Anosmia – loss of smell

Anosmia – loss of smell – This year has undoubtedly been incredibly stressful for everyone. Coronavirus made its appearance and changed our lives and the government altered how we do things. The media reported new symptoms, “loss of smell” and “loss of taste.” The media made it sound like these were new and exclusive signs of coronavirus. So, let us talk about anosmia or loss of smell.

Anosmia or loss of smell is not a new symptom. Neither is it a coronavirus-specific symptom. When your olfactory nerve is hampered, so is your taste. Just remember the last time you had severe allergies or a cold. While congested, your sense of smell was affected, and so was your sense of taste. 

Without a good sense of smell, you may find that food tastes bland, and it is hard to tell different foods apart. Loss of smell can be partial (hyposmia) or complete (anosmia) and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.

So, what are some causes of anosmia?

A stuffy nose from a cold is a common cause for a partial, temporary loss of smell. A blockage in the nasal passages caused by a polyp or a nasal fracture is also common. Normal aging can also cause a loss of smell, particularly after age 60.

What is smell?

Your nose and an area in the upper throat have special cells that contain odor receptors. When these receptors detect smells, they send a message to the brain. The brain then identifies the specific smell.

Any problem in this process — a stuffy nose, a blockage, inflammation, nerve damage, or a brain function condition — can naturally affect your ability to smell.

Problems with the inner lining of your nose

Conditions that cause temporary irritation or congestion inside your nose may include:

1. Nasal and sinus infection
2. Common cold
3. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
4. Influenza (flu)
5. Chronic congestion or sneezing is not related to allergies.
6. Allergies
7. Smoking

A cold is the most common cause of partial and temporary loss of smell. In these cases, the anosmia will go away on its own.

Obstructions or blockage of your nasal passages

Conditions or obstructions that block the flow of air through your nose can include:

1. Deviated septum
2. Nasal polyps
3. Tumors

Damage to your brain or nerves

Nerves leading to the area of the brain that detects smell or the brain itself can be damaged or deteriorate due to:

1. Aging – old age.
2. Alzheimer’s disease
3. A brain aneurysm (a bulge in an artery in your brain)
4. Brain surgery
5. Brain tumor
6. Diabetes
7. Exposure to chemicals in certain insecticides or solvents
8. Poor nutrition – and vitamin deficiencies 
9. Medications (for example, some high blood pressure medications, antibiotics, and antihistamines)
10. Paget’s disease of bone (a disease that affects your bones, sometimes facial ones)
11. Rhinoplasty – nasal surgery
12. Schizophrenia
13. Sjogren’s syndrome (an inflammatory disease that generally causes dry mouth and eyes)
14. Traumatic brain injury – brain or head injury 
15. Zinc deficiency
16. Zinc-containing nasal sprays (taken off the market in 2009)
17. hormonal problems
18. underactive thyroid
19. schizophrenia
20. epilepsy
21. radiation therapy
22. long-term alcoholism
23. stroke

There are many more causes. 

Anosmia is a prevalent symptom that is not unique to coronavirus. Loss of smell does not mean that you must have coronavirus. More than likely, you have a cold or allergies, which tend to be the most common reasons. The sense of smell makes our foods taste better and provides enjoyment. 

So, go out and smell the roses. Enjoy the scent of the Christmas trees and pines. Enjoy the aromas of your festive holiday meals. Until next year!