I was worried that I might have been exposed to COVID, so I used a liquid sanitizer on my nostrils out of fear. Now I can't smell or taste anything. I'm worried it's permanent. Is there a chance my sense of smell will come back?

Your concern about losing smell and taste after using a liquid sanitizer in your nostrils is understandable. Here's what you should know:

1. Possible Cause: Using sanitizer inside the nostrils can irritate or damage the delicate lining responsible for smell.

2. Chance of Recovery: In many cases, the sense of smell can return over time as the nasal tissues heal, but the timeline varies.

3. When to Seek Help: If the loss of smell and taste persists beyond a couple of weeks or worsens, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.

4. Avoid Further Irritation: Refrain from putting any chemicals or irritants inside your nose.

5. COVID-19 Consideration: Since loss of smell and taste is also a symptom of COVID-19, consider getting tested if you haven't already.

If symptoms continue, an ENT specialist can evaluate you and suggest treatments or therapies to aid recovery. Remember, healing can take time, so try to stay patient and avoid further nasal irritation.