Anosmia corresponds to complete loss of smell due to obstruction of the nasal passages, cold, sinusitis or olfactory nerve damage, for example. Since olfaction is directly related to taste, the person suffering from anosmia usually can not differentiate the flavors, although it still has the perception of what is sweet, salty, bitter and sour.
Loss of smell can be classified as:
- Partial anosmia, which can be considered normal, since it is usually related to the flu, colds or allergy, that can result in nasal obstruction and absence of the olfactory capacity, being able to be treated and the olfato recovered;
- Anosmia permanent, which happens mainly due to accidents that cause definitive lesions of the olfactory nerves or due to the serious infections that affect the nose, not having cure.
Anosmia, besides being something that causes discomfort and being limiting, can be considered dangerous, because the person can not identify a dangerous situation like the leakage of gas, smoke or spoiled food, for example.
The diagnosis of anosmia is made by the general practitioner or the otorhinolaryngologist through imaging tests, such as nasal endoscopy, for example, so that the cause can be identified and thus the best treatment can be indicated.
Main causes
Anosmia is caused by situations that promote temporary or permanent irritation in the mucous lining of the nose, the most common causes being:
- Nasal obstruction;
- Allergic rhinitis;
- Sinusitis;
- Flu or cold;
- Inhalation of smoke;
- Cancer and radiation therapy;
- Radiation exposure;
- Head injuries;
- Bone malformation.
In addition, over the years there may be a decrease in olfactory capacity, and it is very common for the elderly to present anosmia. People who have a habit of smoking or even those who live with smokers may have changes in the nasal mucosa, resulting in hyposmia, which is the reduction of smell, and consequently anosmia. Learn about other health consequences of cigarettes.
It is important that the person go to the otolaryngologist or general practitioner if they are not feeling the scents so that the tests can be done and the cause can be identified. The diagnosis is usually made from the nasal endoscopy and by means of a test carried out in the office to check if the person can identify certain scents, as well as x-ray of the skull and blood tests.
How is the treatment 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 specific case of allergies, it is recommended that the person identify the cause of the allergy and avoid contact, and avoid being exposed to any kind of smoke, since it may irritate the nasal mucosa even more.
In the case of infections that affect the respiratory system, such as bacterial sinusitis, for example, the doctor may indicate the use of antibiotics according to the bacteria identified. Learn more about bacterial sinusitis.
