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Dacryocystitis refers to an inflammation or an infection of the tear sac at the inner corner of the eye. Homeopathic medicines for dacryocystitis help to boost the body’s defence mechanism to fight the infection and provide natural relief.

The tear sac is the upper dilated ends of the nasolacrimal ducts (or tear duct) that fill with tears secreted by the lacrimal glands before they get discharged down the nasolacrimal duct into the nose. Tears are produced by lacrimal glands and on blinking the tears spread across the eyes and keeps the eyes moisten, clean and free of bacteria. Afterwards the tears drains through puncta in nasolacrimal duct then into back of the nose. After this new tears comes in and the process is repeated.  When there occur any blockage in the tear sacs or the tear ducts then this cycle gets disturbed and used tears can’t drain from the eye. This favours the bacteria to build up inside the tear sac resulting in an infection. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is the major bacteria causing agent behind it.

Causes 

This infection arises mainly from blockage in the tear duct. This blockage can happen for many reasons. Firstly it can arise in case of sinusitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the para sinuses) and nasal polyps (soft, non cancerous growths on the lining of nasal passages or paranasal sinuses). Next reason is an injury to the nose or the eye. Thirdly tumours in the paranasal sinus or foreign object in the lacrimal duct can lead to it. It can also follow a surgery on the nose or paranasal sinus.

In infants it is common if they have a blockage of the tear duct by birth resulting in congenital dacryocystitis.

Other than above persons having deviated nasal septum (DNS), hypertrophy of inferior turbinates and inflamed mucous membrane of nose (rhinitis) are at risk of it.

Symptoms 

In these cases firstly redness and swelling occurs in the lower inner corner of the eyelid. This area is also painful. Next there is mucus or pus discharge in the corner of the eye. Other than these watering / excessive tearing from the eyes and fever may be present. The intensity of these symptoms vary from person to person. 

Types 

It can be acute or chronic. In case of acute type the symptoms begin  suddenly and are usually severe in intensity. In cases of chronic dacryocystitis the starting of the symptoms are gradual and the symptoms are less severe as compared to the acute type. 

Complications 

If not treated well in time then there is a chance that it can becomes chronic in nature. Dacryocystitis in babies carries a chance to spread to the eye socket. This may result in serious complications that need urgent medical help as these can be life threatening. It includes meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). Secondly, it may lead to collection of pus (abscess) in the brain. Lastly sepsis can happen which is spread of infection throughout the body.

Homeopathic Medicines for Dacryocystitis

Homeopathic medicines offer good help in cases of dacryocystitis. These medicines help to manage its signs and symptoms including redness, swelling, pain, mucus or pus discharge, watering/excessive tearing from eyes. The homeopathic medicine for managing these cases is selected individually based on the symptom presentation. So a homeopathic physician must be consulted before taking any homeopathic medicine. It is to be noted these medicines are recommended for cases in which the symptoms are mild to moderate in intensity. In case when symptoms are severe or have any complication then it is strictly advised to take immediate help from conventional mode of treatment

1. Pulsatilla – For Early Stages 

Use of this medicine is indicated for early stages. It is a natural medicine prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans having the common name wind flower. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. Persons needing it have redness and swelling at the edge of their eyelids. With this there is mucous or pus discharge at the inner angle of the eye. Due to this discharge the eyelids may stick up in the morning. They may also have tearing, shooting or stinging pain. A burning sensation may also be there. Other than this they may have excessive watering from the eyes. The watering gets worse in the morning and also in the open air.

2. Silicea – From Swelling in Right-Sided Lachrymal Sac

This medicine is prominently indicated for cases having swelling specifically in the right sided lachrymal sac. In  cases requiring it a little lump is present at the corner of the eye and skin over it is inflamed and painful to pressure. There is a throbbing type of pain present in the swollen sac. With this there is flowing of tears which are hot. This is usually present in the evening. While in morning time mucous secretion appears.  Burning pains in the right eye may also attend.

3. Hepar Sulph – When There is Pus Formation

This medicine works well when pus formation has occurred. People who need it have great sensitivity to touch the inflamed area in the inner corner of the eyelid. Along with it pain of throbbing nature is felt. The inflamed area is also sensitive to cold. It also offers help when there is watering from the eyes. It is constant where it is required. Along with speeding up the process of pus discharge this medicine is also known to prevent formation of pus in these cases.

4. Merc Sol – To Manage Excessive Watering

This medicine is useful to manage excessive eye watering. In most cases this is worse in the evening time. The eyelid is swollen with this. Redness of lids is also noted. It is accompanied with pain. The nature of pain may be pressive or cutting type. The lid is also painful to the slightest touch. It is also helpful to manage mucus and pus discharge. It is thin where it is needed. 

5. Graphites – For Pain in the Inner Corner of Eyelid

This is a very beneficial medicine for managing pain in the inner eyelid corner. This region is also red and inflamed. Pain is also present there. The pain is mostly stitching in nature. In some cases a burning sensation is also felt. Itching can occur sometimes. Next, there is frequent watering from the eyes. It usually gets worse in the open air. 

6. Apis Mellifica – For Slight Inflammation of Tear Sac. 

Apis Mellifica is a valuable medicine when there is little inflammation of the tear sac. Firstly, there is a stinging sensation in the inner angle of the eye when it is required. Secondly, there is soreness and swelling in this area. Next smarting sensation can also be there. Itching is sometimes felt. Other than this there is excessive watering from eyes with burning sensation. Cold application may relieve the inflammation in persons needing it.

7. Natrum Mur – For Redness, Soreness of Eyelid

This medicine is indicated when there is redness and soreness of the eyelid. Mucous secretion is present with this. Other than this watering from the eyes may occur, particularly in the open air.

8. Calcarea Carb – For Swelling and Throbbing Pain

It offers help in persons having swelling and throbbing pain. They may have smarting, burning sometimes. There can also be cutting pain in the eyelids. In daytime they may have watering and smarting pain in the eyelid.

9. Stannum Met – When Yellow White Discharge is Present 

It is a useful medicine when there is a presence of yellow white discharge. With this biting sensation in the eyes is there. Pustular swelling at the inner angle especially of the left eye is present with above symptoms.

Eye pain which is medically known as Ophthalmalgia, is very common and can occur either on the eye’s surface or deep within the eye. In case of pain on the surface of the eye, burning, shooting pain, scratching and itching are felt.  The pain deep in the eyes is felt as aching, throbbing or stabbing pain. Homeopathic medicines for eye pain target and treat the root cause behind it to relieve the pain.

