Smell - impaired

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Loss of smell; Anosmia

Treating the cause of the problem may correct loss of the sense of smell. Treatment can include:

• Antihistamines (if the condition is related to allergy)
• Changes in medication
• Surgery to correct blockages
• Treatment of other disorders

Avoid using too many nasal decongestants, which can lead to recurring nasal congestion.

If you lose your sense of smell, you may have changes in taste. But, adding highly seasoned foods to your diet can help stimulate the taste sensations that you still have.

Improve your safety at home by using smoke detectors and electric appliances instead of gas ones. You may not be able to smell gas if there is a leak. Or, install equipment that detects the presence of gas fumes in the home.

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There is no treatment for loss of smell due to aging.

If you have a loss of smell due to a recent viral upper respiratory infection, be patient. The sense of smell may return to normal without treatment.

Call your health care provider if the loss of smell continues, is getting worse, or if you have other unexplained symptoms.

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and current symptoms. Questions may include:

• Time pattern
  • When did this problem develop?
  • Have you always had problems with your sense of smell?
  • Is the problem getting worse?
• Quality
  • Are all odors affected or only certain types?
  • Can you taste food?
• Aggravating factors
  • Do you have a cold or other upper respiratory infection?
  • Do you have allergies?
  • Do you have chronic sinusitis?
  • What medications do you take?
• Other
  • What other symptoms do you have?

The doctor will look at your nose and surrounding structures. Tests that may be performed include:

• CT scan
• MRI scan
• Nasal endoscopy
• Olfactory nerve testing
• X-rays of the skull

In some cases, surgery (biopsy) to remove a piece of the cells responsible for smell (olfactory epithelium) may be needed to make a diagnosis.

If the loss of sense of smell is caused by a stuffy nose (nasal congestion), decongestants or antihistamines may be prescribed.

A vaporizer or humidifier may prevent mucus from drying and improve nasal discharge.

Steroid nasal sprays or pills may be recommended.

Vitamin A may be given by mouth or with a shot (injection).

Review Date: 09/09/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).