Will My Sense of Smell Come Back?

The answer depends on why you lost it

Loss of smell can be partial (hyposmia) or complete (anosmia). Smell depends on odor molecules reaching a small area of specialized lining high in the roof of the nose, called the olfactory cleft, and on healthy nerve cells there. Problems fall into two broad groups.

Conductive smell loss: odors cannot reach the nerve

Nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis
Severe allergic or non-allergic rhinitis
Structural blockage from a deviated septum or swollen turbinates

This type often improves, sometimes significantly, when swelling is reduced with medication or the blockage is removed with surgery.

Sensorineural smell loss: the nerve itself is affected

Post-viral smell loss after colds, flu, or COVID-19
Head injury affecting the olfactory nerve fibers
Aging and some neurological conditions
Certain medications or toxic exposures

Recovery here is slower and less predictable. Many people with post-viral loss notice gradual improvement over months, and some continue to improve beyond a year. Distorted smells (parosmia) during recovery are common and often a sign that nerves are regenerating.

Smell, taste, and flavor

Many people with smell loss say food tastes bland. The tongue only detects sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savory; the rich flavors of coffee, garlic, or kimchi come from aroma reaching the nose from the back of the mouth. Testing both senses helps clarify which one is actually affected.

What can help recovery

Treat inflammation: steroid sprays or rinses, and a short course of oral steroids in selected cases
Smell training: sniffing a set of strong scents, such as rose, lemon, eucalyptus, and clove, twice daily for several months
Remove blockage: surgery for polyps or chronic sinusitis when medication fails
Safety: install smoke and gas detectors and check food expiry dates while smell is reduced

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a rhinology subspecialist and former assistant professor at Ajou University, examines the olfactory cleft directly with nasal endoscopy, looking for polyps or swelling that may be hidden high in the nose. A formal smell test measures how much function remains, which helps track recovery over time. Because flavor depends heavily on smell, a taste test may be added if you report taste changes.

A sinus CT scan is used when chronic sinus disease is suspected. Treatment is tailored to the cause, starting with medication and moving to endoscopic surgery only when needed.

When to see an ENT promptly

See a doctor if smell loss lasts more than a few weeks after a cold, is on one side with nasal blockage or bleeding, follows a head injury, or comes with other neurological symptoms such as memory problems or weakness. Earlier treatment of inflammatory causes generally offers a better chance of improvement.

Consultations are in English near Gangnam-gu Office Station. See the English-speaking ENT guide or read whether nasal polyps come back.

How long does smell take to return after a virus?

It varies. Some people recover within weeks, while others improve gradually over many months. Steady smell training and treating any nasal inflammation can support recovery. If there is no improvement after a few weeks, an ENT evaluation is worthwhile.

Does smell training really work?

Smell training, also called olfactory training, is supported by clinical studies for post-viral smell loss. It involves sniffing several distinct scents twice a day for months. It is simple, low-cost, and has no significant side effects.

Is losing smell a sign of something serious?

Most smell loss is caused by sinus disease, allergies, or viral infection. Less commonly it can be linked to head injury, tumors, or neurological conditions, which is why persistent or one-sided loss should be examined.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

Will My Sense of Smell Come Back? An ENT in Gangnam, Seoul Explains