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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (July 15, 2017)
4 B SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, JULY 15 2017 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Sense of Smell, Taste Likely Gone for Good DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 86-year-old male who unfortunately lost my sense of smell and, to a large degree, my sense of taste as a result of taking fl uticasone propionate na- sal spray (50 mcg, one spray in each nostril once a day). This drug was prescribed by my doctor. After fi nd- ing out that I could not smell fresh coffee even when I put my face over the open container and sniffed, I knew I had a problem. I mentioned this to another doctor (the prescribing doctor had trans- ferred), and he casually mentioned that that happens and that it could take a year to come back. Well, the year has come and gone, and I haven’t regained my sense of smell. The literature that accompanies this drug does mention that a possible SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You’re wise to let your Arian skepti- cism question a former adversary’s re- quest to let bygones be bygones. Time will tell if they are trying to pull the wool over the Lamb’s eyes. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Con- gratulations. Your hard work soon pays off with some well-deserved rec- ognition. Meanwhile, that important personal relationship needs more at- tention from you. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Th at new person in your life seems trust- worthy, but don’t turn him or her into a confi dant just yet. Remember: Th e secret you don’t reveal is the one you won’t lose sleep over. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your kindness makes a diff erence in some- side effect is the loss of the senses of smell and taste. But this comes only after reading through more than fi ve columns of small prin. It may not seem like a big deal to be unable to smell the coffee, but I am also unable to smell natural gas, and living in a house with a furnace, hot water heater, clothes dryer and cooktop stove all powered by natu- ral gas, it becomes a serious prob- lem. I am hoping that you can give me some advice as to how I can re- store my senses of smell and taste. -- T.K. ANSWER: I certainly found the warning that fl uticasone, like other nasal steroids, can cause altera- tions in taste and smell. However, I couldn’t fi nd in the published lit- erature a case of someone losing his or her sense of smell entirely from nasal steroids. Some blood pressure medicines have been known to do it, as can nutritional defi ciencies, tu- mors and Sjogren’s syndrome. Ex- posure to some chemicals can cause temporary loss of smell. Alzheim- er’s and Parkinson’s diseases some- times cause loss of sense of smell. Anytime the sense of smell is lost, most people notice a dramatic loss of taste as well: This may be because the aromas of food are the most important contributor to fl avor. Unfortunately, after a year it is likely the loss will be permanent, and I don’t know of any way to bring it back. When researching your question, I found many refer- ences to studies that looked at fl uti- casone as a treatment for loss of sense of smell, which gives further evidence to the unfortunate and un- usual apparent cause in your case. It worries me that your new doctor was so casual about this loss: It IS a big issue, and it sounds like he may not have evaluated you for other possible causes. DR. ROACH WRITES: I got some good advice about my column on improving patient-physician communication. One tip I received, and one which I often recommend for my patients, is to make a list of the important questions you want to ask your doctor. Another is to bring someone with you. Finally, doc- tors can help by providing not only verbal advice, but written advice as well. This isn’t always necessary or even possible, but often it can really improve the patient’s understand- ing. one’s life. But by week’s end, a touch of Cancerian envy could create a prob- lem with a colleague. Take care to keep it under control. LEO (July 23 to August 22) A new spurt of energy sends you roaring back into that challenging work situ- ation. But be careful not to overdo it, or your sizzle could fi zzle before your task is completed. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your practical sense helps you see the logic of being a bit more fl exible with a workplace colleague. But you still have a ways to go before there’s a true meeting of the minds. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A surprise situation could cause you to spend more money than you feel you can aff ord. But careful budget adjustments will help. Your fi scal pic- ture soon brightens. SCORPIO (October 23 to Novem- ber 21) Th at decision you made might still have its detractors, but your sup- porters are growing. Meanwhile, your personal life takes on some welcome new developments. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Matters of the mind intrigue the sage Sagittarian through week’s end. By then, you should feel more than ready to make room for pursuits of the heart. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Th e canny Capricorn can off er good counsel to others. But how about taking some advice yourself from a close friend or family member who is able and ready to help? AQUARIUS (January 20 to Febru- ary 18) A new workplace opportunity off ers a variety of challenges that you might fi nd intriguing. Best advice: Take things one step at a time so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A bid to revive a relationship that ended on a bitter note needs to be carefully thought out before you can even begin to consider plunging into a new emotional commitment. Siuslaw N ews ! AD IT DAY E R TO www. the siuslawnews.com E -E DITION • S PORTS • T OP S TORIES • O BITUARIES • W EATHER • F ORUMS • B LOGS
