Symptoms
Loss of smell - anosmia (an-OZ-me-uh) - can be partial or complete, although a complete loss of smell is fairly rare. Loss of smell can also be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.
Loss of smell is rarely a symptom of a serious condition. Still, an intact sense of smell is necessary to fully taste and enjoy food. Loss of smell could cause you to lose interest in eating, which could possibly lead to weight loss, malnutrition or even depression.
Causes
The common cold is a frequent cause for a partial, temporary loss of smell. Chronic sinus infection also may result in a loss of smell. Other obstructions in the nasal passages, such as polyps, also may cause at least a partial loss of smell. Normal aging is often the cause of a progressive, complete, and permanent loss of smell.
Problems with the inner lining of your nose
Anosmia can be caused by temporary or permanent irritation, or destruction of the mucous membranes lining the inside of your nose. This can be caused by:
Acute sinusitis (sinus infection)
Common cold
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
Influenza (flu)
Nonallergic rhinitis (chronic congestion or sneezing not related to allergies)
These conditions are generally the most common causes of loss of smell.
Obstructions of your nasal passages
Anosmia can be caused by something physically blocking the flow of air through your nose. These obstructions can include:
Bony deformity inside your nose
Nasal polyps
Tumors
Damage to your brain or nerves
Your olfactory system, which provides your sense of smell, consists of receptors in the mucous lining of your nose that send information through nerves into your brain. You can lose your sense of smell if any part of the olfactory pathway is damaged or destroyed. This can happen as a result of:
Aging
Alzheimer's disease
Brain aneurysm
Brain surgery
Brain tumor
Chemical exposures to certain insecticides or solvents
Diabetes
Huntington's disease
Kallmann's syndrome (inability of testicles to produce sperm)
Klinefelter syndrome (a condition in which males have an extra X chromosome in most of their cells)
Korsakoff's psychosis (a brain disorder caused by the lack of thiamin)
Malnutrition
Medications (for example, some high blood pressure medications)
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) (a progressive disorder of the nervous system)
Paget's disease of bone (a disease that affects your bones, sometimes facial ones)
Parkinson's disease
Pick's disease (a form of dementia)
Radiation therapy
Rhinoplasty
Schizophrenia
Sjogren's syndrome (an inflammatory disease that generally causes dry mouth and eyes)
Traumatic brain injury
Zinc deficiency
Note: Causes shown here are commonly associated with these symptom. Kindly consult to your doctor or other health care Practitioner for an correct diagnosis and treatment.
Dr M Rathod MD, PhD
Ram Speciality Clinic, # 113/697, Opposite to Govt School,
Munnekolala, Bangalore, Karnataka
email: ramclinc2@gmail.com,
Mobile: 9611303443
webiste: www.ramclinic.com