Anosmic

Lack of the sense of smell

Anosmia
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Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Field	Otolaryngology
Symptoms	Loss of the sense of smell
Complications	Depression (mood), malnutrition
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Nasal congestion, head trauma, viral infection, neurological disorders
Risks
Diagnosis	Olfactometry, nasal endoscopy, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Hyposmia, dysosmia
Prevention
Treatment	Depends on the underlying cause
Medication
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths

Anosmia is the medical term for the loss of the sense of smell. This condition can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause. Anosmia can significantly impact a person's quality of life, affecting their ability to detect odors, which can influence taste, safety, and overall well-being.

Causes

Anosmia can result from various factors, including:

• Nasal congestion due to allergies, sinusitis, or upper respiratory infections
• Head trauma that damages the olfactory nerves
• Viral infections, such as those caused by the common cold or COVID-19
• Neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease
• Exposure to certain chemicals or medications

Diagnosis

Diagnosing anosmia typically involves:

• Olfactometry: A test to measure the sense of smell
• Nasal endoscopy: A procedure to examine the nasal passages
• MRI or CT scan: Imaging tests to check for abnormalities in the brain or nasal structures

Treatment

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

• Addressing nasal congestion with decongestants or nasal corticosteroids
• Treating infections with appropriate medications
• Surgery to correct structural issues in the nasal passages
• Managing neurological conditions with specific therapies

Complications

Anosmia can lead to several complications, such as:

• Depression (mood) due to the loss of sensory enjoyment
• Malnutrition from a decreased ability to taste food
• Safety risks from the inability to detect dangerous odors like smoke or gas leaks

Related Pages

• Hyposmia
• Dysosmia
• Olfactory system
• Nasal congestion
• Sinusitis
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease

See Also

• Olfactometry
• Nasal endoscopy
• MRI
• CT scan