Most of the time eye pain is not a symptom of a serious condition. But it can be indicative of a serious issue when there is severe eye pain accompanied by vision loss that requires immediate medical attention. 

Causes

It can arise from various reasons. Firstly it can arise from allergies, some foreign object in the eye (like a bit of dirt, an eyelash), an injury to the eye and dry eyes. Secondly , it can occur from conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva means the membrane covering the white of the eye). It is also known as pink eye that can be caused from an infection or allergies. Third reason for it is blepharitis (inflammation of the margins of the eyelid where eyelashes grow). It arises from clogging, infection or inflammation of oil glands at the edge of eyelashes. Fourthly it can occur in case of scleritis (inflammation of the white part of the eye), iritis (inflammation of iris which is the coloured ring that surrounds the pupil of eye and controls the amount of light that enters into the eye) and  keratitis (inflammation of cornea I.e. the clear, dome shaped tissue in front of the eye covering the pupil and iris).

Its causes also include irritation from contact lens (as from using lenses without proper disinfection), corneal abrasion (scratch on the cornea) and infection of the cornea (as from herpes).

Another reason is uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall). Apart from above it can appear in case of styes ( a red lump near the eyelid edge arising from bacterial infection and attended with pain) and chalazion (cyst in the eyelid arising due to blocked meibomian gland that produces an oily substance to help lubrication of the eye).

There are other reasons such as entropian (inward turning of eyelid), ectropian (outward turning of eyelid), glaucoma (eye condition that damage the optic nerve from abnormally high intraocular pressure in the eye), some complication of eye surgery and inflammation of the optic nerve which connects the back of the eyeball to the brain (optic neuritis).

Lastly, it can arise in case of sinusitis (that cause pressure behind eyes that lead to pain in eyes), migraine and cluster headache.

Symptoms 

Depending upon the cause of the eye pain some other symptoms can attend it. These include irritation, itching and redness of the eyes. Next symptoms that can accompany are watery eyes, discharge from the eye, light sensitivity, blurred vision and dark, floating spots before the eyes (floaters).

Homeopathic Medicines For Eye Pain 

Homeopathic medicines are very effective for cases of eye pain. The homeopathic medicines target to treat the root cause behind it and bring great relief in the eye pain. Along with managing the eye pain these also help to relieve any attending symptoms like itching, redness of eyes, watery eyes, discharge from the eye and light sensitivity. Use of homeopathic medicines is recommended for cases of mild to moderate eye pain where no serious cause is associated with it. In cases the eye pain is severe, or attended with blurred vision / loss of vision, nausea, vomiting or when incurred from trauma, or exposure to chemicals then urgent help from conventional mode of treatment needs to be taken as it may be arising from some serious medical reason that needs emergency treatment. Homeopathy has a limitation in treating such cases.

1. Belladonna – For Painful, Red Eyes

This medicine is prepared from plant deadly nightshade. This plant belongs to family solanaceae. It is very effective medicine to manage eye pain. For using this medicine the pain can be shooting, aching, pressing, stinging or burning in nature. The pain can worsen from movement or exposure to light. Along with pain, eyes are very red and congested. Dryness and a sensation of sand may also be felt in the eyes. It is one of the well indicated medicines for pain in inflammatory eye conditions. It works well in early stages of conjunctivitis when eyes are red along with dryness and burning pains. Next it is prominent medicine for keratitis with eye congestion, sharp shooting eye pain, heat in the eyes and sensitivity to light.

2. Spigelia – When Eye Pain Worsens From Eye Movement

This medicine is prepared from plant Spigelia anthelmia commonly known as Pink – root. This plant belongs to family loganiaceae. It is a well indicated medicine for managing eye pain that worsens from eye movement. It is indicated when there is pressive, tensive, stitching, stabbing or shooting type of pain. The pain may pass through the eyeball back into the head. Along with pain there may be sensation of sand in the eyes, dry heat and burning in the eyes. Next this medicine is well indicated when eye pain gets worse at night or in open air.

3. Ruta – For Eye Pain That Worsen From Reading

This medicine is prepared from plant Ruta Graveolens commonly known as Garden Rue. This plant belongs to family rutaceae. This medicine is highly beneficial for persons who complain of eye pain from reading. This is mainly worse from reading fine print. They also have redness and heat in the eyes. They may have eye strain as well as headache too. Other than above this medicine is also helpful when eye pain occurs from sewing.

4. Natrum Mur – For Eye Pain With Watering From Eyes

It is a suitable medicine for managing cases of eye pain attended with watering from eyes. Conjunctiva is also red with this. Eyes are also  congested and sore along with sensitivity to light. Smarting and itching also appear along with above symptoms. In some cases needing it black spots or streaks of light appear before the eyes. It is also of great help in case of blepharitis with smarting, burning pain and sensation of sand in the eyes and excoriating watering from the eyes.

5. Euphrasia – For Painful, Itchy, Watery Eyes

It is a natural medicine prepared from plant Euphrasia Officinalis having the common name Eye – bright. This plant belongs to family scrophulariaceae. It is a prominent medicine for painful, itchy, watery eyes. The pain can be sharp, pressive or cutting in nature where this medicine is required. With this burning, biting, stitching, smarting sensation in the eyes attends. Next accompanying symptom is a sensation of dust or sand in the eyes. The conjunctiva is red along with the above symptoms.

6. Phosphorus – For Sensitivity To Light (Photophobia) With Eye Pain

This medicine is significant for treating cases in which there is sensitivity to light (photophobia) with eye pain. It’s also indicated for pressing burning pains in case of inflammation of eyes. Another key symptom to use is deep, dull eye pain after reading. Apart from above it is useful to manage eye pain in case of glaucoma. In such cases shooting pain is there in the eyes. Sparks before eyes, violent burning sensation in eye and sensitivity to light are some attending symptoms in these cases.

7. Aconite – For Red, Inflamed, Painful Eyes

This medicine is prepared from plant Aconitum Napellus having a common name monkshood. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. Its use is considered when the eyes are red, inflamed and painful. The pain can be burning, pressive or shooting type. This is mainly felt on moving the eyeballs. Profuse watering from eyes may also be there. Its use is also indicated in case of scleritis with tearing pains and sensitivity to light.

8. Apis Mellifica – For Burning, Stinging Eye Pain

Apis Mellifica is very useful when there is burning stinging eye pain. Along with this conjunctiva is bright red. Itching and watering from eyes which are hot attends above features. Next symptoms that are present include light sensitivity and puffy, swollen eyelids.

