Snap, crackle, pop!

the age of 80 experience a significant decline in their sense of smell, typically beginning around their seventies.

However, if you are still some time away from reaching your seventies, it’s important to explore other factors.

Other common triggers include ailments like colds, f lu, allergies, sinus infections, or nasal obstructions.

Changes in smell can also be attributed to medications and, in rare instances, neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or epilepsy.

Loss of smell has also been frequently associated with ‘Long Covid,’ a condition that is still undergoing extensive research to better understand its causes and treatments.

Rinsing the nasal passages with saltwater can be beneficial.

However, if your sense of smell fails to return to normal within a few weeks, it’s advisable to see your GP.

Ignoring persistent symptoms can lead to complications, making timely treatment essential.

Cracking my joints is a bad stress habit I’ve had for years. But is it true that it could cause joint pain or arthritis in later life? A

Paula, Inverness

Cracking your knuckles is unlikely to lead to arthritis.

The sound is simply caused by bubbles bursting within the synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints.

Often, people crack their knuckles for personal satisfaction or as a distraction during nerve-wracking moments.

While cracking knuckles itself doesn’t directly cause arthritis, habitual cracking may result in reduced grip strength.

If you find yourself using knuckle cracking as a stress-relief technique, it’s important to seek healthier alternatives. Engaging in activities like socialising or exercising can effectively alleviate stress.

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