Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Lost or changed sense of smell

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lost-or-changed-sense-smell/

  A change in your sense of smell can be unpleasant and affect how things taste. But it’s not usually serious and may get better in a few weeks or months. […] Changes in sense of smell are most often caused by: illnesses such as a cold, flu or COVID-19, sinusitis (sinus infection), an allergy, like hay fever, growths in your nose (nasal polyps). It can also be caused by some medicines and, rarely, by more serious conditions like Parkinsons disease or epilepsy. […] These problems can cause: loss of smell (anosmia), smelling things that are not there (phantosmia), like smoke or burnt toast, reduced sense of smell (hyposmia), changes to how things smell (parosmia). […] It’s also common to lose some of your sense of smell as you get older. […] Your sense of smell may go back to normal in a few weeks or months. Treating the cause might help. For example, steroid nasal sprays or drops might help if you have sinusitis or nasal polyps. Sometimes changes in sense of smell cannot be treated and may be permanent.

• #2 Loss of Smell (Anosmia) > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine

  https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/smell-and-taste-disorders

  A condition that causes a person to partially or completely lose his or her sense of smell. […] Anosmia is the partial or full loss of smell. Anosmia can be a temporary or permanent condition. […] Most commonly, anosmia is caused by: The common cold, Influenza (flu), Sinus infections (acute sinusitis), Hay fever, Non-allergic rhinitis (congestion and sneezing not caused by allergies), COVID-19. […] There are other causes of anosmia, too. When the nasal passageways are obstructed in some way, the ability to smell can be affected. […] In addition, the olfactory pathways, which send messages between the nasal passages and the brain, can become impaired from age and from certain medications. Also, certain medical conditions can dull or diminish the sense of smell. […] Your physician will examine you to determine the cause of your smell disturbance. Because anosmia can result from any number of conditions, your doctor will first address the primary condition that seems to be causing the problem. […] However, it’s important to know that sometimes the cause of smell disorder can’t be determined for certain. And sometimes anosmia cannot be treated.

• #3 Smell (Olfactory) Disorders—Anosmia, Phantosmia & Others | NIDCD

  https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/smell-disorders

  People who have a smell disorder either have a decrease in their ability to smell or changes in the way they perceive odors. […] Smell disorders have many causes, with some more obvious than others. Most people who develop a smell disorder have experienced a recent illness or injury. Common causes of smell disorders are: Aging, Sinus and other upper respiratory infections, Smoking, Growths in the nasal cavities, Head injury, Hormonal disturbances, Dental problems, Exposure to certain chemicals, such as insecticides and solvents, Numerous medications, including some common antibiotics and antihistamines, Radiation for treatment of head and neck cancers, Conditions that affect the nervous system, such as Parkinsons disease or Alzheimers disease. […] Problems with your chemical senses may be a sign of other serious health conditions. A smell disorder can be an early sign of Parkinsons disease, Alzheimers disease, or multiple sclerosis. It can also be related to other medical conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and malnutrition. If you are experiencing a smell disorder, talk with your doctor.

• #4 Loss of smell

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/loss-of-smell/basics/causes/sym-20050804

  A stuffy nose from a cold is a common cause for a partial, brief loss of smell. A polyp or swelling inside the nose can lead to a loss of smell. Aging can cause a loss of smell, especially after age 60. […] Any problem along the way can affect the sense of smell. Problems can include a stuffy nose; something that blocks the nose; swelling, called inflammation; nerve damage; or an issue with how the brain works. […] Conditions that cause congestion or other issues inside the nose may include: Acute sinusitis, Chronic sinusitis, Common cold, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Hay fever, Influenza (flu), Nonallergic rhinitis, Smoking. […] Conditions that block the flow of air through the nose can include: Nasal polyps, Tumors. […] The following can cause damage to the nerves to the area of the brain that picks up smells or to the brain itself: Aging, Alzheimer’s disease, Being around toxic chemicals, such as those used in solvents, Brain aneurysm, Brain surgery, Brain tumor, Diabetes, Huntington’s disease, Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), Kallmann’s syndrome (a rare genetic condition), Korsakoff’s psychosis, a brain condition caused by the lack of vitamin B-1, also called thiamin, Lewy body dementia, Medicines, such as some for high blood pressure, some antibiotics and antihistamines, and some nasal sprays, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Poor nutrition, such as too little zinc or vitamin B-12 in the diet, Pseudotumor cerebri (idiopathic intracranial hypertension), Radiation therapy, Rhinoplasty, Traumatic brain injury. […] Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