9. Pulsatilla – For Stitching Eye Pain With Sensitivity To Light

This medicine is prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly named as wind flower. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is great medicine for stitching pain in eyes with sensitivity to light. Other than this it is useful for pressing, tearing and stinging pain in eyes. There may be relief in eye pain by cold applications where this medicine is needed. Burning, itching in eyes with desire to rub and scratch may be present. In some cases eye discharge mainly yellow coloured is also there. Sometimes there is gluing up of lids in the morning.

10. Merc Sol – When Eye Pain Arise From Exerting The Eyes

It is well indicated when there is pain in eyes that appear from exerting the eyes. This pain may be an aching, cutting or stinging type. Other than this it is a prominent medicine for iritis with throbbing shooting pains in the eye. Next it is indicated for conjunctivitis with burning pains and watering from eyes. Its last indication is blepharitis with  red, thick and swollen eyelids with soreness, pain, burning and profuse watering from the eyes.

11. Allium Cepa – For Red, Itchy Eyes With Burning, Biting Sensation

This medicine is valuable to treat cases of red, itchy eyes along with burning, biting and smarting in the eyes. Watery discharge from eyes is also there. It is also indicated medicine for nasal allergies (hay fever). Frequent sneezing and watery discharge nose accompany the above symptoms in these cases.

There are paranasal sinuses (air-filled spaces) located inside the cheekbones, forehead, behind the bridge of nose and between the eyes. These can get inflamed from infection or from allergies. As a result, they swell, become congested with mucus and cannot drain properly, resulting in pressure build-up and pain, which is referred to as sinus headache.

Pain and pressure can be felt in any of the sinus areas like the forehead, brow area, around/behind the eyes, bridge of the nose, cheeks, and top/back of the head. The affected sinus area can also be tender to touch and red. The pain tends to get worse when first getting up out of bed, from moving the head suddenly and from leaning forward. Its other symptoms include sinus infection-like stuffy nose, thick, green or yellow-colored mucus discharge from the nose, postnasal discharge (PND), swelling or puffiness of the face, fever, aching in the upper jaw and fatigue.

Homeopathic systems offer a very natural, safe, and effective treatment for sinus headache cases. Homeopathic medicines help to relieve sinus headaches by reducing sinus inflammation and infection. Along with relieving the headache, it also manages the attending nasal symptoms like nasal stuffiness, nasal discharge, sneezing, and postnasal discharge quite effectively. In mainstream medicine for treating sinus headache, painkillers, nasal decongestants, antibiotics or anti-allergic medicines and steroids are recommended. They provide relief immediately but offer short-term help. Additionally, these may have some side effects too. However, homeopathic treatment provides long-term help in cases of sinus headache with zero side effects.

Homeopathic medicines help to relieve sinus congestion and sinus headache by treating the root cause. Their target is to treat the cause, like infections and nasal allergies linked with sinus inflammation leading to sinus headache. As the root cause is addressed properly, the condition gets eradicated from its origin.

Homeopathy is effective in both acute and chronic cases of sinus headache. Initially, homeopathic medicines aim to provide relief from acute headache. Once the acute episode is overcome, it focuses on gradually reducing the intensity and frequency of the headache until it gets resolved entirely. For complete recovery, one has to follow a complete treatment course as guided by a homeopathic doctor.

Homeopathic medicines for treating sinus headache are selected as per the peculiar symptom presentation in each and every case. The type of headache, the location of pain, the side of pain, the worsening and relieving factors and other associated nasal symptoms are all noted down, followed by its detailed evaluation to finalize homeopathic prescription. This well-prescribed medication brings complete recovery in most of the cases. However, results vary from case to case as per the intensity and chronicity of the complaint.

The advantage of using homeopathy for sinus headache is that it is natural and entirely safe to use. Homeopathic medicines never cause any adverse effects, as these medicines are all prepared from natural substances that are chemical-free.

Top 6 Homeopathic Remedies For Sinus Headache

The top ranking homeopathic medicines for sinus headache are Belladonna, Kali Bichrome, Hepar Sulph, Pulsatilla, Silicea and Merc Sol.   

1.Belladonna – Top Grade Medicine 

Belladonna is a very effective medicine for sinus headache. It is marked by a frontal headache. A pressive sensation or pressure is felt in the forehead where it is required. This worsens on movement and stooping. It also worsens from going in the open air. The next symptom that indicates its use is swelling of the cheek with burning pain. The face may become red with warmth. Tearing pain in the jaw may also be present. It works effectively in cases of frontal and maxillary sinusitis.

When to use Belladonna?

Belladonna is the best medicine to manage sinus headache accompanied by marked pain and pressure in the forehead that gets worse from movement, stooping, and in open air.

How to use Belladonna?

Both low and high potencies of this medicine work well; however, it is advised to begin with its 30C potency that can be taken one or two times a day.

2. Kali Bichrome – For Frontal Headache with  Nasal Discharge, Post Nasal Discharge  

Kali Bichrome is another well-indicated medicine for these cases. Persons needing it complain of headaches in the forehead, especially over one of the eyes. They usually feel shooting pain over the eyebrow. Next, they can complain of pain in the forehead in the morning on waking up. They feel distress, fullness, and severe pain in their frontal sinuses. Besides, thick, yellow/green, sticky, stringy, ropy discharge flows from the nose. There are symptoms of  post discharge (PND). Pain, tightness, fullness, or pressure sensation is also felt at the root of the nose. There is a constant feeling of nose blockage.

When to use Kali Bichrome?

Kali Bichrome is extremely helpful to manage frontal headache and pain at the root of the nose with thick, yellow/green, sticky, ropy nasal discharge and prominent postnasal discharge (PND) in cases of sinus headache.

How to use Kali Bichrome?

The use of this medicine is recommended in both low and high potencies. Initially one may use its 30C potency once or twice a day. For using high potencies, prior consultation with a homeopathic physician is a must.

3.Hepar Sulph – For Pain at Root of The Nose 

This medicine is particularly beneficial when there is pain at the root of the nose. This pain is felt the most in the morning. An attending symptom is blockade of the nose in the morning. Thick, offensive-smelling discharge from the nose can accompany it. This discharge may sometimes be blood-tinged. A heated sensation and burning are felt in the nostrils. The nose is painful and sensitive to touch.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

Its use should be considered to manage sinus headache when pain is felt at the root of the nose along with nasal blockage, especially worse in the morning.

How to use Hepar Sulph?

It is advised to take this medicine one to two times a day in 30C power.

