What is Anosmia?
Anosmia, or loss of smell, is a frustrating condition that affects up to 20 percent of people in the U.S. Besides affecting smell itself, anosmia can also:
- Reduce the sense of taste
- Lead to lower interest in food
- Cause unplanned weight loss
- Decrease quality of life
- Be linked to the development of certain neurologic diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
Of all cases, about 50 percent can be fully treated and reversed, but it’s critical to get to the root of the problem first.
Causes
Common causes of Anosmia include:
- Age
- Smoking
- Chronic sinus infections
- Sinus inflammation/obstruction
- Viral infection
- Neurodegenerative disease
- Head trauma
- Cold, flu or allergies (but these anosmia cases are usually temporary)
More rare causes include:
- Nutrient deficiencies (Vitamin A, B6, B12 or trace metals)
- Use of certain medications
- Exposure to certain heavy metals
- Toxic exposure to paint solvents, ethyl acetate, benzene and other potential hazards
- Cocaine use
Diagnosis
THE DIAGNOSIS
The first step in treating anosmia is diagnosing it. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- Total or partial loss of smell (sudden or gradual)
- Warped sense of smell/taste
- Inability to detect sweet, sour, salty or bitter flavors
Besides losing a sharp sense of smell and taste, people with anosmia may also notice:
- Trouble breathing through the nose
- Runny nose
- Burning mouth or tongue
- Dry mouth or eyes
- Migraines
- Recurring yeast infections
You can submit our Anosmia Questionnaire here, or make an appointment if you’d like an evaluation. At a personal consultation, we can:
- Collect important information about your health history
- Examine your nose and sinus passages
- Give a special scratch and sniff test to check for symptoms
- Recommend imaging (such as a CT scan or an MRI) or nasal endoscopy to examine further, if needed
Treatment
THE TREATMENT
With the proper treatment, some cases of anosmia will simply go away. For other cases, treatment can help minimize symptoms.
These treatments can help Anosmia caused by a nasal obstruction:
- Oral steroids (a short-term regimen)
- Decongestants and antihistamines
- Steroidal nasal spray
- Sinus surgery
- PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy
More progressive treatments, such as smell therapy and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy, have also shown promise in treating persistent loss of smell. PRP is a regenerative treatment that uses concentrated platelets from your own blood and may help support the recovery of olfactory nerve fibers.
Don’t ignore anosmia as just a “minor inconvenience.” We’re here to help when you need it.
Learn more from this comprehensive Anosmia presentation prepared by Dr. Robert Pincus: Olfaction 2016 – Anosmia Stinks
Frequently Asked Questions
Anosmia is the loss of the sense of smell, which can also reduce the sense of taste, lower interest in food, cause unplanned weight loss, and decrease overall quality of life. It may also be linked to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Approximately 50% of anosmia cases can be treated and reversed if the underlying cause is identified.
Common causes of anosmia include aging, smoking, chronic sinus infections, sinus inflammation or obstruction, viral infections, neurodegenerative diseases, head trauma, and temporary causes like cold, flu, or allergies. Identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment.
Diagnosis begins with reporting symptoms such as total or partial loss of smell, distorted smell or taste, and inability to detect basic flavors. Doctors may perform a physical exam, a scratch and sniff test, and recommend imaging like CT scans or MRIs, or nasal endoscopy to investigate further.
Treatments for anosmia due to nasal obstruction include short-term oral steroids, decongestants, antihistamines, steroidal nasal sprays, and sinus surgery. These approaches aim to reduce inflammation and clear obstructions to restore the sense of smell.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses concentrated platelets from the patient's own blood to support the recovery of olfactory nerve fibers. It has shown promise in treating persistent loss of smell when other treatments are insufficient.
Anosmia caused by viral infections, colds, flu, or allergies is usually temporary and often resolves once the underlying illness or inflammation subsides. However, if symptoms persist, further evaluation is recommended to rule out other causes.
Ignoring anosmia can lead to decreased quality of life, nutritional issues due to loss of taste and appetite, and may delay diagnosis of serious underlying conditions like neurodegenerative diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chances of recovery.