Anosmia corresponds to the complete loss of smell due to obstruction of the nasal cavities, cold, sinusitis or damage to the olfactory nerve, for example. As the smell is directly related to the taste, the person who suffers from anosmia usually cannot differentiate the flavors, despite still having the perception of what is sweet, salty, bitter and sour.
Loss of smell can be classified into:
- Partial anosmia, which can be considered normal, as it is usually related to the flu, colds or allergy, which can result in nasal obstruction and lack of olfactory capacity, which can be treated and the smell recovered; Permanent anosmia, which happens mainly due to accidents that cause permanent damage to the olfactory nerves or due to serious infections that affect the nose, with no cure.
Anosmia, besides being something that causes discomfort and being limiting, can be considered as something dangerous, because the person cannot identify a dangerous situation such as the leakage of gas, smoke or spoiled food, for example.
The diagnosis of anosmia is made by the general practitioner or by the otorhinolaryngologist through imaging exams, such as nasal endoscopy, for example, so that the cause is identified and, thus, the best treatment can be indicated.
Main causes
Anosmia is caused by situations that promote temporary or permanent irritation in the mucosa that lines the nose, the most common causes being:
- Nasal obstruction; Allergic rhinitis; Sinusitis; Flu or cold; Inhalation of smoke; Cancer and radiotherapy treatment; Exposure to radiation; Head injuries; Bone malformation.
In addition, over the years there may be a decrease in olfactory capacity, so it is very common for the elderly to have anosmia. People who have a smoking habit, or even those who live with smokers, may have changes in the nasal mucosa, resulting in hyposmia, which is a decrease in smell, and, consequently, anosmia. Learn about other health consequences of smoking.
It is important that the person goes to the otorhinolaryngologist or general practitioner if they are not feeling the smells so that tests can be done and the cause can be identified. The diagnosis is usually made from nasal endoscopy and through a test performed in the office that aims to verify whether the person can identify certain smells, in addition to X-rays of the skull and blood tests.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of anosmia is done according to the cause. In the case of anosmia caused by cold, flu or allergy, for example, the use of antihistamines or nasal decongestants may be recommended. In the case of allergies specifically, it is recommended that the person identify the cause of the allergy and avoid contact, in addition to avoid being exposed to any type of smoke, as it can further irritate the nasal mucosa.
In the case of infections that affect the respiratory system, such as bacterial sinusitis, for example, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics according to the bacteria identified. Learn more about bacterial sinusitis.