• #5 Loss of Smell – Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/ear-nose-and-throat-disorders/symptoms-of-nose-and-throat-disorders/loss-of-smell

  Anosmia that is not the result of aging occurs when swelling or another blockage of the nasal passages prevents odors from reaching the olfactory area or when parts of the olfactory area or its connections to the brain are destroyed. […] A common cause of permanent loss of smell is a head injury, as may occur in a car accident. […] Another common cause is an upper respiratory infection, especially influenza (flu). […] Alzheimer disease and some other degenerative brain disorders can damage the olfactory nerves, commonly causing loss of smell. […] Medications can contribute to anosmia in susceptible people. […] Occasionally, serious infections of the nasal sinuses or radiation therapy for cancer causes a loss of smell or taste that lasts for months or even becomes permanent. […] Anosmia or hyposmia may be an early symptom of COVID-19, an acute respiratory illness that can be severe. […] Destruction of smell receptors has not yet been confirmed as the mechanism for anosmia.

• #6 Anosmia FAQ – Monell Chemical Senses Center

  https://monell.org/anosmia-faq/

  Anosmia – loss of the sense of smell – can occur for several different reasons. Each affects a different part of the olfactory system. Some common causes of anosmia include: Chronic nasal-sinus disease, e.g., rhinitis (inflammation in the nose caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infections), nasal polyps and/or chronic sinus infections – can block the passage of odor molecules to the smell receptors or interfere with how the receptors detect odors. Viral respiratory infections (common colds) – can damage or destroy the smell receptor cells. Head injury – can sever the olfactory nerve fibers that send smell information to the brain and/or damage parts of the brain that process smell information. Aging – repeated exposure of the olfactory receptors to environmental air-borne toxins can damage the smell receptors and/or the receptor cells can lose the ability to regenerate. Congenital or in-born causes – the reasons for this are unknown at this time.

• #7 Anosmia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482152/

  Head trauma is another common cause of anosmia as trauma to the head can cause damage to the nose or sinuses leading to a mechanical blockage and obstruction. […] Normal aging is associated with decreased sensitivity to smell. […] Interestingly, there have been studies that associate the impairment of the ability to smell with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and Lewy Body dementia. […] Congenital conditions that are associated with anosmia include Kallmann syndrome and Turner syndrome. […] Anosmia is said to be one of the early symptoms of COVID-19 infection. […] Other causes of anosmia include toxic agents such as tobacco, drugs, and vapors that can cause olfactory dysfunction, post-viral olfactory dysfunction, facial traumas involving nasal or sinus deformity, neoplasms in nasal cavity or brain that prohibits the olfactory signal pathway, and subarachnoid hemorrhages. […] Common conditions that can uncommonly cause a decreased sense of smell or anosmia include diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism. […] Medications can sometimes lead to olfactory defects as an unwanted side effect.

• #8 Lost or Changed Sense of Smell: Causes & Treatment – ENT LDN

  https://entlondon.org.uk/blogs/lost-or-changed-sense-of-smell-causes-and-treatment/

  3. Sinus Infection […] The sinuses are the air cavities surrounding the face. When infected mucus blocks them, no drainage occurs. The mucus passes to the nose through the pathways. This blockage prevents the air containing these odour molecules from passing to the olfactory receptors. […] 4. Allergies […] Allergic reactions during specific seasons, such as spring, can lead to all the symptoms in your nose and respiratory area forming. The release of chemicals during the allergic reaction is identical to the substances that cause inflammation and congestion of the nose. This leads to a blockage that is the same as the one that occurs in colds. […] 5. Nasal Polyps […] Polyps are noncancerous small growths usually forming in the nasal tissues or sinus lining. Although not always harmful, polyps can occasionally obstruct your nasal passage and affect your sense of smell.

