User:Mr. Ibrahem/Loss of smell

Loss of smell, technically known as anosmia, is the loss of the ability to detect one or more odors. It may be temporary or permanent. Some cases are present at birth while others are acquired later in life. The inability to identify harmful smell can be dangerous and enjoyment of food can be affected.

About 50 to 70% of cases are due to blockage of the nose, such as from inflammation or nasal polyps. Other cases are due to dysfunction of the neurons involved with smell as a result of head injury, tumors, aging, toxins, or certain genetic condition. It may also be a symptom of COVID-19, particularly early in infection. Determining the underlying cause involves taking into account other symptoms and examination. Some centers have the ability to do more detailed analysis. It differs from hyposmia, which is a decreased sensitivity to some or all smells.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Steroid nose sprays may help with a number of causes of blockage of the nose. Surgery may be an option for some sinus problems. There is no specific treatment for cases due to dysfunction of neurons, though some cases may improve over days to years.

About 3 to 20% of people age over 40 are affected. The condition becomes more common with age, affecting about 40% of those over the age of 80. One of the earliest documented cases of loss of smell following head trauma, was a case reported by Hughling Jackson in 1864 in London.