Anosmia

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Anosmia

Anosmia (/ænˈɒzmiə/ an-OZ-mee-ə) is a medical condition characterized by the loss of the sense of smell. Some people may experience anosmia for only one specific odor, and this is called "specific anosmia". The term comes from the New Latin word anosmia, which is based on the Greek word ἀνοσμία (anosmia), itself based on ἀν- (an-, "without") + ὀσμή (osmē, "smell").

Causes

Anosmia can be caused by a number of factors, including infection, nasal obstruction, neurological disorders, and trauma. It can also be a symptom of certain conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and COVID-19.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of anosmia usually involves a physical examination, a review of the person's medical history, and may include a smell test. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be used to identify any structural abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment for anosmia depends on the underlying cause. If the anosmia is caused by a nasal obstruction, for example, surgery may be recommended. If it's due to a neurological disorder, treatment may involve medications or therapy.

Related Terms

  • Hyposmia: A reduced ability to smell and to detect odors.
  • Dysosmia: A condition in which things smell different than they should.
  • Parosmia: A distortion of the sense of smell, in which things smell different than they used to.
  • Phantosmia: The phenomenon of smelling odors that aren't really present.

See Also

External links

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