• #8 Lost or Changed Sense of Smell: Causes & Treatment – ENT LDN

  https://entlondon.org.uk/blogs/lost-or-changed-sense-of-smell-causes-and-treatment/

  Lost or Changed Sense of Smell: Causes Treatment […] What Causes Loss or Change in Sense of Smell? […] Several reasons can cause impaired smell. Here is an overview of some crucial causes: […] 1. Respiratory Infections […] Most people with smell disorders suffer from colds and other respiratory infections. A runny nose is common, especially in cold and flu seasons. The airway infection leads to swelling and inflammation of the nose, restricting the odour molecules from reaching the smell receptors above the nose. […] 2. Nasal Obstruction […] For someone who experiences a sense of smell change, anything that occupies this nasal passage will significantly affect it. This could be a deviated septum, an abnormal structure that occurs when the cartilage that divides the nasal cavity gets deformed, or any object accidentally stuck inside the nose.

• #9 Lost or Changed Sense of Smell: Causes & Treatment – ENT LDN

  https://entlondon.org.uk/blogs/lost-or-changed-sense-of-smell-causes-and-treatment/

  The most common culprits behind smell problems are everyday foes like colds, allergies, or sinus infections. These can block the pathway odour molecules take to reach smell receptors in your nose. In some situations, a change in smell might warrant a doctors visit. If the loss is sudden and significant or lingers for weeks after a cold, its best to get checked. The change in sense of smell can sometimes be an early warning sign of certain health conditions. […] The good news is that many causes of smell loss are treatable. Medications, injuries, or even exposure to chemicals might be the reason. Once the doctor identifies the cause, they can recommend the best action to get your health back on track. […] If you experience any change in your sense of smell, visit an ENT specialist nearby. An ENT Specialist in London specialises in ear, nose, and throat disorders. The doctor will assess you through a physical examination, medical history review, and allergy triggers. The doctor can also suggest small tests to understand the condition in detail. Common ways to diagnose lost smell are:

• #10 What Can Cause Loss of Smell? – Houston ENT Doctor

  https://breathefreely.com/loss-of-smell/

  If you’re suffering from loss of smell or starting to have trouble catching the scent of things around you, it’s not normal. You should address it as soon as possible. […] The complete or partial loss of smell is known as “anosmia,” and it can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause. […] Nasal congestion brought on by a cold, allergies, influenza, nonallergic rhinitis or sinus infection is one of the most common causes of loss of smell. […] If bacteria or viruses attack the olfactory sensory neurons in your nose, that onslaught can prevent them from sending odorant information to your nervous system. This triggers a sudden loss of smell. […] Having a bad cold or suffering from allergies can create conditions (aka excessive mucus or inflammation) in your system that block your nasal passages. That blockage prevents scent molecules from reaching the receptors in the top of your nose.

• #10 What Can Cause Loss of Smell? – Houston ENT Doctor

  https://breathefreely.com/loss-of-smell/

  Anosmia has been getting a lot of press recently because of its connection to coronavirus (COVID-19). Loss of smell is the best indicator of coronavirus infection because it usually manifests long before other common symptoms, like fever or fatigue. […] Coronavirus causes loss of smell by damaging cells in the nose. Those cells support neuroreceptors that transmit scent-based information to your brain. […] The final primary — and probably most damaging — cause of anosmia is trauma. […] Head trauma can damage or even completely sever the connections between the brain and olfactory receptors in the top of the nose. […] Here are other possible causes for anosmia (please note other causes may exist): Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as pesticides or solvents; Certain medications, such as some antibiotics, antidepressants or anti-inflammatories, with side effects including loss of smell; Cocaine abuse; Radiation treatment for head or neck cancers; Injury to the nose or smell nerves; Aging; Certain medical conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes) that can disturb the olfactory nerve pathway.

