Why can't I taste or smell at all after a cold?

I am fighting a sinus infection.Why cant i smell or taste anything?

• For 2 months i have been battling a Sinus Infection.Meds,antibiotics,nasal sprays,neti pots.All symptoms are gone,pretty much.They were headaches,facial pressure,nose pain,stuffy head,dizziness. Im currently on a sinus nebulizer,which you inhale the mist and it goes right to the sinus infection area. All i have now is nose pain ,like a burning and i cant taste anything?? Why cant i taste anything or smell anything.Its been 2 days of this. My concern is all the nose sprays ive been using or the netipot may have burned inside my nose and affected whatever controls the smell and taste? Im worried i did too much and something got messed up,like maybe nerves that control this stuff? Or is it more likely just from being sick?

• Answer:

  It's just that the tissues are so inflamed that just inhaling air feels like the inside of your nose is being seared. I had that a few times when my allergies were bad. It can also be a side effect of steroid sprays and inhalers. Check with your doctor; if he has you on steroids, he might take you off for a few days, which should clear it up.