General Information About Anosmia
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where a person completely loses the ability to perceive smells in their environment. A mere reduction in smell is called hyposmia, while perceiving it differently/badly is called parosmia.
The most common cause is viral upper respiratory tract infections (Common cold, Flu, Covid-19). Viruses destroy the olfactory nerves at the roof of the nose. Additionally, chronic sinusitis, nasal conchae/polyps (mechanical obstruction), and severe head traumas (severing of the olfactory nerve) are other causes.
Yes. 80% of the flavor of the food we eat is perceived through our sense of smell. Anosmia patients can tell if the food is salty or sweet, but they absolutely cannot perceive the aroma (flavor), which causes severe loss of appetite and depression.
The vast majority of smell losses due to infections or obstructions return within months as the nerves regenerate (or with polyp surgery). However, in cases of severe head trauma or nerve death related to old age, the condition may be permanent.
An ENT physician looks inside the nose with a camera (endoscopy) to examine whether there is a mechanical obstacle (concha/polyp). If nerve damage or a brain tumor is suspected, an Olfactory Test and Brain/Sinus MRI are performed.
If the cause is polyps or sinusitis, the airway is opened with cortisone sprays or surgery, and the smell returns immediately. For viral causes (Covid, etc.), 'Smell Training' is applied: The patient tries to retrain the brain's olfactory center by smelling 4 different strong scents such as rose, lemon, clove, and eucalyptus twice a day.
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