4. Pulsatilla – For Sinus Headache With Thick Yellow Green Nasal Discharge

Pulsatilla is indicated when there is a sinus headache along with nasal discharge that is thick and yellow-green. There is a dull, heavy sensation over the frontal area of the head or pain in the maxillary sinus (located in the cheeks). The pain in the maxillary sinus is tearing in nature and may extend to the ear. One may complain of nasal blockade.

When to use Pulsatilla?

This medicine should be used to deal with sinus headache in the forehead and cheek area along with thick yellow-green discharge from the nose.

How to use Pulsatilla?

One may use this medicine once a day in 30C potency.

5. Silicea – For throbbing Pain in Forehead

Silicea is of great use when a throbbing type of pain is felt in the forehead in cases of sinus headache. The pain may worsen from cold air exposure. Wrapping up your head warmly gives relief. Along with a headache, the head also feels very heavy. A major attending symptom is thick, green-yellow, foul-smelling discharge from the nose after getting up. The nose may feel blocked in the morning.

When to use Silicea?

Silicea is well-indicated for sinus headache to manage pain in the forehead, which is throbbing type, worse from cold air exposure, along with nasal blockade and foul-smelling nasal discharge, especially in the morning.

How to use Silicea?

Silicea gives wonderful results in 6X potency that can be taken two to three times a day.

6. Natrum Mur – For Heaviness / Pain in Forehead with Sneezing, Nasal Discharge

It is a very important medicine for sinus headache when there is heaviness/pain in the forehead with sneezing and fluent watery nasal discharge. A pressing sensation or a sensation of weight may also be felt in the forehead. This worsens from bending the head down. Sneezing is violent and gets worse early in the morning. Sometimes there is alternation between nasal discharge and nasal dryness. It’s a top-listed medicine for nasal allergies.

When to use Natrum Mur?

Its use is suggested to manage pain and heaviness in the forehead along with sneezing and watery nasal discharge in cases of sinus headache.

How to use Natrum Mur?

Its use is also preferred in 6X power that can be used twice or thrice a day.

Causes

They most commonly occur in cases of inflamed paranasal sinuses (sinusitis). These sinuses can get inflamed from infections or from allergies (hay fever). Sinus infections can lead to sinus headaches. The infections cause mucus build-up in the sinuses and cause congestion and headache. The infections can occur from the common cold; seasonal allergies, nasal polyps, and a deviated nasal septum that blocks drainage of mucus from the sinus and favors the growth of germs that inflame the sinus.

Blocked or clogged ears is a very common problem in which a person feels congestion or fullness in the ear commonly attended with difficulty in hearing. People may also describe it as pressure in the ear or fluid sensation in the ears. Blocked ear is a symptom in itself and can be caused by various conditions. Depending on the cause behind ear blockage, various symptoms can attend to it. These include ear pain, fullness in ears, diminished hearing on the affected side, itching in ears, fluid discharge from ear that can be watery, mucus, pus or blood stained and ringing in ears (tinnitus) that can appear with blockage of the ears. Dizziness and poor balance are other symptoms that can accompany it.

Homeopathic medicines are very beneficial to treat cases of blocked ears. These medicines bring relief by targeting the root cause behind it. These help in managing the stoppage or blocked sensation in ears along with effectively managing its associated symptoms as it focuses to treat the totality of the complaint. The signs and symptoms like ear pain, diminished hearing, itching in ears, fluid discharge from ear, ringing in ears (tinnitus) and dizziness can be well managed with them. Homeopathy can help most cases of ear blockage. However, it is to be noted that in case having severe ear pain, any bleeding from the ear and blockage arising from some foreign object placed in the ear, one must urgently take help from conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has limitation to help such cases.

Individualized medication after detail case analysis

The most suitable homeopathic medicine for a case of blocked ear is selected based on an individual’s symptoms as well as the cause behind it. Case taking is done in each case followed by detailed case analysis based on which a personalised medication is given. The potency of medicine and dosage is also finalized as per the case depending on intensity of problem, chronicity of complaint and age of person. This properly prescribed medicine brings great recoveries in cases of blocked ears.

Homeopathy focuses to address root cause

Homeopathic remedies for blocked ears treats the cause linked to it to aid excellent results. It can magnificently help in causes like ear infection, Meniere’s disease, sinusitis, and chronic cold tendency. Targeting the root cause provides long-term results rather than temporary relief in these cases. For getting best results, it is advised to follow a complete course of homeopathic treatment in such cases.

Safe medicines with no side effects

Homeopathic remedies for treating blocked ears are sourced from naturally occurring substances, hence are very safe to use. These have zero side effects. They boost the body’s self-healing mechanism to fight with the related cause and ensure natural recovery.

Top 8 Homeopathic Remedies for Blocked Ears

The prominently indicated medicines to treat blocked ears are Kali Mur, Pulsatilla, Silicea, Chamomilla, Merc Sol, Chininum Sulph, Conium and Phosphorus.

1. Kali Mur – Top Grade Medicine for Blocked Ears

Kali Mur is a very effective medicine to treat cases of blocked ears. Use it if there is a plugged or clogged sensation in the ears. With this snapping, popping noises in the ears may arise. In some cases, crackling noises while swallowing or blowing the nose are there. Additionally, hearing difficulty, ear discharge of white colour and pain in ear can also attend the above symptoms. It is a leading medicine for complaints arising from ear infections, fluid in middle ear, and eustachian tube blockage.

When to use Kali Mur?

Kali Mur is frequently prescribed medicine to manage blocked / clogged feeling in ears mostly attended with white ear discharge and snapping, popping noises in ears.

How to use Kali Mur?

It is mainly used in 6X potency two to three times a day.

2. Pulsatilla – For Plugged Ears With ear discharge and earache

Pulsatilla is another well indicated medicine that works well in cases where ears feel plugged. Besides, there is otorrhoea, means discharge from the ears. The discharge is often thick, pus like and yellow or greenish yellow. In some cases, hard, black wax may be present in the ear. Another prominent symptom is pain in the ear that can be tearing, shooting, stitching or pulsating type. It usually gets worse at night. In most cases requiring it, along with the above complaints, there is hearing difficulty along with noises in the ear. The noises are mainly humming, ringing, roaring, wind-like or like rushing water.  Itching in ears can also be there. A person who requires it may have chronic cold, ear infection, otitis media, or eustachian tube catarrh.

When to use Pulsatilla?

This medicine is the best choice to treat ear blockage with yellow / greenish yellow ear discharge and earache that gets worse at night.

