Learn About Anosmia

What is the definition of Anosmia?

Impaired smell is the partial or total loss or abnormal perception of the sense of smell.

What are the alternative names for Anosmia?

Loss of smell; Anosmia; Hyposmia; Parosmia; Dysosmia

What is some background information about Anosmia?

The loss of smell can occur with conditions that prevent air from reaching smell receptors located high in the nose, or loss of or injury to the smell receptors. Loss of smell is not serious, but can sometimes be a sign of a nervous system condition.

Temporary loss of the sense of smell is common with colds and nasal allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis). It may occur after a viral illness.

Some loss of smell occurs with aging. In most cases, there is no clear cause, and there is no treatment.

The sense of smell also enhances your ability to taste. Many people who lose their sense of smell also complain that they lose their sense of taste. Most can still tell between salty, sweet, sour, and bitter tastes, which are sensed on the tongue. They may not be able to tell between other flavors. Some spices (such as pepper) may affect the nerves of the face. You may feel rather than smell them.

What are the causes of Anosmia?

Loss of smell can be caused by:

  • Medicines that change or decrease the ability to detect odors, such as amphetamines, estrogen, naphazoline, trifluoperazine, long-term use of nasal decongestants, reserpine, and possibly zinc-based products
  • Blockage of the nose due to nasal polyps, nasal septal deformities, and nasal tumors
  • Infections in the nose, throat, or sinuses
  • Allergies
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Dementia or other neurological problems
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Head injury
  • Nasal or sinus surgery
  • Radiation therapy to the head or face
How do I perform a home exam for a Anosmia?

Treating the cause of the problem may correct the lost sense of smell. Treatment can include:

  • Antihistamines (if the condition is due to an allergy)
  • Changes in medicine
  • Surgery to correct blockages
  • Treatment of other disorders
  • Olfactory retraining therapy using familiar odors can help improve the sense of smell in a minority of patients

Avoid using too many nasal decongestants, which can lead to repeated nasal congestion.

If you lose your sense of smell, you may have changes in taste. Adding highly seasoned foods to your diet can help stimulate the taste sensations that you still have.

Improve your safety at home by using smoke detectors and electric appliances instead of gas appliances. You may not be able to smell gas if there is a leak. Or, install equipment that detects gas fumes in the home. People with smell loss should label when food items were opened to prevent eating spoiled food.

There is no treatment for loss of smell due to aging.

If you have a loss of smell due to a recent upper respiratory infection, be patient. The sense of smell often returns to normal without treatment.

When should I contact a medical professional for Anosmia?

Contact your health care provider if:

  • The loss of smell continues or is getting worse.
  • You have other unexplained symptoms.
What should I expect during a doctor appointment?

The provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and current symptoms. Questions may include:

  • When did this problem develop?
  • Are all odors affected or only some? Is your sense of taste affected?
  • Do you have cold or allergy symptoms?
  • What medicines do you take?
  • Do you have any other symptoms?

The provider will look at and around your nose. Tests that may be performed include:

  • CT scan
  • MRI scan
  • Nasal endoscopy
  • Olfactory nerve testing
  • Smell testing

If the loss of sense of smell is caused by a stuffy nose (nasal congestion), decongestants or antihistamines may be prescribed.

Other treatments for a stuffy nose may include:

  • A vaporizer or humidifier may help keep mucus loose and moving.
  • Steroid nasal sprays or pills may be recommended.
  • Vitamin A may be given by mouth or as a shot.
  • Nasal steroid sprays may be prescribed.
Who are the top Anosmia Local Doctors?
Thomas A. Knipe
Otolaryngology | Pediatric Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology | Pediatric Otolaryngology

Proliance Surgeons

1231 116th Ave NE #915, 
Bellevue, WA 
 5.9 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Thomas A. Knipe, MD, is a board-certified surgeon specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of adult and pediatric disorders of the head and neck. While practicing all aspects of otolaryngology, he has a special interest in sinus, sleep and breathing disorders and tumors of the head and neck. He is trained in advanced surgery of the sinuses and skull base to bring his patients safe and proven treatments for complex tumors of the skull base and more common sinus and breathing limitations alike. He treats patients with benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck including thyroid, parathyroid and salivary glands and is trained in salivary gland-saving endoscopic techniques to remove salivary stones. In his practice, he takes great care to educate his patients and apply his medical expertise to partner with and guide each one through important medical decisions.He is committed to serving the world’s poor and underserved through medical and surgical mission work. He travels overseas to perform surgical repair for children and adults with cleft lip and palate, thyroid disease and benign and malignant disorders of the head and neck.A native of the Seattle area, Dr. Knipe takes the Northwest’s healthy and active lifestyle to heart. He is an avid runner and works hard to keep up with his wife and two daughters. He also enjoys hiking, fishing and competing in ultimate Frisbee. Dr. Knipe is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Anosmia. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Perichondritis, Sinusitis, Laryngitis, and Tissue Biopsy.

Anh Q. Truong
Otolaryngology | Pediatric Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology | Pediatric Otolaryngology

Proliance Surgeons

1231 116th Ave NE #915, 
Bellevue, WA 
 5.9 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Anh Q. Truong, MD, is an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck surgeon (ear, nose and throat specialist). He loves his job and he believes that the doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. He enjoys teaching and working with patients as a team. By carefully listening to and educating patients, he hopes to assist them in making the best decision regarding their care.Dr. Truong provides a wide variety of specialized medical and surgical services in both adult and pediatric ENT. He finds the continual advancement in the field of ENT astonishing and enjoys employing new technology in patient care when appropriate. He practices comprehensive adult and pediatric ENT with a focus on nasal & sinus surgery, endocrine surgery, and voice and throat disorder.He grew up in the Puget Sound region and returned in 2014 to join Bellevue ENT to be close to family and friends. On his free time, he enjoys running, hiking, snowboarding, working on projects in the house and spending time with his wife and daughters. Dr. Truong is also fluent in Vietnamese. Dr. Truong is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Anosmia. His top areas of expertise are Infant Hearing Loss, DFNB1, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Jones Syndrome.

 
 
 
 
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Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology

Modern Nose Clinic LLC

12402 Se 38th St, Suite 201, 
Bellevue, WA 
 2.8 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Eric Waterman is an Otolaryngologist in Bellevue, Washington. Dr. Waterman and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Anosmia. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Sinusitis, Empyema, and Infant Hearing Loss. Dr. Waterman is currently accepting new patients.

What are the latest Anosmia Clinical Trials?
Investigating the Efficacy of OMT to Recover Olfactory Perception After COVID-19

Summary: One of the most widespread symptoms of COVID-19 is loss of the sense of smell. There are very few treatments for helping individuals recover their sense of smell. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may be a useful tool in helping people recover their smell perception. In this study the investigators test whether OMT can be used to help individuals recover their sense of smell if they lost it...

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L'entraînement Olfactif Comme Traitement De La Dysfonction Olfactive Post COVID-19

Summary: Olfactory dysfunction is a defining symptom of COVID-19 infection. Studies have demonstrated improved olfaction in patients with post infectious olfactory dysfunction after an olfactory training (OT). The aim of this study is to assess the clinical outcomes of olfactory training (12 weeks) therapy in the treatment of persistent olfactory dysfunctions after COVID-19. Specially, we aim to compare th...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: September 10, 2023
Published By: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Baloh RW, Jen JC. Smell and taste. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 395.

Whitcroft KL, Hummel T. Olfactory function and dysfunction. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 36.