DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am 64 years old in good health but take five medications.
About two months ago I got a cold and was given a Z-pack. It didn’t help so I was given Levaquin. Now I cannot smell or taste. How can I bring these senses back?
DEAR READER:
I would first like to comment on your cold treatment. A cold is caused by one of more than 100 different viruses. Antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections and therefore should not be given to individuals with colds or other viral infections.
Now to your senses of smell and taste. Some individuals can experience a loss of these with trivial colds. It can also be the result of various medications. If they have not returned within six months, I recommend you make an appointment with your physician to discuss your meds and what the side effects are. If it is not due to any of your pills, make an appointment with an ear-nose-and-throat physician who can further test you.
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