Loss of Sense of Smell
What Is Loss of Sense of Smell?
Losing your sense of smell means you can’t smell things as well as you used to, or sometimes not at all. Smell helps us enjoy food, notice dangers like smoke or gas, and experience the world around us. When you lose this sense, it can affect how things taste and even your quality of life.
Why Does It Happen?
There are many reasons you might lose your sense of smell. Sometimes it’s temporary, and sometimes it can last longer. Common causes include:
-
Colds and Flu: When you have a cold or the flu, your nose gets blocked and inflamed, making it hard to smell. This usually gets better when you recover.
-
COVID-19: Many people with COVID-19 notice a sudden loss of smell. Most recover, but for some, it can last longer.
-
Sinus Infections and Allergies: These can block your nose and make it hard for smells to reach the nerves that help you smell.
-
Nasal Polyps: These are small, non-cancerous growths in your nose that can block smells.
-
Aging: As we get older, our sense of smell can slowly get weaker.
-
Head Injuries: Injuries to your head or face can damage the nerves that help you smell.
-
Neurological Conditions: Diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s can affect your sense of smell.
-
Medications: Some medicines can cause temporary loss of smell.
-
Exposure to Chemicals: Breathing in strong chemicals or smoke can damage your sense of smell.
What Are the Symptoms?
-
Can’t smell things: Everyday smells like food, flowers, or smoke may be hard or impossible to notice.
-
Smells seem strange: Sometimes, familiar smells might seem unpleasant or different (called parosmia).
-
Food tastes bland: Because taste and smell are connected, food might not taste as good.
-
Blocked nose or sinus pain: If your nose is blocked, you might also have pain or pressure.
-
Constant mucus drip: Allergies or sinus problems can cause mucus to drip down your throat.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause:
-
Infections: Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines can help.
-
Allergies: Medicines like antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays may help.
-
Sinus Problems: Sometimes antibiotics, nasal rinses, or surgery are needed.
-
Nasal Polyps: Surgery may be needed to remove them.
-
Smell Training: Practicing smelling strong scents regularly can help some people recover.
-
Medications: Steroid sprays or other medicines may help if inflammation is the cause.
-
Surgery: For structural problems in the nose.
-
Neurological Conditions: Managing the underlying disease may help, but sometimes smell loss is permanent.
Coping If Smell Loss Is Permanent
If your sense of smell doesn’t come back, you can use other senses to help you stay safe and enjoy life. For example, use smoke detectors and gas alarms, and rely on sight and taste to check food.
When to see Dr Fragkiadakis?
See the doctor if:
-
You suddenly lose your sense of smell.
-
It lasts more than a few weeks.
-
You have other symptoms like pain, headaches, or loss of taste.
-
You’ve had a head injury or have ongoing sinus or allergy problems.
For further information, please click the link below
Sense of smell
If you have any further queries call 02087207499 or email contact@entgeorge.com
Book an appointment
Book online an appointment
If you are experiencing ongoing ENT symptoms or
need specialist advice , we’re here to help.
Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes — don’t ignore persistent ear, nose,
or throat symptoms.