• #11 Why COVID-19 makes you lose your sense of smell and how to get it backverifiedverifiedverifiedverifiedverifiedverifiedverifiedverifiedverifiedverified

  https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/why-covid-19-makes-you-lose-your-sense-smell-and-how-get-it-back

  Early in the pandemic, scientists feared that SARS-CoV-2 might be triggering smell loss by infecting these olfactory neurons and then making its way into the brain, where it might cause lasting damage. Further research revealed that these neurons lack the ACE2 receptors the virus uses to infect cells, but they are found on support cells in the nasal lining which interact with these neurons. […] A recent study in hamsters suggested that it was these support cells that SARS-CoV-2 invaded, rather than the olfactory neurons, and that this prompted a massive infiltration of immune cells, followed by a disruption to the normal organisation of the nasal lining, including the loss of the hairlike projections that the neurons use to detect odour molecules. […] Human studies are yielding some answers, however. One recent study, which tracked the health of 2,428 individuals who claimed to have lost their sense of smell and/or taste as a result of COVID-19, found that 40% of them had completely regained their sense of smell six months later, while only 2% reported no improvement at all.

• #12 Scientists Find Key Reason Why Loss of Smell Occurs in Long COVID-19 | Duke Health

  https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/scientists-find-key-reason-why-loss-smell-occurs-long-covid-19

  DURHAM, N.C. The reason some people fail to recover their sense of smell after COVID-19 is linked to an ongoing immune assault on olfactory nerve cells and an associated decline in the number of those cells, a team of scientists led by Duke Health report. […] The finding, publishing online Dec. 21 in the journal Science Translational Medicine, provides an important insight into a vexing problem that has plagued millions who have not fully recovered their sense of smell after COVID-19. […] One of the first symptoms that has typically been associated with COVID-19 infection is loss of smell, said senior author Bradley Goldstein, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in Dukes Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences and the Department of Neurobiology. […] Fortunately, many people who have an altered sense of smell during the acute phase of viral infection will recover smell within the next one to two weeks, but some do not, Goldstein said. We need to better understand why this subset of people will go on to have persistent smell loss for months to years after being infected with SARS-CoV2.

• #13 Anosmia: Causes, Complications, and Treatment

  https://www.healthline.com/health/anosmia

  Anosmia is the partial or complete loss of the sense of smell. This loss may be temporary or permanent. Common conditions that irritate the noses lining, such as allergies or a cold, can lead to temporary anosmia. […] More serious conditions that affect the brain or nerves, such as brain tumors or head trauma, can cause permanent loss of smell. Old age sometimes causes anosmia. […] Anosmia is frequently caused by a swelling or blockage in the nose that prevents odors from getting to the top of the nose. Anosmia is sometimes caused by a problem with the system that sends signals from the nose to the brain. […] Loss of smell can occur if something is physically blocking the passage of air into the nose. This may include tumors, nasal polyps, or bone deformities inside the nose or a nasal septum.

• #14 Anosmia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anosmia

  A temporary loss of smell can be caused by a blocked nose or infection. In contrast, a permanent loss of smell may be caused by death of olfactory receptor neurons in the nose or by brain injury in which there is damage to the olfactory nerve or damage to brain areas that process smell. The lack of the sense of smell at birth, usually due to genetic factors, is referred to as congenital anosmia. […] Anosmia may very occasionally be an early sign of a degenerative brain disease such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. […] Another specific cause of permanent loss could be from damage to olfactory receptor neurons because of use of certain types of nasal spray; i.e., those that cause vasoconstriction of the nasal microcirculation. […] Anosmia can also be caused by nasal polyps. These polyps are found in people with allergies, histories of sinusitis, and family history.