How to use Pulsatilla?

This medicine can be taken once a day in 30C potency.

3. Silicea – For Ear Stoppage With Ear Discharges

This medicine is well indicated when the ear feels blocked along with ear discharge. The ear discharge for using it is mainly of pus that can also be blood stained sometimes.  The discharge mostly has an offensive smell. The blockage gets  better by swallowing where it is needed. A person becomes hard of hearing. Other accompanying symptoms are ringing/roaring noises in ears and itching in the ears. There may be swelling/catarrh of the eustachian tube. Long standing cold or sinusitis in persons may be present who require this medicine.

When to use Silicea?

Silicea should be selected to manage blockage in ears with discharge of bad smelling pus from ears.

How to use Silicea?

It is mostly recommended in 6X power twice or thrice a day.

4. Chamomilla – For Ear Blockage Accompanied with Pain

Chamomilla is a very beneficial medicine to treat cases in which the ears feel blocked along with pain. Pain in the ear is mainly tearing, shooting, stitching type. The ear is sensitive and painful to touch. The earache can be better by warmth where it is indicated. Inflammation of the middle ear can be present.

When to use Chamomilla?

This medicine is of great help for treating blockage of ears attended with earache that can be tearing, shooting, stitching in nature.

How to use Chamomilla?

It gives good results in 30C potency that can be used one to two times a day.

5. Merc Sol – For Fullness and Stuffed Sensation in Ear with Impaired Hearing

Merc Sol is a prominently indicated medicine for cases having fullness and stuffed sensation in the ear with impaired hearing. Ear fullness is momentarily better after swallowing or blowing your nose. There may be inflammation of the ear along with tearing, shooting, and burning pain. Pus-like green offensive discharge from ears can appear. Ears may be itchy with above symptoms.

When to use Merc Sol?

This medicine should be selected for managing stopped sensation in ears along with hearing difficulty.

How to use Merc Sol?

It is advised to take Merc Sol 30C once a day.

6. Chininum Sulph – To Manage Noises in Ear (Tinnitus)

This is a very helpful medicine to manage noises in the ears. The noises for using it can be ringing, buzzing, roaring in nature. This is frequently attended with hardness of hearing and vertigo. It is a top most medicine to treat cases of Meniere’s disease.

When to use Chininum Sulph?

Chininum Sulph is an important medicine for treating blocked ears when accompanied with marked noises in ears that can be roaring, ringing or buzzing type.

How to use Chininum Sulph?

Use of this medicine is recommended in both low and high potencies. Initially one may use its 30C potency once or twice a day. For using high potencies, prior consultation with homeopathic physician is a must.

7.  Conium – For Plugged Sensation in Ears with Excessive Wax

Conium is a significant medicine where plugged sensation in ears with excessive ear wax is the main symptom. The wax is red and hard. Difficulty of hearing is present with this. Sometimes noises in the ear and stitching pain in ears can be felt. It is also indicated to manage dizziness and vertigo in these cases.

When to use Conium?

This medicine is well indicated to manage ear blockage along with hardened ear wax and sometimes with noises in ears and dizziness / vertigo.

How to use Conium?

Though it can be used in both low and high potencies, it is safe to start with 30C power that can be taken once or twice a day.

8. Phosphorus – For Blocked Sensation and Violent Itching in the Ears

Phosphorus is a valuable medicine to treat cases having blocked sensation along with violent itching in the ears. Constant buzzing noises in the ear and difficult hearing are attending symptoms. Throbbing pain in the ear is yet another symptom that can appear.

When to use Phosphorus?

Phosphorus should be used to manage blocked ears when it is accompanied with itching in the ears.

How to use Phosphorus?

It can be utilized once a day in 30C power.

Causes

Blocked ears can result from a number of causes.

Firstly, it can be caused by excessive ear wax. Normally wax is soft and plays a protective role by preventing debris from entering the ears. If the ear wax hardens or if it is over produced then it can cause plugging of the ears.

Eustachian tube blockage is another cause behind clogged ears. Eustachian tube is a tube that connects the middle ear to nasopharynx. It helps to drain fluid and mucus from the middle ear into the throat from where it is swallowed. It also functions to equalise the pressure between the middle ear and surrounding atmosphere. If the eustachian tube gets blocked then mucus and fluid can’t drain and remains in the middle ear resulting in blockage. This tube can be blocked from nasal allergies, common cold and sinusitis.

Fluid accumulation can occur in the middle ear (glue ear). People who have nasal allergies and those prone to ear infections are at risk of this.

Ear infection from bacteria/virus can cause blocked ears. These include outer ear infections (otitis externa) and middle ear infection (otitis media).

Ear blockage can temporarily occur in some people during airplane journeys or driving hilly mountain areas due to sudden atmospheric pressure change outside the body.

It can also occur from a foreign object in the ear which is common in children and toddlers who may have inserted a small object into the ear.

Meniere’s disease is an inner ear condition having a triad of symptoms that includes vertigo, tinnitus (noises in ear) and hearing loss. A feeling of fullness in the ear or plugged / clogged sensation in the ears can attend above symptoms.

Acoustic Neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour that develops on the vestibular nerve joining the inner ear to the brain. When it is large it tends to put pressure on the nerve of the inner ear leading to clogged ear, hearing loss, noises in the ear, dizziness and balance issues.

 

Nasal turbinates also called the nasal conchae are small sausage shaped structures located within the nose which are made up of bone and covered with soft tissue called mucosa. They are three in number on either side. They are named as superior, middle and inferior turbinates. They warm, humidify the air that flows from nostrils to the lungs and also filter particles like dust from this air that we breathe in. When these nasal turbinates swell, enlarge and cause hindrance to air flow and breathing then it is referred to as turbinate hypertrophy. The turbinates, mainly the middle and inferior one mostly tend to get enlarged and block airflow. Homeopathic Treatment for turbinate hypertrophy helps treat the root cause (like nasal allergies, cold, sinus inflammation) to bring about natural recovery. 

Causes 

The turbinates can swell and enlarge from various reasons. The first reason behind it is nasal allergies. 

Secondly, it can arise in people who have tendency to recurrent colds and those who suffer from sinusitis  (refers to inflammation of any of the 4 pairs of para nasal sinuses means the air spaces present in the skull). 

Other reasons that can lead to it include environmental irritants and upper respiratory tract infections. 

Lastly, certain medications and sometimes pregnancy also contribute to turbinate hypertrophy.

