[agatheringstorm]

For some reason, this seems like the right thread with the right people to offer some opinions on my “condition,” which I will describe, but try to be brief.

About 17 years ago I started having allergies which are year round. I’ve had allergy tests and while I am allergic to quite a few things, it’s hard to explain the year-round nature of it. I’ve lived in several different houses and it’s not the house. Anyway, I take loratadine (an antihistamine) which does work. My issue is that I seem to have chronic rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal passages. The weird thing is I can easily breath through my nose; it’s not clogged, no mucus, etc. I wouldn’t care except that I have essentially no sense of smell (no, it’s not Covid). I can only smell things, generally, if I work out or do something strenuous outside, and then all of the sudden I can smell things again. I think this is due to the nasal passages opening more than normal. This brief return of the sense of smell goes away after about an hour, though. I said “generally” above, because about one day out of the month, for no reason at all, I will wake up and be able to smell pretty much the whole day. It’s like the inflammation lets up just enough.

So, I’ve tried the neti pot, I’ve tried a few different essential oils in spray form, I’ve tried Nasacort, Flonase, Afrin. Nothing really works. So, I’m open to ideas to get my sense of smell back. Thanks in advance.

[Nifster]

It’s your back sinuses that are packed

Again I recommend Zicam nasal spray. The twelve hour kind

Depending on your weather you may be allergic to the mold in the air

[Svartalfiar]

Have you tried high-spice foods? Alot of cayenne or other chilis does wonders for opening your sini.

Another option that helped the wife with her allergies was the REM HALO, https://www.rgf.com/products/air/reme-halo/. Air purifier that really helps clean up your house. Around a grand, but easily installs into existing ductwork, and is good for 3-5 years before the cell needs replacement ($2-300).


I can only smell things, generally, if I work out or do something strenuous outside, and then all of the sudden I can smell things again

Get a dog? That'll force you to go outside on more walks and get that fresh air. Does the hour of smelling last longer if you stay outside? Or just do your best to do stuff outside more, start a garden, take kids/grandkids to the park?

Talk to your local nursery or search for "air-purifying indoor plants". Add a couple of those around the house?