• #14 Anosmia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anosmia

  Studies have indicated that patients who presented with anosmia during the acute phase of COVID-19 are more likely to develop changes in decision-making, exhibiting more impulsive responses, which are associated with functional and structural brain changes. […] Chemosensory disturbances, including loss of smell or taste, are the predominant neurological symptom of COVID-19. As many as 80% of COVID-19 patients exhibit some change in chemesthesis, including smell. Loss of smell has also been found to be more predictive of COVID-19 than all other symptoms, including fever, cough, or fatigue. […] Anosmia can also be caused by chronic meningitis and neurosyphilis that would increase intracranial pressure over a long period of time, and, in some cases, by ciliopathy, including ciliopathy due to primary ciliary dyskinesia. […] Anosmia caused by a nasal polyp may be treated by steroidal treatment or removal of the polyp.

• #15 Smell – impaired Information | Mount Sinai – New York

  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/smell-impaired

  Impaired smell is the partial or total loss or abnormal perception of the sense of smell. […] The loss of smell can occur with conditions that prevent air from reaching smell receptors located high in the nose, or loss of or injury to the smell receptors. Loss of smell is not serious, but can sometimes be a sign of a nervous system condition. […] Loss of smell can be caused by: Medicines that change or decrease the ability to detect odors, such as amphetamines, estrogen, naphazoline, trifluoperazine, long-term use of nasal decongestants, reserpine, and possibly zinc-based products; Blockage of the nose due to nasal polyps, nasal septal deformities, and nasal tumors; Infections in the nose, throat, or sinuses; Allergies; Endocrine disorders; Dementia or other neurological problems; Nutritional deficiencies; Head injury; Nasal or sinus surgery; Radiation therapy to the head or face. […] There is no treatment for loss of smell due to aging. […] If you have a loss of smell due to a recent upper respiratory infection, be patient. The sense of smell often returns to normal without treatment.

• #16 Smell and Taste Loss | Mass Eye and Ear

  https://masseyeandear.org/conditions/smell-taste-loss

  Smell loss happens when there is a blockage of airflow getting to the nerves responsible for detecting odors, direct damage to the nerves, or direct damage to the areas of the brain where the sense of smell is processed. […] Many things can cause smell loss, such as sinus disease, head trauma, the common cold, and aging. […] True taste loss has many causes, including infection, central brain disorders, nutritional deficits, or complications in surgery of the mouth or ear. […] In many cases, the cause of taste loss is unknown. […] Unfortunately, there are not many therapies available to patients with smell loss. […] If infection is the underlying cause, it can be treated with antibiotic or antifungal medications. […] In cases where the smell loss is caused by sinus disease, medication or surgery may be helpful. […] A recently described therapy has shown some benefit in people with smell loss that does not involve medication.

• #17 What Causes a Loss of Smell and What You Can Do About It

  https://www.askdrlavine.com/what-causes-a-loss-of-smell/

  Your sense of smell is a huge component of overall health. […] Unfortunately, up to one-quarter of people over age 50 have some loss of smell (called olfaction in medical lingo.) […] Four common ways you can lose your sense of smell: Diseases or infections of the nose and sinus cavities […] Exposure to toxic substances or heavy metals such as cadmium […] Head trauma – this is the most common cause of olfactory loss in younger people and typically leads to a more significant degree of loss than other causes. […] Side effects of medication. This is not common, but drugs for blood pressure regulation, amphetamines, antipsychotics, antihistamines, and other drugs have been linked to a loss of smell. […] Loss of smell is also an early marker for cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.

