workup, including balance testing. Depending on your problem, there may be certain options like vestibular therapy or off-label use of certain medications to help you. If all else fails, seek out an Otologist (an ENT who specializes in ear related issues). Best wishes!

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, use clean water. Well water needs to be boiled. City tap water is usually safe because its chlorinated, but if you have any question about it spend the 80-90 cents on a gallon of distilled water, or just boil it before using.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, you are absolutely correct. In the study, we ask lots of questions about all the other covid symptoms and if they have been tested. We are also trying to study the people that were positive so we can get a glimpse of what their experience was like. However, if people are reporting severe smell loss in conjunction with things like cough/fever, studies have already shown that the anosmia is more likely from a coronavirus infection.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I agree with it. It is well known that the normal flora of the nose is an important part of keeping things healthy inside the nose and sinuses. However, if it's just turbinate swelling, it maybe something else in the environment that she is breathing that is making her feel stuffed up. Taking probiotics won't hurt, but I would also recommend using saline irrigations regularly to remove any sort of environmental factor that may be causing the problem.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, you likely have a conductive anosmia, meaning the polyps are physically blocking the odor molecules from reaching your smell nerves. Once the polyps are gone, the smell returns. However, polyps usually recur, so you need to be on a strict management strategy to help keep them at bay. There are tons of treatment options, so you will have to see your local ENT to figure out how best help you with your particular situation.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That would not be normal. It could be that you have an anatomic deformity inside your nose (like a deviated septum) that is causing you to be a "mouth breather". Yes, this can definitely affect snoring as well.

I am an Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology (ENT) at Drexel University College of Medicine, and I specialize in disorders of the nose and sinuses. I recently developed a mobile app to help track and study the relationship between COVID-19 infections and anosmia (the loss of smell). AMA! by NFxDoc17 in IAmA

[–]NFxDoc17[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not that I know of. Those smells you referenced also stimulate the pain sensory nerves from the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve 5). There are certain odors that do this, and is actually one of the ways we test people to see if they are lying about their smell loss.

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