Symptoms 

The main symptom of turbinate hypertrophy is nasal blockage and difficulty to breathe through the nose. Other symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy include snoring, altered sense of smell, nosebleeds (epistaxis), dry mouth when a person keeps mouth open to breathe because of inability to breathe through nose, slight facial pain, pressure in the forehead and runny nose.

Homeopathic Treatment for Turbinate Hypertrophy

Turbinate hypertrophy can be treated with homeopathic medicines in an excellent manner. These medicines help to reduce the swelling and enlargement of nasal turbinates. They help to manage the symptoms of turbinate hypertrophy in a very effective manner. Its symptoms including nasal blockage, snoring, altered sense of smell, nasal bleeding, pressure in the forehead and runny nose as well other nasal allergy symptoms are well managed with these medicines

1. Sanguinarinum Nitricum – Top Grade Medicine for Turbinate Hypertrophy

Sanguinarinum Nitricum is a leading homeopathic medicine for treating turbinate hypertrophy. It helps to reduce the enlargement of turbinates and manage its symptoms effectively. Persons needing it have complaints of nasal blockage with difficulty in breathing. They have to breathe through the mouth due to nasal blockage. This leads to dryness of the mouth in them. Sometimes they also feel pressure at the root of the nose with above symptoms. Sneezing and burning sensation in the nose are other symptoms felt by them. Apart from above, watery discharge from the nose appears sometimes.

2. Lemna Minor – To Manage Nasal Blockage

Homeopathic medicine Lemna Minor is prepared from fresh plants named as duckweed. This plant belongs to family lemnaceae or pistiaceae. It is beneficial to reduce swelling and enlargement of nasal turbinates. It effectively manages nasal blockage in cases of turbinate hypertrophy. It also helps to relieve nasal discharge and excessive sneezing when present in turbinate hypertrophy cases. Apart from above, it is useful to manage complaints of foul smell from nose or loss of smell.

3. Kali Bichrome – For Managing Cases with History of Sinusitis

Homeopathic medicine Kali Bichrome is of great help in managing cases of turbinate hypertrophy in persons having a history of sinusitis. It is helpful when the nose is dry and feels stopped up all the time. Along with this loss of smell is complained. A pressure and pain is also felt at the root of the nose. Burning sensation and soreness is also there in the nose. Other symptoms that may attend above are frequent sneezing and tenderness in the nose.

4. Nux Vomica – To Manage Snoring 

Nux Vomica is a wonderful homoeopathic medicine to manage snoring in cases of turbinate hypertrophy. With this nasal blockage especially at night time is marked. Sneezing and nasal discharge is also present in cases needing Nux Vomica. Soreness in nostrils and headache are some other symptoms. .

5. Natrum Mur – For Managing Turbinate Hypertrophy with Runny Nose

Homeopathic medicine Natrum Mur is an excellent medicine for managing cases of turbinate hypertrophy in persons having runny nose. This tends to alternate with nasal blockage. With this they have intense sneezing. Sometimes they have loss of smell too. Pressure in the forehead and mild facial pain are the rest of the symptoms that they may have along with above symptoms. It is a wonderful homeopathic medicine to treat cases of turbinate hypertrophy in persons who have tendency to nasal allergies.

6. Phosphorus – To Manage Nosebleeds (Epistaxis) 

Phosphorus is a well-indicated homeopathic medicine to manage bleeding from the nose (epistaxis) in turbinate hypertrophy cases. Persons needing it have swelling of turbinate bones. They have nasal bleeding where blood is bright red. They may have nasal bleeding many times in a day which is usually profuse. They may also feel a bad smell in the nose. They also have stoppage and fullness sensation in the nose along with above symptoms.

7. Silicea – For Turbinate Hypertrophy with Pressure in Forehead

Silicea is a significant homeopathic medicine to treat cases of turbinate hypertrophy when pressure in the forehead is prominent. Along with this stoppage and dryness of the nose is there. Sometimes stoppage of nose alternates with fluent nasal discharge. Loss of smell is also there. Along with these symptoms nasal bleeding may arise occasionally. Drawing pain in the root of the nose may also be felt.

8. Calcarea Carb – For Turbinate Hypertrophy with Altered Sense of Smell

Calcarea Carb is a well indicated medicine for treating turbinate hypertrophy with altered sense of smell. The persons needing it have either loss of smell or offensive odour in their nose. Along with this they have a stoppage of the nose with difficulty in breathing. Sometimes pain in the forehead is felt.

9. Pulsatilla – For Turbinate Hypertrophy with History of Chronic Cold

Homeopathic medicine Pulsatilla is prepared from a plant named Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known by the name of wind flower or pasque flower. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is useful for turbinate hypertrophy in persons having a history of chronic cold mostly with thick yellow green discharge from the nose. It is helpful to manage loss of smell, pain or soreness in the nose. It also manages frontal headache and nasal blockage very well.

10. Ammonium Carb – For Nasal Blockage at Night Time

It is a very beneficial medicine to manage nasal blockage at night time. Persons needing it have to breathe through the mouth due to stoppage of nose. Other symptoms that they may have along with above includes bleeding from nose, nasal discharge of burning character and a continuous urge to sneeze. 

11. Arsenic Album – To Manage Symptoms of Nasal Allergies

Nasal allergies is the main reason behind turbinate hypertrophy. This medicine helps to manage nasal allergy symptoms in these cases. Here, it firstly helps to manage nasal discharges with frequent sneezing. The nasal discharge is usually watery where it is needed. It can cause a burning smarting sensation in the nostrils. Next, it also helps to relieve nasal blockage. Cases having alternate stoppage of nose and fluent coryza are also well managed with this medicine.

12. Allium Cepa – For Fluent Nasal Discharges, Sneezing and Headache

Allium Cepa is prepared from a common red onion that belongs to the liliaceae family. It is a very effective medicine to manage fluent nasal discharges, sneezing and headache. Usually the nasal discharges burns and corrodes the nose and upper lip. People needing it mostly complain of violent sneezing in the morning soon after rising from bed. They also feel that the sneezing worsens in a warm room. They have attending complaints of stoppage of the nose and a tight feeling at the root of the nose.  They may also have crawling sensation in the nostrils or sometimes tingling, itching in the nostrils.

13. Hepar Sulph – For Nasal Stoppage in Cold Air

It is a very suitable medicine for managing cases that present with nasal stoppage from cold air exposure. Along with this runny or thick offensive discharge from the nose can be present. Sneezing also appears with it from cold air exposure.