• #18 How we lose our sense of smell, and how it’s treated

  https://stanmed.stanford.edu/sense-smell-health/

  Among the human senses, smell — or more formally, olfaction — is often considered the most dispensable. But for people who’ve found themselves suddenly unable to smell — a more common predicament since the COVID-19 pandemic — the loss can be surprisingly, profoundly devastating. More than 1 in 5 Americans has experienced smell loss since the start of the pandemic. The surge has led to a closer look at the underdog sense and its intimate ties to brain health. Smell dysfunction is linked with depression and anxiety. A sudden loss of smell might be the earliest sign of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s, detectable long before any cognitive deficits appear. […] There are many ways someone can lose their sense of smell. Sinus inflammation and tumors can block odor molecules from reaching the olfactory epithelium. A type of head trauma, known as a coup-contrecoup injury, in which a hard hit to the back of the head pushes the brain forward in the skull, can shear the neurons at the cribriform plate. Viral infections were known to cause smell loss long before COVID-19. Most people with post-viral smell loss recover thanks to the ability of olfactory neurons to regenerate, which they do every three to four months. But damaged neurons don’t always regenerate correctly.

• #18 How we lose our sense of smell, and how it’s treated

  https://stanmed.stanford.edu/sense-smell-health/

  According to one study, 40% to 76% of patients with smell loss also have depression. The more significant the smell impairment, the more severe the depression. Post-mortem studies of brains have found the plaques and tangles tied to dementia appear first in the olfactory system. Numerous studies now suggest that olfactory impairment may be the earliest detectable marker of neurodegenerative diseases. […] It’s a myth that humans don’t smell very well. More likely, we’re just out of practice. Another common misconception is that smell loss is a normal consequence of aging. Though there’s some decline, it shouldn’t be a huge drop-off. A sudden unexplained loss of smell could be a telltale sign of disease brewing in the brain.

• #19 How to Regain Your Sense of Smell & Taste After Head Injury

  https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/how-to-regain-sense-of-smell-after-head-injury

  Studies show that up to half of patients with a mild brain injury will lose their sense of smell and taste in the first few days after the injury. […] Many of these patients regain their sense of smell and taste within six months of the injury. But for some patients, loss of smell and taste lingers for months or even years, often accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, such as headaches, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating. […] Diagnosing the cause of changes in olfactory function after a TBI is very difficult. Not everyone will receive a clear diagnosis, even with the best technology in play. Loss of or changes in smell and taste can stem from one or more of the following possible causes: Physical damage to the nasal cavity, Neurovascular coupling (NVC) dysfunction, Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), Hormonal imbalance.

• #20 Post-Traumatic Olfactory Loss – Fifth Sense

  https://www.fifthsense.org.uk/post-traumatic-olfactory-loss/

  As the names suggests, post-traumatic olfactory loss describes anosmia or hyposmia which results from a head injury. The extent of loss is determined not only the severity of the injury but also the part of the head damaged; smell loss is more likely to occur from injuries to the back of the head. […] People who have suffered a loss of smell in this way may have been told that the olfactory loss has been caused by the olfactory nerves being severed. […] This isnt necessarily the full story, however. To start with, the olfactory nerve fibres are too tiny to appear on any scans, so whilst its quite likely that some damage to the nerves has occured, this may not be the only reason for the loss of smell. […] Bruising and subsequent scarring of the frontal lobes of the brain is also common in a head injury of this kind. The olfactory bulb, the structure situated at the front of the brain that processes the signals it receives from the receptor cells in the nose, can suffer damage in this way.

• #21 Post-Traumatic Olfactory Loss – Fifth Sense

  https://www.fifthsense.org.uk/post-traumatic-olfactory-loss/

  Smell loss can result from damage to the front of the head or face too. For example, direct injury to the nose can prevent odours travelling to the olfactory cleft, the space at the top of the nose where the receptor cells are located. […] Some degree of recovery may take place over time, but the extent of this, if indeed any recovery takes place at all, will largely be determined by the severity of the damage to the olfactory system. […] However, damage sustained in the injury can lead to the development of scar tissue which can prevent the axons reaching the bulb. […] Any recovery can take quite some time. […] The problem is that at this time there is no way of predicting if any recovery will occur or how long after injury this may take.

