Advise: Can’t Taste Pipe Tobacco After Chest Infection

[KennethR]

Every year I take a break from alcohol and pipe tobacco for three months it just so coincided that I got a really bad chest infection near the end of that time. In the last week, I’ve tried to start pipe smoking again but getting a real lack of taste in some of my favorite tobacco’s. I really like Plum Pudding and Presbyterian blend but both blends felt flavorless from what I strongly remember. I was really scratching my head because I know the taste of these tobaccos and love them, but was getting none of the satisfaction. My question to the forum is how long should I expect this to last? Any advice?

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Few days to a few weeks. In my own experience, closer to a few days.

 

[Mrs. Pickles]

Olfactory neurons supposedly go through their life cycle every couple of months and new ones grow back as others die off. They don't always grow back the same, though. It's possible things have changed and/or you might also still be healing.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Every year I take a break from alcohol and pipe tobacco for three months it just so coincided that I got a really bad chest infection near the end of that time. In the last week, I’ve tried to start pipe smoking again but getting a real lack of taste in some of my favorite tobacco’s. I really like Plum Pudding and Presbyterian blend but both blends felt flavorless from what I strongly remember. I was really scratching my head because I know the taste of these tobaccos and love them, but was getting none of the satisfaction. My question to the forum is how long should I expect this to last? Any advice?

Sounds more like Latakia burnout, happens overnight. Can you taste non Latakia blends?

 

[Arkansas Paul]

It may just be one of those things that takes time.
I know that's not very helpful.

 

[Brendan]

Could be the good old China Flu?

 

[BingBong]

Been through this cycle a few times now, the trick is to find a rehab blend and stick with it until you get back on track. Last time, I used SG Skiff and it took two or three weeks to get back in the loop, although full flavours took more like three months. I was pretty determined and not put off, though, had to stick at it.

 

[KennethR]

Sounds more like Latakia burnout, happens overnight. Can you taste non Latakia blends?

I can't taste Latakia or anything really.

 

[KennethR]

Been through this cycle a few times now, the trick is to find a rehab blend and stick with it until you get back on track. Last time, I used SG Skiff and it took two or three weeks to get back in the loop, although full flavours took more like three months. I was pretty determined and not put off, though, had to stick at it.

Thanks, Bingbong. It's been really weird to not taste anything.

 

[KennethR]

Could be the good old China Flu?

I hope not but there is a lot of viruses going around right now.

 

[KennethR]

Been through this cycle a few times now, the trick is to find a rehab blend and stick with it until you get back on track. Last time, I used SG Skiff and it took two or three weeks to get back in the loop, although full flavours took more like three months. I was pretty determined and not put off, though, had to stick at it.

Good advice thank you.

 

[badbriar]

Give it some time - probably will be fine. You were likely taking some heavy duty antibiotics, which will thoroughly screw up you sense of taste and likely your sense of smell as well.
I bet if you drink your favorite beers, they will taste off as well!
Hang in there and be well!

 

[wyfbane]

I can't taste Latakia or anything really.

Covid is the silent  killer taste thief. My dad had it twice with nary a symptom, but my kid and I always lost all taste. Hope your buds heal up quick!

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I hope that you recover quickly.

 

[FLDRD]

That has happened to me a couple of times. Varying degrees of recovery time. Last time I was so dejected I pondered getting rid of all pipes and tobacco. It was disheartening, to say the least. Fortunately, I did not. Just keep waiting and trying a bowl now and then.
Perhaps go back to your most basic / baseline blend that is the most neutral.
Also try blends that you thought you didn't like so much, but you hung onto - just in case. You might be surprised about it this time around.
Both methods have proven to be helpful to me.

 

[KennethR]

Good advice thank you.

Actually, beer tasted off too.

 

[KennethR]

Covid is the silent  killer taste thief. My dad had it twice with nary a symptom, but my kid and I always lost all taste. Hope your buds heal up quick!

Thank you.

 

[KennethR]

That has happened to me a couple of times. Varying degrees of recovery time. Last time I was so dejected I pondered getting rid of all pipes and tobacco. It was disheartening, to say the least. Fortunately, I did not. Just keep waiting and trying a bowl now and then.
Perhaps go back to your most basic / baseline blend that is the most neutral.
Also try blends that you thought you didn't like so much, but you hung onto - just in case. You might be surprised about it this time around.
Both methods have proven to be helpful to me.

Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[jaingorenard]

It may just be that you need a few smokes to get back into practice. But if beer tastes off it may be something else.

Hope it gets back to normal soon!

 

[dd57chevy]

Sorry to state the obvious , but I'd talk to your M.D. He'd probably advise a Covid test .