My Child Cannot Smell After a Cold — Will Their Sense of Smell Come Back?
Your child has recently recovered from a cold.
The coughing has stopped.
Their nose is no longer particularly blocked.
They are back at school and seem otherwise well.
But then something unusual happens.
You offer their favourite meal, and they say:
“I can't smell anything.”
Perhaps they cannot recognise the smell of an orange, freshly baked bread or their usual shampoo.
Another child may describe something different:
“Everything smells horrible.”
“My food smells burnt.”
Naturally, parents begin wondering:
“Has the virus damaged their sense of smell?”
“Will it recover?”
“Should we see an ENT specialist?”
A reduced or altered sense of smell can occur following a respiratory infection.
In many children, symptoms improve as the nose recovers. However, some children experience persistent symptoms that deserve further assessment.
What is anosmia?
Anosmia means a complete loss of smell.
A child with anosmia may be unable to detect familiar odours, even when they are relatively strong.
Hyposmia means a reduced sense of smell.
The child can still recognise some odours, but they seem weaker than before.
Another condition, called parosmia, causes familiar smells to seem distorted or unpleasant.
For example, chocolate, coffee or cooked food may suddenly smell burnt or rotten.
These symptoms are different, although they can occur together.
The NHS information about lost or changed smell explains these different types of smell disturbance. nhs.uk
Why does a cold affect the sense of smell?
Our ability to smell depends on specialised sensory cells high inside the nose.
This area is called the olfactory region.
When we breathe in, odour molecules travel through the nasal cavity and reach these sensory cells.
Signals then travel to the brain, where it recognises smells.
A viral infection can interfere with this process in several ways.
First, swelling and mucus may prevent odour molecules from reaching the olfactory region.
Second, some infections may temporarily disturb the specialised cells and supporting tissues involved in smell.
This means smell loss can occur even when the child does not have a severely blocked nose.
Is it normal to lose smell during a cold?
Temporary reduction in smell is relatively common during respiratory infections.
When the nasal lining becomes inflamed, airflow to the olfactory region may decrease.
As the cold settles, smell often improves.
The NHS recognises colds, influenza and COVID-19 as common causes of altered smell. nhs.uk
However, parents should distinguish between smell loss that is gradually improving and symptoms that remain unchanged for several weeks.
Persistent smell loss deserves assessment.
Can children lose their sense of smell after COVID-19?
Yes.
COVID-19 can affect smell perception in children and teenagers.
Some experience reduced smell during the infection.
Others notice the problem only after their respiratory symptoms improve.
A study published in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology on 3 May 2026 examined children attending a specialist smell clinic before and after the pandemic.
The researchers found that upper respiratory infections became the leading identified cause of paediatric smell dysfunction in the post-pandemic group.
However, this was a retrospective specialist-clinic study, not a population survey. It cannot establish how frequently smell loss occurs among all children with respiratory infections. PubMed
Why does my child say everything smells burnt?
This may represent parosmia.
Instead of losing smell completely, the child may interpret familiar odours differently.
Foods that previously smelled pleasant may suddenly become unpleasant.
Parents sometimes notice that their child refuses meals they previously enjoyed.
This can be confusing because the child may appear physically recovered from the original infection.
Parosmia has been described in children following COVID-19.
The May 2026 study identified parosmia among post-COVID paediatric patients attending the specialist clinic. PubMed
Is losing smell the same as losing taste?
Not exactly.
Our sense of taste detects basic qualities such as sweet, salty, sour, bitter and savoury.
Smell contributes substantially to food flavour.
When smell is reduced, food may seem bland or unfamiliar even though the tongue can still detect basic tastes.
For example, a child may recognise something as sweet but struggle to tell whether it tastes like strawberry or vanilla.
This explains why smell problems can affect appetite and enjoyment of meals.
How long does smell loss last after a cold?
Recovery varies.
Some children notice improvement within days as nasal congestion settles.
Others take several weeks.
Post-viral smell dysfunction may occasionally persist for months.
There is no reliable way to predict an individual child's exact recovery time.
The NHS advises seeking GP assessment when smell has not returned to normal after a few weeks. nhs.uk
The key question is whether the child is gradually improving or whether symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning features.
Can smell loss happen without a blocked nose?
Yes.
This is an important distinction.
Some children have persistent nasal inflammation or allergy that interferes with airflow.
Others have a post-viral smell disturbance despite relatively normal nasal breathing.
Therefore:
A clear nose does not automatically mean that the sense of smell has recovered.
If a child reports persistent smell loss despite normal breathing, don't simply dismiss the symptom.
Could allergies or sinusitis be responsible?
Sometimes.
Allergic rhinitis can cause inflammation inside the nose.
Chronic sinus inflammation can also interfere with smell perception.
Children with these conditions may also have symptoms such as sneezing, nasal itching, discharge, or persistent congestion.
However, a child who suddenly loses smell after a respiratory infection may have post-viral dysfunction without significant chronic sinus disease.
The history and examination help distinguish these possibilities.
Not every child with smell loss requires antibiotics or sinus surgery.
Can nasal polyps cause smell loss in children?
Yes, but nasal polyps are uncommon in children.
A genuine polyp may obstruct airflow or contribute to inflammation around the olfactory region.
However, parents should not assume that persistent smell loss means their child has nasal polyps.
A previous article explains why suspected paediatric nasal polyps require proper assessment.
The important point is that smell loss is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
What should parents do initially?
If your child has recently had a cold and is otherwise well, allow time for recovery.
Encourage adequate fluids, rest and normal recovery from the infection.
Avoid repeatedly exposing your child to very strong or irritating smells to test their sense of smell.
