Anosmia

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Anosmia (loss of smell)

Anosmia is the inability to smell. It can be partial or total, and it may affect just one odor or many. Hyposmia is when you have a reduced sense of smell.

Types and causes
- Acquired anosmia: develops later in life due to things like a bad cold or flu, head injury, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or nerve or brain problems. It can also happen from certain medicines.
- Congenital anosmia: you are born without a sense of smell, usually due to genetic or developmental factors.
- Other factors: inflammation or blockage in the nose, nasal polyps, or damage to the nerves that sense odors. Some rarer causes include certain long-term conditions or brain changes.

COVID-19 and others
- Anosmia is a common symptom of COVID-19 and can last for weeks or months in some people.
- A few people notice loss of smell on one side of the nose (unilateral anosmia), which is more likely to be found if each nostril is tested separately.

What it means for daily life
- Smell loss can affect taste, appetite, and mood. It can also make it harder to notice gas leaks, spoiled food, or smoke.
- If you were born without a sense of smell, you might not notice the change in yourself the way others would.

How doctors diagnose and treat it
- Diagnosis: your history is important, and a physical exam of the nose is done. Sometimes smell is tested separately in each nostril.
- Treatments:
- If the cause is inflammation, doctors may use steroids to reduce swelling.
- If nasal polyps are part of the problem, treatment might include steroids or removing the polyps.
- For congenital anosmia, there is currently no cure; management focuses on safety and coping strategies.
- Avoid long-term use of vasoconstrictor nasal sprays, which can damage smell; non-vasoconstricting sprays are generally safer for ongoing use.

Prevalence
- About 3% of people over 40 in the United States have some smell loss. Rates rise with age.

If you notice a sudden loss of smell, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider to find the cause and discuss possible treatments.