• #22 Losing Sense of Smell May Be an Early Sign of Neurologic Disease

  https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/losing-sense-smell-may-be-early-sign-neurological-disease

  Losing Sense of Smell May Be an Early Sign of Neurologic Disease […] Not being able to smell may be a sign of certain disorders. Olfactory experts explain why. […] That Fredenburg’s diminished sense of smell was a precursor to Parkinson’s disease is supported by research, which finds that it also may be an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have demonstrated that between 75 percent and 95 percent of people with Parkinson’s have an impaired sense of smell—a deficit that can develop several years before the classic motor symptoms of Parkinson’s appear and is now considered one of the earliest signs of the disorder, says neuroscientist Richard Doty, PhD, FAAN, who directs the Smell and Taste Center at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Low olfactory test scores also have been associated with cognitive decline and an increased probability of Alzheimer’s disease over the next few years, he adds.

• #22 Losing Sense of Smell May Be an Early Sign of Neurologic Disease

  https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/losing-sense-smell-may-be-early-sign-neurological-disease

  That lifelong damage can be exacerbated by various neurologic conditions. Our research has found that dysfunction in certain neurotransmitters [the chemical messengers of the brain], particularly acetylcholine, is involved in the association between smell loss and conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, Dr. Doty says. […] The abnormally folded proteins associated with Parkinson’s disease (alpha-synuclein) and Alzheimer’s disease (amyloid-beta and tau) accumulate first in the olfactory bulb, says Daniel Wesson, PhD, chair and associate professor of pharmacology and therapeutics at the University of Florida College of Medicine and a lead investigator with the UF Center for Smell and Taste. […] A respiratory infection is one of the most common causes, and the COVID-19 virus is associated with significantly more severe smell loss than other viruses, according to several European studies in 2020. Viruses in general damage the olfactory epithelium, the specialized tissue inside the nasal passages that contains the olfactory neurons, says Dr. Doty.

• #22 Losing Sense of Smell May Be an Early Sign of Neurologic Disease

  https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/losing-sense-smell-may-be-early-sign-neurological-disease

  People lose their sense of smell when any part of the pathway that enables smell—including the nasal passages, the olfactory nerve, and the brain—is damaged by aging, disease, or trauma. Impairment can range from a decreased sense of smell (hyposmia) to complete loss of smell (anosmia). […] We all lose our sense of smell to some degree as we age, due to a combination of factors, Dr. Doty explains. The foramina—the holes between the nasal cavity and the brain cavity through which the olfactory axons project—harden with age. An old skull won’t have as many of those openings as a young skull. And as we go through life, we accumulate areas of damage—from microparticles, pollution, viruses, bacteria, and so on—in the olfactory region. More cells are damaged or lost, and we may not notice these changes until some threshold is reached.

• #22 Losing Sense of Smell May Be an Early Sign of Neurologic Disease

  https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/losing-sense-smell-may-be-early-sign-neurological-disease

  A study published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology in 2022 found that most people who lost their sense of smell due to COVID-19 recovered it about three weeks after being infected, and 81 percent saw their sense of smell return to normal by six months. […] A possible and unexpected benefit of DBS has been the occasional return of his sense of smell. Sometimes if I’m baking apple pie, I can smell the cinnamon, says Fredenburg. […] It’s possible that DBS could have jump-started at least some of Fredenburg’s long-lost sense of smell, says Michael S. Okun, MD, FAAN, medical adviser to the Parkinson’s Foundation and director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at University of Florida Health.