Do not use concentrated essential oils directly inside the nose.
If nasal congestion remains troublesome, ask a pharmacist or clinician about age-appropriate saline preparations.
Do not automatically use adult nasal-irrigation methods or medications in younger children.
What is smell training?
Smell training, also called olfactory training, involves regularly smelling a small selection of familiar odours while concentrating on recognising them.
It is intended to stimulate the olfactory system repeatedly.
Common examples include citrus, rose, coffee, and spices.
For children, any training should be age-appropriate, supervised and comfortable.
You don't need expensive equipment.
However, avoid concentrated oils and strong irritants, particularly in younger children or those with asthma or allergies.
The NHS identifies smell training as an option that may help some people with smell dysfunction. nhs.uk
Does smell training work in children?
The evidence is still developing.
Some studies suggest that repeated exposure to familiar odours may improve aspects of smell perception.
However, paediatric evidence remains limited.
A randomised trial published in June 2025 compared smell training with topical steroid treatment for children with post-COVID smell dysfunction.
The researchers did not identify significant improvement in measured smell outcomes at eight weeks. The study was small and had substantial participant dropout, limiting the conclusions. PubMed
Therefore, smell training may be discussed as a low-risk supportive approach when appropriately supervised, but it should not be presented as a guaranteed treatment.
Will my child need a nasal endoscopy?
Not necessarily.
Assessment usually begins with a careful history and examination.
The clinician may ask when smell loss began, whether the child had a recent infection and whether nasal symptoms remain.
If the diagnosis is uncertain, a paediatric ENT specialist may consider nasal endoscopy.
This involves using a small camera to examine the nasal cavity.
It can help identify inflammation, obstruction or other abnormalities.
The need for endoscopy depends on the child's age, symptoms and ability to tolerate the examination.
Will my child need an MRI scan?
Most children with uncomplicated smell loss following a recent cold do not automatically need imaging.
MRI may occasionally be considered when symptoms are unexplained, persistent or accompanied by concerning neurological findings.
The decision depends on the clinical history and examination.
A scan is not routinely required simply because smell has not returned immediately after a viral illness.
Can losing smell affect my child's safety?
Yes.
Smell helps us recognise some environmental hazards.
A child with significantly reduced smell may not notice smoke, gas or spoiled food.
Parents should ensure smoke alarms work and that food safety doesn't depend on the child recognising an unpleasant smell.
Adults should take responsibility for recognising household hazards.
The NHS specifically highlights fire, gas and food-safety considerations for people with smell loss. nhs.uk
When should parents seek urgent medical advice?
Smell loss alone after an uncomplicated cold is usually not an emergency.
However, seek urgent medical assessment if the child develops severe or worsening headache, new neurological symptoms, significant facial swelling or concerning symptoms following a head injury.
Attend A&E immediately if there are visual changes, painful or restricted eye movements, severe headache with fever and neck stiffness, or other signs of serious illness.
Call 999 for seizures, reduced consciousness, sudden significant neurological problems or another life-threatening emergency.
NICE guideline NG79 highlights serious orbital and intracranial complications that require hospital assessment in children with suspected complicated sinusitis. NICE
When should my child see a paediatric ENT specialist?
Consider assessment when smell loss persists for several weeks, fails to improve, affects eating or daily activities, or occurs without a clear explanation.
ENT assessment may also be appropriate if there is persistent nasal obstruction, recurrent sinus symptoms, a previous head injury, or an unusual pattern of smell disturbance.
For families across London, East London, Romford, Ilford, Redbridge, Woodford, Brentwood and Chelmsford, the priority is establishing the cause rather than assuming every smell problem is related to nasal blockage.
Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon, assesses children with persistent nasal symptoms and other paediatric ENT concerns.
The key message for parents
Losing the sense of smell after a cold can unsettle children and families.
Fortunately, many children improve gradually.
However, recovery can take time, and persistent smell disturbance deserves appropriate assessment.
Smell loss does not automatically mean permanent damage.
It also shouldn't be ignored if symptoms continue.
If your child cannot smell normally several weeks after a cold, arrange medical assessment to establish the cause and discuss appropriate next steps.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why can't my child smell anything after a cold?
A viral infection may cause swelling inside the nose or disturb the specialised cells involved in smell perception. Many children improve as the infection resolves.
2. How long does post-viral smell loss last in children?
Some children recover within days or weeks. Others experience symptoms for longer. If smell loss persists after several weeks, it should be assessed.
3. Can children lose their sense of smell after COVID-19?
Yes. COVID-19 can reduce or alter smell in children and teenagers, although severity and duration vary.
4. Why does my child say food smells burnt or rotten?
This may represent parosmia, where familiar odours are perceived differently. It can occur following viral infections, including COVID-19.
5. Can smell training help my child?
Smell training may be considered in selected children, but paediatric evidence remains limited. It should be age-appropriate, supervised and not presented as a guaranteed treatment.
6. Does smell loss mean my child has nasal polyps?
No. Nasal polyps can reduce smell, but they are uncommon in children. Viral infections and nasal inflammation can also explain it.
7. Will my child need an MRI scan?
Not routinely. Consider imaging when smell loss is unexplained, persistent, or accompanied by concerning clinical findings.
8. When should I seek urgent medical help?
Seek urgent assessment if smell loss follows significant head trauma or occurs with neurological symptoms, severe headache, visual disturbance or significant facial swelling. Severe neurological or breathing symptoms require emergency help.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational and regional SEO purposes only and does not replace personalised clinical advice. For a definitive structural evaluation, you need a face-to-face consultation with a registered specialist.
Book Online
Call 07494914140
