And to be honest, some of the damage is likely permanent. While it seems trivial, taste disturbances are a leading cause of weight loss and poor eating habits in the elderly. Feeling drowsy or sleepy is one of the most common antihistamine side effects, especially in regard to first-generation antihistamines. This happens when the proteins in an allergen bind to IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells, which causes the cell to release histamine, Dr. Lane explains. Both first- and second-generation antihistamines do this by specifically blocking the H1 histamine receptor (there are other types of histamine receptors, but H1 is the one that matters most for allergic reactions). Subscribe to MedHelp's free newsletter for Community Support, Experience, and Guidance. Special Holiday Offers for Online Subscriptions! Having severe sleep or allergy issues every single night probably warrants a better insomnia- or allergy-management strategy. Diarrhea does cause loss of appetite and hence his feeling of loss of taste. Similar to dry mouth, dry eyes is also a common antihistamine side effect. © 2021 Condé Nast. In fact, it is the most common presentation of the coronavirus infection, more common than either a new-onset cough or a high temperature. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions have been infrequently reported together in patients following stroke (Landis et al., 2006; Leopold et al., 2006). Similar to the way the drugs can affect the gut muscles, they can also affect the bladder muscles, making it difficult to fully empty the bladder. Other causes . To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. In fact, the senses of taste and smell are so closely related that most people who go to the doctor thinking they have lost their sense of taste are surprised to discover that they have lost their sense of smell. Someone dealing with altered sense of taste should try to eat a variety of foods with varying colors and textures to see which ones they can enjoy. Loss of smell can occur suddenly in people with COVID-19 and is often accompanied by loss of taste. Depending on the cause, loss of taste treatment may require a visit to a medical professional. Schedule an appointment for the following. All of this is to say that, as much as I love and depend on the effects of antihistamines, you have to know what you’re getting into when you take them—especially with regards to their potential side effects. Treating the cause might help. There are two major classes of antihistamines, Charles Joseph Lane, M.D., a board-certified allergist based in Lynchburg, Virginia, tells SELF. An ENT can determine the extent of smell and/or taste loss and identify root causes. Reversing Flonase’s Loss of Smell Side Effect Damage. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. Although these disorders can have a … Antibiotics that can cause smell loss include ampicillin, used to treat urinary tract infections and types of meningitis, and azithromycin, used to treat some ear infections as well as pneumonia. The current thinking is that it’s the effects on acetylcholine that drive this side effect, which explains why it’s more common with the first-generation drugs. And during that journey, I’ve learned that some medications make me extremely sleepy while others dry my mouth out so much I spend the day chugging La Croix. One potential common pitfall with this test is taking an antihistamine, one of the over-the-counter anti-allergy treatments, just beforehand. Dry eyes. Side effects of nasal spray antihistamines, which block inflammation-causing histamine during the allergic response, include a bitter taste, dry mouth, and nasal burning; nasal decongestants, if used for more than about a week, can lead to severe rebound congestion once the medication is discontinued. Smell and taste disorders are common in the general population, with loss of smell occurring more frequently. Sickness can cause loss of appetite. However, if that’s starting to become a regular issue, you may want to talk to your doctor about other options. Special Holiday Offers! Some people cannot smell or taste for several days or even weeks after a bout of the flu, and, rarely, loss of smell or taste becomes permanent. That’s especially annoying because dry eyes can also be red, stinging, and irritated, which are also common symptoms of itchy eyes due to allergies. Like most allergy sufferers, I rely on medication to manage my symptoms. A lost sense of taste is a common symptom, with possible causes ranging from a simple cold to a head injury. Vaginal dryness is a known side effect of anticholinergic drugs, including antihistamines with anticholinergic effects, because these drugs can cause changes in blood flow that dry out the mucus membranes in the body. Losing your sense of taste can … Temporary loss of the sense of smell is common with colds and nasal allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Some of the more common ones include allergies, diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, medication side effects, dental issues and cigarette smoking. In more serious cases, damage to the nasal cavity or olfactory nerves due to a head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in long term or permanent loss or reduction of smell and taste. The sense of smell also adds to the perception of taste. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. As a result, these drugs generally have fewer side effects, and those they do produce tend to be less severe. However- many people report that just not taking Flonase for a few weeks can bring back a lot of the smell … Experts aren’t sure exactly what’s at the root of this issue (whether we’re really building up a true tolerance to the medication or our symptoms are just getting more severe, for instance), but it’s one that allergists see frequently, Dr. Lane says. Congestion, as explained, can often result in loss of taste and smell. To find out more about smell training, see: It’s thought that … Generally, though, dry skin is affected more directly by other factors, such as changes in the weather or your environment. Similar to dry mouth, dry eyes is also a common antihistamine side effect. Bitter or salty taste in the mouth for extended periods is called dysgeusia and usually affects older people. Normally, this neurotransmitter plays a role in the control of your gut muscles, which help move things along. But it's always better not to be surprised by them. Also, with COVID-19, these symptoms may occur without a … A loss of taste is commonly associated with the loss of smell, because we rely on smell to identify flavors. It can also take the joy out of eating which can increase the risk of depression. After those 5 hrs trying to use decogestants and pepper,salt, and sugar to see if i can smell or taste them. Normal aging can cause a loss of smell too, particularly after age 60. