Anosmia
- Symptoms
- 478
What is anosmia?
Anosmia occurs when there is total or partial loss of the sense of smell. It could be transient or long-lasting. It can be temporarily triggered off by conditions as allergies or cold where the lining of the nose is irritated. Most long lasting cases of anosmia are linked to pathologies including trauma to the head or brain cancers. Old age can also cause it. It is usually not of much concern though it could reduce the quality of one’s life. Anosmia has a partial bearing with the sense of taste as sufferers may not be able to completely taste food thus leading to a decreased interest in food. It can lead to depression because of this inability to smell and taste appealing foods.
Causes of anosmia
It is frequently caused by a growth on the nose which blocks odors from getting to the roof of the nose. Other times it is caused by a disruption in the system responsible for sending signals from the nose to the brain. In very rare cases, one can be born with an absent sense of smell due to a genetic condition called congenital anosmia. Other causes include:
- Conditions that lead to irritation of the mucous membranes that line the nose e.g.
- Common cold
- Smoking
- Infection of sinuses
- Influenza
- Allergies
- Non-allergic rhinitis
The commonest cause of anosmia is a cold and it is usually self-limiting, requiring no treatment.
- Conditions that block the nasal pathway
- Cancers
- Polyps in the nose
- Bone anomalies in the nose or nasal septum
These growth sources do not permit air entry into the nose.
- Brain or Nervous damage
The pathway of smell, the olfactory pathway is regulated by the brain. Receptors resident in the nose transmit information through nerves to the brain. Numerous conditions can cause this such as:
- Senility
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain cancers
- Hormonal irregularities
- Reduced level of thyroid hormones
- Drugs like antibiotics and anti-hypertensives
- Parkinson’s disease
- Schizophrenia
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Chemicals that irritate the nose
- Head injury
- Brain surgery
- Radiation exposure
- Stroke
- Chronic alcoholism
- Kwashiorkor or marasmus
- Huntington’s disease
How is anosmia diagnosed?
It is hard to make a diagnosis of anosmia as a
- A computed tomographic scan which views the brain in details using X-rays
- Magnetic resonance imaging which makes use of radio waves and magnets to visualize the brain.
- Skull X-ray
- Nasal endoscopy
Complications of anosmia
Since those with this condition can’t taste very well, they tend to avoid food which may result in malnutrition and weight loss. Smoke alarms are necessary for those with anosmia as they can’t smell and food storage should be done cautiously, gas leaks should be prevented.
It is necessary to do the following:
- Put a label on foods with expiry dates
- Be very careful when operating electrical appliances
- Be watchful and read labels on chemicals like insecticides.
Treatment for anosmia
Is dependent on the cause. When it is due to cold, allergies or sinusitis, it is self-limiting and clears on its own. If the anosmia persists after the cold or allergy has cleared up, there’s the
The following treatments will help alleviate anosmia resulting from nasal irritation:
- Nasal decongestants
- Anti-histamines
- Steroidal nasal sprays
- Antibiotics
- Smoking cessation
- Limiting exposure to allergens and nasal irritation
For anosmia caused by nasal blockage, a surgical procedure may be necessary to remove the obstruction. The group of people likely to permanently lose their sense of smell are the older generation people.
Congenital anosmia has no cure at the moment. For those with partial loss of the sense of smell, concentrated flavoring agents to improve the taste and value may be added.
Tonika Bruce, MSN, RN, MBA. is an accomplished nurse leader, published author, and personal development expert passionate about advancing healthcare management and quality patient outcomes.
She taps into the years of experience in healthcare management to produce credible and easy-to-understand health and leadership content. Her exceptional work has been featured in reputable publications, including Forbes, Recruiter, Inc, and the Color of Wellness magazine.