Smell and taste disorders are conditions that lead to decrease, absence or distortion in the sense of smell and taste. Smell and taste disorders can be frustrating because they affect a person’s ability to enjoy fragrances and enjoy food/drink. Both smell and taste disorders affect quality of life. Homeopathic medicines for smell and taste disorders that are suitable for a given case are selected on the basis of the prominent, characteristic symptoms of a person following a detailed case analysis.

Smell disorders may have serious consequences sometimes because they make a person unable to detect smell in case there is any gas leakage, fire or if the food is decayed. Loss of smell or taste can lead to decrease of interest in eating which can cause weight loss and malnutrition. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Smell and Taste Disorders

Natural homeopathic remedies for smell and taste disorders can prove to be highly effective. These medicines manage such disorders in a very effective manner. They aim at correcting the root cause behind it to bring excellent results. The extent to which these medicines help depends upon the duration and intensity of the complaint.   

For Decreased Power of Smell or Complete Loss of Smell

1. Natrum Mur – For Cases of Cold, Nasal Allergies

Natrum Mur is a leading medicine for managing cases with reduced smell or loss of smell from cold, nasal allergies. People needing it have a history of severe colds with clear white  copious nasal discharge. With this, violent and frequent sneezing is complained about. Sometimes they have alternate fluent nasal discharge with nasal stoppage. In most cases loss of taste is complained along with loss of smell where this medicine is indicated.

2. Pulsatilla – From Recurrent Cold

This is another suitable medicine to manage reduced / loss of smell. In persons needing it, a tendency of recurrent colds may be present.  Most times they have thick yellowish, greenish nasal discharges. These discharges can have an offensive odour. Their nose feels blocked in the evening. Most times they have loss of taste and appetite too along with smell loss.

3. Calcarea Carb – Due to Nasal Polyps and Frequent Cold

It is a well-indicated medicine for cases of loss of smell from nasal polyps. Along with polyps a tendency to have frequent colds is also present in persons needing this medicine. They may have alternate nasal dryness and blocked nose with yellow offensive mucus. They may also have ulceration or scabs in the nostrils. 

4. Teucrium – From Nasal Polyps 

This medicine like Calcarea Carb is well indicated for cases of decreased or loss of smell from nasal polyps. The symptoms that are present along with smell loss are stoppage of nostrils, crawling sensation in nostrils, discharge of green scabs from the nostrils.

5. Silicea – For Cases of Chronic Cold and Sinusitis

It is the next beneficial medicine for cases of diminished or loss of smell. Persons needing it usually have a tendency of chronic cold and also sinus inflammation / infection. The symptoms that they frequently have along with smell loss includes complete stoppage of nose, sore scabs in nostrils,  fetid offensive green or yellow pus like nasal discharge and pain in forehead. They also have loss of taste along with smell loss.

For Foul Smell from the Nose

1. Kali Bichrome – In Cases of Inflamed Mucus Membrane of Nose and Sinus

Kali Bichrome is a very useful medicine for cases having putrid smell from the nose. In such cases chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of nose and sinus is usually present. For using it the symptoms other than putrid smell are dryness of nose, blockage of nose, pressure in root of nose and tough ropy discharges dripping from back of nostrils into the throat.

2. Lemna Minor – For Cases with Nasal Polyps 

This medicine is most helpful for foul smell in the nose, in the presence of nasal polyps. There may be presence of nasal polyps in cases requiring it. Other than foul smell the symptoms to look for using it are stopped nose, discharge of a crust / pus like discharge from nose and frequent sneezing attacks.

3. Graphites – For Foul Smell like Burnt Hair 

Graphites is an excellent medicine to treat cases in which a person experiences a bad smell from the nose, as from burnt hair. They also have discharge of thick, yellowish, offensive mucus from nose  and stoppage of nose. They may also have hard masses, dry scabs or crusts in the nostrils.

For Increased Sensitivity to Smell

1. Phosphorus – For Increased Sensitivity to Smell (Especially Flowers)

It is a top grade medicine for cases where the sensitivity to smell is increased. Persons needing it may particularly have a very heightened sense for the smell of flowers which can even cause fainting in them. In them there may be long standing inflammation of the nasal membrane. Along with this sneezing may also be present. There can be fluent nasal discharges alternating with nasal blockage. Apart from above it is an excellent medicine where nasal polyps are present especially the ones that bleed easily.

2. Hepar Sulph – When Vertigo Appears with Increased Smell Sensitivity

It is the next well indicated medicine to treat cases with high sensitivity to smell. Along with this vertigo may be present. Few other attending symptoms are nasal stoppage in morning and thick pus like discharge from the nose that can be sometimes blood tinged.

3. Colchicum – For High Sensitivity to Smell mainly of Cooking Food

This medicine is also of much help when a person has increased sense of smelling. He is mostly highly sensitive to the smell of cooking. Additionally he may have sneezing and crawling in the nose. With this he can complain of long lasting nasal discharges that are thin. 

For Reduced Sense of Taste and Loss of Taste

1. Antimonium Crudum – For Reduced Sense of Taste

This medicine is significant to treat cases having lowered sense of taste. A peculiar symptom that attends is thick, milky white coating on the tongue. With this the  borders of the tongue may be red and the mouth can be dry.

2. Borax – For Complete Loss of Taste 

Borax is the next important medicine to manage this condition. It is indicated when  a person doesn’t get any taste of food. Additionally he may have oral thrush (fungal growth in mouth). The main  symptoms that he has are white fungal patches in mouth, heat in mouth, tenderness in mouth and dry cracked tongue.

3. Bryonia – For Loss of Taste with Dry Mouth

This medicine is helpful for persons who have loss of taste for food. But when they are not eating their mouth feels bitter. A characteristic symptom with this is great dryness of tongue, mouth and lips. The tongue may also be cracked.

Loss of Sense of Smell and Taste Occurring Together

1. Natrum Mur – In Case of Cold or Nasal Allergies

This medicine is highly valuable for persons who have loss of smell as well as taste. Both food and drink feels tasteless to them. They usually suffer from cold or nasal allergies. The symptoms they suffer from in this condition are sneezing and fluent nasal discharges.

2. Pulsatilla – From Long Standing Cold

This medicine works well when there is reduction / loss of taste and smell with loss of appetite. In cases where it is indicated, sense of taste is diminished for every kind of food. Prominently long term cold is present with this. Here thick, yellow or greenish nasal discharge with offensive smell is the key symptom.

