View the complete list of conditions

What is Anosmia and How Do You Treat It?

Your sense of smell is very important to daily life. It influences things like taste, memory, and even self defense. A loss of smell, otherwise known as anosmia, can be temporary or permanent, caused by a blockage of the nasal passages, inflammation, or damage to the temporal lobe. A cold can cause temporary anosmia whereas trauma can cause the permanent version of the condition. In order to diagnose anosmia, a Midtown West otolaryngologist will use acetylcysteine tests as well as a physical exam. Getting an overview of the patient's health will reveal a lot of helpful information when it comes to treating anosmia. It can reveal potential causes or even injuries the patient might not have thought were relevant. It's important that you are open with a Midtown West nasal specialist throughout the consultation.

You need to start treating anosmia as soon as you realize it is happening. While you will probably find some foods less appetizing, problems with your senses can make it harder to notice smells associated with a fire or a gas leak. You may even find yourself eating spoiled food because you simply couldn't tell. Sinus and nose problems impact a lot of different areas in your life, including your memories. Your sense of smell is closely connected with feelings of sentimentality and your ability to recollect events. Losing the connection to those smells can also cause depression in some patients.

Congenital anosmia means you've lost your sense of smell from birth. It's surprising because may children often pretend they have the sense; they see smelling as something adults and other children are doing and don't want to seem like they are different. However, they begin to discuss the issue as they grow up. In these cases, the anosmia is often present in just one nostril.

A Midtown West nasal specialist as dealt with all sorts of sinus and nose problems, and treating anosmia is no different. They'll quickly diagnose the cause of your loss of smell, of which there are actually quite a few; whether it's inflammation, an infection, or head trauma, a Midtown West otolaryngologist will figure it out. Some nasal sprays have also been known to cause the condition. Once the specialist has figured out what the cause is, you'll be able to get a treatment plan in the hopes of repairing your loss of smell. Medications and surgical procedures have seen success when it comes to treating anosmia and you'll continue seeing the specialist for a follow up to ensure the treatment is effective.