What is Anosmia?
Anosmia, or loss of smell, is a frustrating condition that affects up to 20 percent of people in the U.S. Besides affecting smell itself, anosmia can also:
- Reduce the sense of taste
- Lead to lower interest in food
- Cause unplanned weight loss
- Decrease quality of life
- Be linked to the development of certain neurologic diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
Of all cases, about 50 percent can be fully treated and reversed, but it’s critical to get to the root of the problem first.
Causes
Common causes of Anosmia include:
- Age
- Smoking
- Chronic sinus infections
- Sinus inflammation/obstruction
- Viral infection
- Neurodegenerative disease
- Head trauma
- Cold, flu or allergies (but these anosmia cases are usually temporary)
More rare causes include:
- Nutrient deficiencies (Vitamin A, B6, B12 or trace metals)
- Use of certain medications
- Exposure to certain heavy metals
- Toxic exposure to paint solvents, ethyl acetate, benzene and other potential hazards
- Cocaine use
Diagnosis
THE DIAGNOSIS
The first step in treating anosmia is diagnosing it. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- Total or partial loss of smell (sudden or gradual)
- Warped sense of smell/taste
- Inability to detect sweet, sour, salty or bitter flavors
Besides losing a sharp sense of smell and taste, people with anosmia may also notice:
- Trouble breathing through the nose
- Runny nose
- Burning mouth or tongue
- Dry mouth or eyes
- Migraines
- Recurring yeast infections
You can submit our Anosmia Questionnaire here, or make an appointment if you’d like an evaluation. At a personal consultation, we can:
- Collect important information about your health history
- Examine your nose and sinus passages
- Give a special scratch and sniff test to check for symptoms
- Recommend imaging (such as a CT scan or an MRI) or nasal endoscopy to examine further, if needed
Treatment
THE TREATMENT
With the proper treatment, some cases of anosmia will simply go away. For other cases, treatment can help minimize symptoms.
These treatments can help Anosmia caused by a nasal obstruction:
- Oral steroids (a short-term regimen)
- Decongestants and antihistamines
- Steroidal nasal spray
- Sinus surgery
More progressive treatments, such as smell therapy, have also led to progress in scientific studies.
Don’t ignore anosmia as just a “minor inconvenience.” We’re here to help when you need it.
Learn more from this comprehensive Anosmia presentation prepared by Dr. Robert Pincus: Olfaction 2016 – Anosmia Stinks
Frequently Asked Questions
Anosmia is the loss of smell, affecting up to 20% of people in the U.S. It not only diminishes the sense of smell but can also reduce the sense of taste, lower interest in food, cause unplanned weight loss, decrease quality of life, and may be linked to neurologic diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Common causes of anosmia include aging, smoking, chronic sinus infections, sinus inflammation or obstruction, viral infections, neurodegenerative diseases, head trauma, and temporary conditions like cold, flu, or allergies. Identifying the underlying cause is critical for effective treatment.
Diagnosis begins with informing your doctor about any loss or distortion of smell or taste. A physician may collect health history, perform nose and sinus examinations, conduct a scratch and sniff test, and may recommend imaging such as CT scans or MRIs and nasal endoscopy if further analysis is needed.
Treatment for anosmia due to nasal obstruction includes short-term oral steroids, decongestants, antihistamines, steroidal nasal sprays, and sinus surgery if necessary. Additionally, smell therapy shows promise as a progressive treatment to improve symptoms.
Approximately 50% of anosmia cases can be fully treated and reversed, especially when the root cause is identified and properly addressed. Timely diagnosis and treatment dramatically improve the odds of recovery.
Rare causes of anosmia include nutrient deficiencies such as vitamins A, B6, B12 or trace metals, certain medications, exposure to heavy metals and toxic substances like paint solvents and benzene, as well as cocaine use. Identifying these requires thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Ignoring anosmia can lead to a decreased quality of life due to lost taste and smell, unplanned weight loss, and potential association with serious neurologic diseases. Seeking evaluation and treatment helps manage symptoms and address underlying issues to prevent complications.