Anosmia

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Anosmia
Synonyms	Loss of smell, smell blindness
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Inability to perceive odors
Complications	Depression, malnutrition
Onset	Can be sudden or gradual
Duration	Temporary or permanent
Types	N/A
Causes	Upper respiratory infection, nasal obstruction, head trauma, neurodegenerative disease
Risks	Smoking, aging, exposure to toxic chemicals
Diagnosis	Olfactory testing, nasal endoscopy, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Hyposmia, parosmia, phantosmia
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Depends on the cause; may include corticosteroids, surgery, olfactory training
Medication	Steroids, antibiotics (if infection-related)
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common, especially in older adults
Deaths	Rarely directly fatal

Anosmia is the medical term for the loss of the sense of smell. It can be a temporary or permanent condition and may result from a variety of causes, including infection, trauma, or neurological disorders. Anosmia can significantly impact a person's quality of life, affecting their ability to detect odors and flavors, which can influence nutrition and safety.

Causes

Anosmia can be caused by several factors, including:

• Upper respiratory infections: Viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza, can lead to temporary anosmia.
• Nasal obstruction: Conditions like nasal polyps, sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis can block the nasal passages and impair the sense of smell.
• Head trauma: Injury to the head can damage the olfactory nerves or the olfactory bulb, leading to anosmia.
• Neurological disorders: Diseases such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease can affect the olfactory pathways in the brain.
• Congenital anosmia: Some individuals are born without the ability to smell due to genetic factors.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of anosmia typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Tests that may be used include:

• Olfactory testing: This involves assessing the ability to detect and identify different odors.
• Imaging studies: CT scans or MRIs may be used to visualize the nasal passages and brain structures.
• Nasal endoscopy: A procedure to examine the inside of the nasal passages for any obstructions or abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment for anosmia depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

• Medications: Corticosteroids or antihistamines may be prescribed to reduce inflammation or treat allergies.
• Surgery: Procedures to remove nasal obstructions, such as polyps, may restore the sense of smell.
• Olfactory training: A therapy that involves repeated exposure to different odors to help retrain the sense of smell.

Impact on Quality of Life

Anosmia can have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life. It can affect the enjoyment of food and beverages, leading to changes in appetite and weight. Additionally, the inability to detect odors can pose safety risks, such as not being able to smell smoke or gas leaks.

See Also

• Hyposmia
• Olfactory system
• Taste disorder