For Bad Taste in Mouth

1. Nux Vomica – For Bad Taste, Especially in Morning

Nux Vomica offers great help in cases presenting with bad taste in mouth. Most people needing it feel that it is most prominent in the morning.  They may also feel a sour taste in their mouths after eating or drinking. Another symptom they have is altered taste especially for coffee, milk and water. Their tongue may be inflamed. They can have needle-like piercing pain on the edges of the tongue.

2. Carbo Veg – For Bad Taste and Offensive Smell from Mouth

This medicine is beneficial for cases having foul taste and offensive odour from mouth. With this the appetite is lost. In many cases requiring it, gum inflammation can be present. Here the gums are swollen, painful, sensitive and bleed often.

3. Belladonna – For Offensive Taste when Eating or Drinking

This medicine is useful for someone having offensive taste in mouth when eating or drinking though food and drink have proper taste. The tongue is clean with this. Heat or burning sensation in the mouth can accompany this.

For Unusual Taste in Mouth

1. Merc Sol – For Metallic Taste in Mouth

It is a leading medicine to manage cases presenting with metallic taste in the mouth. Tongue can be inflamed, with intense redness, severe pain and burning sensation. The salivation mostly is increased with these symptoms. Bad smell from the mouth can appear. In some cases needing it, fungal infection in the mouth or inflammation of the gums may be present.

2. Cuprum Met – For Coppery Taste in Mouth

This medicine is indicated when there is specific coppery taste in the mouth. Along with this all food tastes like clear water. Tongues can be inflamed from a long time and be accompanied by profuse saliva.

3. Arsenic Album – For Bitter Taste in Mouth

It is given when there is bitter taste in the mouth. This appears usually after eating or drinking. A burning sensation in the mouth frequently attends these symptoms.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Sour Taste in Mouth

This medicine is used when there is sour taste in the mouth. Great dryness and heat in the mouth can arise with this.

5. Lycopodium – For heightened Sense of Taste

For managing cases with increase sense of taste, the most prominent medicine is Lycopodium. White coating on tongue, dryness of mouth and tongue with putrid smell are the main symptoms.

 For Heightened Sense of Taste

For managing cases with an increased sense of taste, the most prominent medicine is Lycopodium. In cases needing it white coating on the tongue can be present. Dryness of mouth and tongue with putrid smell are other attending symptoms to this.

Smell Disorders

A person is able to smell due to smell receptors present in the nose. The microscopic odor molecules released from substances like from cooking food, flowers stimulate these receptors. From here messages go to the brain, which helps us recognize smell. If these receptors are blocked or damaged then it will lead to smell disorders.

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the different types of smell disorders described as follows:

1. Hyposmia – A decreased ability to detect odours or partial loss of sense of smell.
2. Anosmia – A complete inability to smell or total loss of sense of smell is there.
3. Parosmia -When there is a change in the normal perception of odours. In this, the odour of familiar substances is distorted and it smells different from what was previously remembered (like something pleasant starts smelling foul now.)
4. Phantosmia – This is when a person smells an odour (mainly foul, burnt, spoiled, putrid) that isn’t actually present. 
5. Hyperosmia – It refers to an increased sensitivity to smell.

Causes

The  common causes of smell disorders includes Common cold or flu, nasal Allergy / hay fever, nasal polyps, sinus inflammation / infection, nasal congestion / blockage and any sort of upper respiratory infection (whether bacterial or viral). Next to this tumours in nasal cavity, any injury or trauma to nose, head injury especially if it involves frontal lobes of the brain and radiation treatment to the head for cancer can lead to smell disorders. 

Other than this certain medications (like nasal decongestants if used for long time some common antibiotics and antihistamines, high blood pressure medication), smoking, hormonal disturbance, any circulatory illness that diminishes blood flow to nasal tissue, exposure to insecticides or other chemicals can cause this. 

Smell disorders can also be present in some medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (a nervous system disorder characterised by rest tremor, slowed movement, rigidity of muscles, impaired posture and balance, speech changes. In this disorder sometime problems with smell can arise), epilepsy (a brain disorder  causing recurrent seizures characterised by unusual behaviour, movements and sometimes loss of consciousness) and schizophrenia (serious mental disorder in which reality is interpreted abnormally and the sufferer has hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking and behaviour). 

It can be congenital too, which means that some people may be born with it. Sense of smell may also become less sharp as you age.  Sometimes it is idiopathic where no cause is found.

Taste Disorders

The taste buds on the tongue and mouth carry taste receptors that help to identify taste. When we eat or drink something tiny molecules released from it stimulate taste receptors. These receptors then send messages to the brain which helps us to identify tastes. Smell and taste are closely interlinked with each other and the taste of the food is also influenced by the smell of the food. The aromas released on chewing food stimulate sensory cells of smell through a channel that connects the roof of the throat to the back of the nose which help us distinguish different flavours. If this channel is blocked, like from stuffy nose due to cold then it prevents odours from reaching sensory cells of the nose. Due to the lack of smell, the food tastes bland  and feels it has no flavour. This is why some people who think they have loss of taste have actually lost their sense of smell instead.

Symptoms

The symptoms of taste disorders are described as per the type given below:

1. Hypogeusia – It presents with reduced ability of sense of taste
2. Ageusia – In this, a person has complete  inability to detect any taste. It is rare and many times people having loss of taste actually have lost their smell.
3. Dysgeusia also called parageusia – In this an unusual unpleasant taste like a foul,  metallic, salty, rancid taste persists in the mouth. It can be accompanied by a painful burning sensation in the mouth. In this type a person can also perceive the wrong taste of food; like eating an ice cream may have a salty, bitter or metallic taste. It also includes change in taste in which foods taste differently than it previously used to be like something starts  to taste  bad which previously used to be pleasant to taste.
4. Phantom Taste Perception – In this type a bad unpleasant taste lingers in mouth even though there is nothing in the mouth.
5. Hypergeusia -It refers to heightened sense of taste.

Causes

It can arise from cold, nasal allergies, nasal blockage and upper respiratory tract infection. Secondly it can arise from poor oral hygiene, dental issues, gum inflammation (gingivitis), burns to the tongue, sjogren’s syndrome (autoimmune disorder characterised by dry mouth and dry eyes), salivary gland infection and oral thrush (fungal infection in mouth). 

Next, it can follow some surgeries on the ear, nose, and throat, a head injury, radiation treatment for treating cancer of head and neck. Other reasons for this include smoking, certain medicines (like some antihistamines and antibiotics), exposure to insecticides and some chemicals,  nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin B12 and Zinc). It can also be congenital means present since birth. It can appear in people with advancing age.