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. Ad Choices, 8 Antihistamine Side Effects You Should Know. Of course, all drugs come with the risk for some side effects, and even with those side effects, the benefits of taking a medication may still be worth it. Loss of smell is not serious, but can sometimes be a sign of a nervous system condition. Yep, antihistamines can have an effect on your bowel habits as well! First, there are the older medications, referred to as first-generation antihistamines, which include drugs like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine. Medications like antibiotics or antihistamines cause a bad taste in mouth or impaired taste. Treatment for lost or changed sense of smell. I’m something of an antihistamine connoisseur, you might say. Sometimes a cause for the loss of smell cannot be found. This particular side effect generally isn’t serious, but if you’re trying to manage dry mouth for other reasons, know that your antihistamine could be contributing to it. Increased urinary retention—meaning that your bladder doesn’t empty all the way when you pee—is another possible side effect of antihistamines that’s related to their actions on acetylcholine. On the other hand, second-generation antihistamines are overall “cleaner” drugs, Dr. Lane says, meaning that they are more selective for H1 receptors and make their way to the brain much less often. 2. Yes, COVID-19 can absolutely cause a lose of smell. Dryness, especially dry mouth, is another very common side effect of antihistamines, Dr. Lane says. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Although the evidence has not been rigorously collected yet, physicians treating the disease have reported that some patients experience these symptoms in the early stages of the disease. I was only taking it periodically but noticed the day after i took a pill i couldn't smell anything hardly. Newer antihistamines tend not to cause as much sedation, but they still can in some people, Dr. Lane says. Around 70% of people with COVID-19 report losing their sense of smell, or both taste and smell. That histamine goes on to bind to histamine receptors, which then sets off reactions such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and other classic allergy symptoms. Again, this one is most common with the older medications, but can happen with the newer ones as well. A natural loss of taste and smell is common in people who are 60 years and older, says the Mayo Clinic. i can taste them fine, but i can only smell … Here are some of the most common antihistamine side effects that you should know about. Then there are the newer, second-generation antihistamines (also sometimes called nonsedating for reasons which will become obvious), which include many of the oral allergy medications you’ll find at the drugstore, like cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin). In one particularly memorable episode, a friend’s adorable and very friendly Australian shepherd licked my neck while at a picnic in the park. If you feel like the antihistamines you’ve been taking aren't working as well as they used to, you’re not alone. An impaired taste issue can result in malnutrition, dehydration, paralysis, and the spread of infections and diseases such as cancer. Learn more about the causes and treatment of a loss of taste here. They’re so interwoven that sometimes, what seems to be loss of taste is actually loss of smell. It’s thought that some antihistamines can actually reduce your tear production via effects related to acetylcholine, causing your eyes to feel more dry. The sense of smell can be lost due to a variety of causes. As the infection completely subsides, he should gradually recover his appetite. Subscribe Now> A loss of sense of smell that seems to have no apparent cause:This symptom may be a warning of neurologic illness. Sudden loss of smell also may be an early symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ), an acute respiratory illness that can be severe and is caused by a newly identified coronavirus officially named SARS-CoV2. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Some loss of smell occurs with aging. Sometimes it’s just the price you have to pay for a day without eyes swollen shut! All the best health and wellness advice, tips, tricks, and intel, delivered to your inbox every day. But seasonal allergies, which are also kicking up this time of year, can also make people lose their sense of smell. In fact, Dr. Lane says that some people are able to switch to a different medication for a while and then switch back to their old standby a few months or years later if they start to have problems with the newer one. High concentrations of ACE-2 receptors line the part of the nose responsible for smell. One of the stranger early-symptoms of COVID-19 appears to be a loss of smell or taste. Again, this is down to the medications’ effects on acetylcholine signaling. How to Know If You’re Dealing With Coronavirus or Allergies, So You Have Seasonal Allergies Now—Here’s How to Deal, 9 Allergy Remedies Allergists Actually Use. Why does COVID-19 cause loss of smell? A treatment called smell training can also help some people. Luckily, if you’re using OTC medications, this problem has a pretty easy fix: Switch to a different one! A stuffy nose from a cold is a common cause for a partial, temporary loss of smell. While not as common as dry mouth or dry eyes, dryness affecting your skin can be a side effect of antihistamines, Dr. Lane says. Both of these conditions cause persistent congestion and loss of the sense of smell, and neither will respond to routine therapies for nasal allergies. This happens due to medications and oral health problems. