Loss of the Sense of Smell (Anosmia)
This page will help answer your questions.
What is Loss of the Sense of Smell?
It is a condition in which an individual loses the ability to detect and distinguish odors.
What are the Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Smell?
- Many common conditions can cause the loss of the sense of smell, including:
- Colds..
- Influenza.
- Nasal congestion (blocked nose).
- Deviated nasal septum.
- Nasal polyps (growthsinside the nose).).
- Sinus infections (Sinusitis).
Hay fever or other allergies.
- Loss of the sense of smell isalso associated with several conditions, such as:.
- Diabetes.
- Kallmann syndrome (rare genetic condition).
- Multiple sclerosis (disease affecting nerves)..
- Obesity.
- High blood pressure.
- Brain injury.
Certain medications, such as antihistamines (allergy medications) and some antibiotics.
How is the Loss of the Sense of Smell Managed? Tips to Help You Overcome Loss of the Sense of Smell:
- In most cases, treating the underlying cause can help restore smell. For example:
- If sinusitis is the cause of loss of smell, appropriate medications may help reduce the inflammation.
- If certain medications affect the sense of smell, they can be replaced with alternatives that do not affect the sense of smell.
If you have nasal blockage or polyps, or any other type of obstruction, surgery may be necessary if medications do not successfully treat the issue.
When ShouldYou Seea Doctor?
Loss of the sense of smell associated with colds, influenza, and infections typically resolves within a few days. If you experience persistent loss of the sense of smell, you should consult a doctor for further evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long can the loss of smell last?
The duration of loss of sense of smell depends on its underlying cause. It often returns once the underlying cause is treated and recovery is complete.
Is the loss of smell related to the loss of taste?
