The sense of smell is one of the senses that most of us take for granted … until it’s gone. Anosmia is the loss of the sense of smell. Unfortunately, loss of smell is much more common than being overly sensitive to smells. With a loss of smell usually comes a loss of taste. Most of us have experienced this to some extent at one point or another. It’s usually only a temporary irritation caused by congestion from a cold or allergies. But once the congestion clears, our sense of smell and sense of taste return. But for some people, the loss of a sense of smell persists. This can be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
What Causes Loss of Smell?
Your sense of smell is driven by a certain process. Receptors at the front of our noses take in odors through the air we breathe. We also detect odors through the back of our noses from our mouths when we chew food. This is why many people who experience a loss of sense of smell also experience loss of taste.
The most common cause of loss of taste and smell is nasal congestion due to the common cold, allergies, sinus infection, or poor air quality. Other, rarer and more serious causes include:
· Nasal polyps. These are noncancerous growths that block the nasal passageway.
· Exposure to toxic chemicals.
· Certain medications or drugs.
· Certain medical conditions.
· Injury to the nose. Surgery or head trauma can injure smell nerves.
· Radiation treatment.
· Old age.
If you experience anosmia that is not due to congestion or that does not improve after a week, talk to your doctor. If you experience no sense of smell spontaneously, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Your doctor can examine inside your nose to see if any growth is impeding your ability to smell or if any infection is present. Your doctor may order a CT scan to get the best look at the area.
Treatments for Anosmia
Curses and treatments for anosmia vary depending on the underlying cause. Here are a few of the most commonly available treatments:
· If a polyp or other growth is present, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove it. After the growth is removed, your sense of smell is expected to return.
· If you think medication might be to blame for your loss of sense of smell, you should talk to your doctor to determine another treatment that won’t affect your smell and taste. Always talk to a doctor first before stopping any medication.
· Unfortunately, anosmia is not always treatable. As we age, our sense of smell decreases.
· With congestion due to a cold or allergy, treatment is usually not needed. The problem usually improves by itself within a few days. Over-the-counter decongestants may open up your nasal passageways for easier breathing.
Remember that anosmia is usually only temporary and clears within a few days, but for some, it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. If you experience loss of smell and it impacts your quality of life, always speak to your doctor. Your doctor has a number of tools and options to help you taste and smell all that life has to offer.