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Just be aware that it can cause some grogginess in the morning as well, he says. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. It’s so common, in fact, that diphenhydramine is actually used as a sleep aid in some medications. But other issues can hamper an older person's ability to taste, too. All rights reserved. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. In many cases, the loss of taste and smell is temporary and will be recovered if the obstruction is removed. Left untreated, a loss of taste can lead to a variety of serious health conditions that can be mild to life-threatening. Antihistamine medications bind to histamine receptors on cells throughout the body, blocking them from setting off the immune system response downstream. True loss of taste (ageusia) is rare. Yes, i noticed right away that taking it was adversely affecting my sense of smell. This side effect obviously isn’t great if you have to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking your allergy meds, but Dr. Lane says that it can be beneficial in other circumstances, like if your allergy symptoms are making it difficult for you to get to sleep at night. I broke out in hives, popped a Benadryl, and spent the second half of the afternoon sound asleep in the grass (which I am also allergic to) while my friends carried on their party around me. So this issue isn’t always permanent, he says. It may occur after a viral illness. All of these medications work generally in the same way: by targeting the body’s histamine-production system, which generates many of the symptoms we think of as “allergies.” Normally, when your body is exposed to an allergen that you’re sensitive to—tree pollen, cat dander, dust, etc.—it erroneously interprets that substance as a threat and sets off an immune response to combat it. Any reduction in sense of smell: Especially if it impacts your quality of life or if you have other symptoms such as nasal congestion or facial pain. For example, steroid nasal sprays or drops might help if you have sinusitis or nasal polyps. But there can also be medical reasons: Some medications can affect taste… It's not one of the more common antihistamine side effects, but reduced vaginal lubrication is a possibility, SELF explained previously. Treatment may include changing medications or correcting an underlying problem (such as allergies). Antiemetic drugs including scopolamine, cyclizine, prochlorperazine, and trimethobenzamide and the antihistamine chlorpheniramine may also be helpful in attenuating taste aversions. So, if you’re not sure what’s right for you—particularly if you’ve tried a few over-the-counter options without success—it’s worth talking to an allergist about what might work. The most common causes include: An injury to the head. That made it possible for them to also cause more wide-ranging side effects and may even come with an increased risk for dementia. With air flowing more freely, the receptors in the nose that determine smell can do their … Antihistamines help to block the release of histamine which should then ease symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as congestion. COVID-19 can cause loss of smell and taste. Raise your hand if you’ve been personally victimized by an antihistamine. If that movement is slowed thanks to a medication messing with acetylcholine, you might get a little constipated. In that way, they can help manage allergy symptoms. A blockage in the nasal passages caused by a polyp or a nasal fracture also is a common cause. This happens in about 1 in 5 people who are investigated in a specialist clinic, but in the wider community represents fewer than 5 in a 100 of all cases of smell loss overall. By using this Site you agree to the following, By using this Site you agree to the following. Drying out allergy-affected eyes further can sometimes just make the symptoms worse. Decongestants can be obtained from a pharmacist or doctor and open up the nasal passages to help you breathe easier. 2 For cancer patients with taste and smell aversions from chemotherapy, cold sources of protein such as cold meats can be tolerated better than warm ones. This case report details two patients … SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Smell (olfactory) and taste (gustatory) are key senses in the regulation of nourishment and individual safety. In my decades-long quest to stop sneezing at seemingly every green thing outside, I’ve taken pretty much every over-the-counter antihistamine out there, as well as a few prescription ones. What is smell? In addition to the OTC options, there are prescription allergy medications they can prescribe as well as eye drops and nasal sprays that may be better for your particular set of symptoms. Loss of smell treatments and relief When to see a doctor. When choosing an antihistamine—or trying to figure out where a new symptom came from—be aware that the medication can come with side effects, including some that may be a little surprising. Your sense of smell may go back to normal in a few weeks or months. Reading about others, it seems to be a side-effect of this med, i'm quitting it immediately. In his experience, Zyrtec has the highest incidence of sedation followed by Xyzal, Claritin, and Allegra, respectively. Trying to reverse the flonase loss of smell side effect is tough. But antihistamine side effects—some of which may be unexpected—can make taking these drugs a complex experience. But, in addition to H1, earlier antihistamines can also cross into the brain and bind to receptors for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction and blood vessel dilation. Figuring out the right allergy medication for you depends on your symptoms, your preferences, and a careful weighing of the side effects that drug might produce. But, as with the other acetylcholine-related side effects, this one is more common with first-generation than second-generation antihistamines. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. Taste Loss and Aging. Until then don't force him to eat, let him start with warm liquids like broth …