Why can’t most people smell or taste when they have a sinus infection? What blocks these senses?

Body Structures & Functions Updated
13th Edition
ISBN:9780357191606
Author:Scott
Publisher:Scott
Chapter10: Special Senses
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Why can’t most people smell or taste when they have a sinus infection? What blocks these senses?

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Inflammation of mucous membrane lining the sinuses causes sinusitis. It can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term). The common symptoms of sinus infection are stuffed nose, thick mucus from nose and pain around sinuses. Small growths called polyps block the nasal passage during sinusitis. One can lose the sense of smell and taste due to these polyps.

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