A lost or changed sense of smell after a car crash
An ear, nose and throat specialist explains smell changes and home safety
Your sense of smell may weaken, vanish or seem off after a crash. Swelling in the nose can keep odors from reaching the part that senses smell. A head injury can also affect the nerves that carry smell. You might think of it as a taste problem, because much of what we call flavor comes from smell. The change can affect your appetite and your mood. It can also take away your early warning for smoke, gas and food that has gone bad. [1, 2]
Explain what changed and when
Tell your doctor when the change began and whether one nostril or both feel blocked. Say whether you can still pick up basic tastes, like sweet or salty, even if food tastes flat. Mention any nose injury, blow to the head, recent infection or medicine. Also mention any strange smell that other people don’t notice. An ear, nose and throat specialist can examine your nose and may do a smell test. The cause shapes which treatment, if any, may help. [1, 2]
Don't rely on your nose for home safety
Make sure your smoke alarms work. If your home uses natural gas or propane, ask about the right kind of gas leak alarm. A carbon monoxide alarm guards against a different danger. Check food dates and have someone else judge any food you’re unsure about. Label leftovers and put them in the fridge right away. Keep up these habits even if some of your smell comes back. [1, 2]
Track your smell over time
Ask whether swelling in the nose, a broken bone or nerve damage best explains the change. Some people improve as the swelling goes away. Others need follow up for longer. Ask if a structured smell training plan makes sense for you. Get prompt care for clear fluid draining from your nose or ear after a head injury. A headache that keeps getting worse, confusion or new brain or nerve symptoms also need prompt care. [2, 3]
Questions about your sense of smell
- Is the change from a blockage, or could it be a nerve injury?
- Would smell testing or smell training help me?
- When should the change be checked again?
Test your alarms and take a scent inventory
Sources and further reading
- 1National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders smell disorders
- 2ENT Health smell loss and home safety
- 3NHS head injury and concussion
We share this for general education, drawing on ear, nose and throat expertise. After a crash, a change in smell can stem from several causes. An exam can tell nasal blockage apart from other problems and help plan your follow up.
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