Loss of smell
Overview
Loss of smell, also known as anosmia, is the partial or complete inability to detect odors through the nose. This condition can be temporary or permanent and may affect one or both nostrils, impacting a person's ability to taste food and detect potentially dangerous smells.
Common Causes
Loss of smell can occur due to common colds, sinus infections, or seasonal allergies that cause nasal congestion and block odor particles from reaching smell receptors. Lifestyle factors like smoking, exposure to strong chemicals, or certain medications can also temporarily or permanently affect your sense of smell. Age-related changes naturally reduce smell sensitivity over time, and some people experience temporary loss after viral infections that affect the nasal passages.
Severity Levels
Mild: You may notice certain scents seem weaker than usual or occasionally miss familiar odors like coffee or perfume. Most daily activities remain unaffected.
Moderate: You have difficulty detecting many common smells and may notice food tastes bland or different. This can impact your enjoyment of meals and ability to detect some warning odors.
Severe: You cannot smell most or all odors, which significantly affects your taste experience and safety awareness. You may be unable to detect smoke, gas leaks, or spoiled food, requiring extra caution in daily life.
Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if your loss of smell persists for more than a few days, especially if it occurs without cold or allergy symptoms. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if the loss is sudden and complete, or if it's accompanied by severe headache, facial pain, or difficulty breathing. You should also consult a doctor if you experience loss of smell following a head injury or if it significantly impacts your daily life and safety.
4k+ Collection Centres
90k+ Biomarkers Tested
Early Detection