9 Causes of Loss of Smell You Need to Know |
Posted: January 26, 2021 |
Do you notice that your nose can’t recognize your favorite fragrances? Does food not taste as good as usual? This could be due to anosmia - the loss of your sense of smell. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 have reported losing their sense of taste or smell as they got symptoms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified anosmia as one of the main symptoms of COVID-19. Doctors in China, South Korea, Italy, and Germany have reported high rates of loss of smell or taste in infected people. However anosmia can occur for some other, more typical reasons, and this loss can sneak up on you more slowly than hearing or vision loss. It also can have a big effect on your health and safety. Besides alerting you to pleasant smells, your nose can signal danger like a gas leak, spoiled food, or fire. Since your sense of smell is controlled by sensors in your nose that connect to the brain, the loss of smell can be provoked by different conditions that range from temporary to chronic. Let’s look at nine reasons your nose might be malfunctioning: 1. Nervous system problemsSince your nose is directly connected to your brain, a loss of smell can indicate that something wrong is going on with your nervous system. According to a recent study published in JAMA Neurology, older people who did poorly on smell tests were 2.2 times more likely to develop memory problems that could be linked to Alzheimer’s disease. There wasn’t a direct cause and effect between anosmia and neurodegenerative disease, but if you’re experiencing a loss of smell, it’s essential to visit your healthcare provider. 2. ChemicalsBeing exposed to harsh chemicals, like insecticides or solvents that can burn the inside of your nose and might damage your nasal tissue and odor sensors. In most cases, people are exposed to methacrylate vapors, ammonia, benzene, cadmium dust, chromate, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, nickel dust, and sulfuric acid. To protect your nose, you need to use a respirator device that covers your nose when handling any strong-smelling chemicals at home or at work. 3. MedicationsDoes any medication that you’re currently taking have a side effect such as anosmia? Some medications including antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antihistamines can sometimes provoke a temporary loss of smell, but your sense of smell should be back once you stop taking the medication. 4. Sinus and nasal problemsThe common cold is one of the most common causes of temporarily losing your sense of smell. When your sinuses swell or get clogged with mucus they block the odor receptors in your nasal tissue. Luckily, this is usually a temporary effect of cold that usually disappears once the infection is over. Other common reasons for the loss of smell could be chronic sinus infections or allergic rhinitis. If your condition is advanced, sinus surgery can help you bring your sense of smell back. 5. GeneticsSome people are born with no sense of smell. This is called congenital anosmia, and it often occurs alone or it can accompany other genetic conditions. Luckily, loss of smell doesn’t always affect the taste, so you can still enjoy your favorite foods. 6. SmokingSmoking can mess with your sense of smell. Since smoking is a form of pollution, regular exposure can decrease your ability to feel smell and taste. 7. Radiation treatmentPeople who undergo radiation treatment for head and neck cancers usually have issues with their sense of smell as a side effect. The loss of smell can be temporary or become permanent as treatment continues. 8. Head injuryThe brain’s connection to smell plays a big role when it comes to a head injury. Depending on the severity of the injury, loss of smell could be permanent or temporary. When your sense of smell starts to return, it usually indicates that your brain and nerves are healing. 9. AgingJust like vision and hearing loss, loss of smell is a normal part of aging. After age 60, you have a greater chance of losing your smell, which can also affect your sense of taste. This combination leads to progressive weight loss among the elderly.
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