NE Valley Times

• Sinus infections can lead to a loss of taste and smell.

• Losing the ability to taste and smell can cause a decreased quality of life for the patient.

• Treating the sinus infection can restore the patient's sense of taste and smell.

Many Americans' holiday celebrations feature a traditional meal. A YouGov survey found that the most popular foods to have on the table during the holidays are roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, turkey, bread rolls, and stuffing, Taste of Home reported.

But people suffering from sinus infections may not be able to enjoy their meals this holiday season due to a loss of the senses of smell and taste, according to Houston ENT. Congestion is a common symptom of sinus infections, and a stuffy nose can decrease your ability to taste by blocking access to the part of the brain that processes taste.

People who lose the ability to smell and taste frequently experience decreased appetite and poor nutrition, which could lead to depression, according to Mayo Clinic. Some might use excess salt or sugar on food to try to make it taste better, which can exacerbate problems with diabetes or high blood sugar. Fortunately, if the loss of taste and smell is due to a sinus infection or other nasal issue, treating the infection can restore your senses of taste and smell.

Dr. Franklyn Gergits of Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center said people who seek treatment for their sinus problems might be surprised at how many other aspects of their lives improve as well. 

"Quality of life is huge," Gergits told NE Valley Times. "We kind of take it for granted that we're living our best life, but maybe we're not. If quality of life is not optimized, then it's our job as physicians and providers to try to help patients navigate through those challenges and help them seek relief. Since sinusitis can cause so many different ailments -- like facial pain, facial pressure, nasal congestion, drainage -- if we can resolve those problems, then we're not surprised. But patients are often surprised that their quality of life gets that much better, because their breathing pathway and the chronic sinus infections are now a thing of the past."

To learn more about the symptoms of sinus infections, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.