• #22 Losing Sense of Smell May Be an Early Sign of Neurologic Disease

  https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/losing-sense-smell-may-be-early-sign-neurological-disease

  COVID-19 appears to do more damage to the sense of smell than other viruses because of its effect on certain types of cells that support the olfactory sensory neurons and ensure that they work in a way that allows us to perceive and identify smells. COVID-19 kills these cells quickly, and the debris generated by their deaths leads to an overwhelming immune response, says Benjamin tenOever, PhD, professor of microbiology at NYU Langone Health. […] In some cases, there may be damage to the neurites, the long receptors that extend from the cell body, and it can take longer for those to grow again, says Dr. tenOever. Those people may lose their sense of smell for months. In extreme cases, damage can kill those neurite outgrowths, and people can lose their sense of smell permanently. […] About one-third to one-half of patients in Dr. Doty’s clinic ultimately regained some of their sense of smell, according to a study published in Annals of Neurology. Of those who came in with total smell loss, only about 11 percent regained enough smell function to be normal, he says.

• #23 Disorders of Taste and Smell: Introduction and Background, Anatomy and Physiology, Etiology of Smell and Taste Disorders

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/861242-overview

  Toxicity of systemic or inhaled drugs (eg, aminoglycosides, formaldehyde) can contribute to olfactory dysfunction. […] Various neuropsychiatric disorders (eg depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder) have been linked to hyposmia. […] Degenerative processes of the central nervous system (eg, Parkinson disease [PD], Alzheimer disease) and other neurologic diseases (Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease) have been associated with hyposmia. […] The presence of olfactory dysfunction at the time of PD diagnosis increases the risk of developing dementia. […] An association has also been recognized between smell loss and increased risk of mortality. […] The assessment of olfactory function should become a more standard aspect of patient evaluation.

• #23 Disorders of Taste and Smell: Introduction and Background, Anatomy and Physiology, Etiology of Smell and Taste Disorders

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/861242-overview

  Infectious and inflammatory processes contribute to central defects in olfaction and in transmission. A viral URTI may result in smell loss by replacing olfactory neuroepithelium with respiratory epithelium, but studies suggest that stem cells remain, allowing for potential regeneration of the olfactory epithelium. Recovery of smell in these cases can take months to years and, in some instances, may never occur. […] Head trauma, brain surgery, or subarachnoid hemorrhage may stretch, damage, or transect the delicate fila olfactoria or damage brain parenchyma and result in anosmia. […] Sense of smell decreases with age, and it has been shown that the number of fibers in the olfactory bulb decreases throughout one’s lifetime. […] Congenital syndromes may be associated with neural losses. Kallmann syndrome is one type of congenital smell loss and is due to failed olfactory structure ontogenesis and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

• #23 Disorders of Taste and Smell: Introduction and Background, Anatomy and Physiology, Etiology of Smell and Taste Disorders

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/861242-overview

  Much of what is perceived as a taste defect is truly a primary defect in olfaction resulting in an alteration of flavor. […] Other than smell dysfunction, the most frequent causes of taste dysfunction are prior URTI, head injury, and idiopathic causes, but many other causes can be responsible. […] Normal aging produces taste loss due to changes in taste cell membranes involving altered function of ion channels and receptors rather than taste bud loss. […] More than 200 medications have been associated with taste disorders. […] Nutritional deficiencies are involved in taste aberrations. Decreased zinc, copper, and nickel levels can correlate with taste alterations. […] Endocrine disorders also are involved in taste and olfactory disorders. […] Anosmia and dysgeusia are symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

• #24 Loss of Taste and Smell: Causes and Coping

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/loss-of-taste-and-smell-5213347

  The loss of taste, and in particular smell, can decrease or change as you age. It’s a normal part of the aging process. […] Hormones can affect your sense of smell, particularly for cisgender females. […] If your nose is blocked, because of congestion caused by allergies or illness like the flu, a cold, or a sinus infection, it can stop smells from reaching those sensors. […] COVID-19 affects taste and smell differently from other infections. […] Up to half of people who have mild concussions will temporarily lose their sense of smell. […] Conditions that affect the brain and nervous systems can interrupt this process and lead to a loss of smell. […] Exposure to certain chemicals, including those found in cigarettes, can diminish one’s sense of smell. […] Certain medical treatments and medications can affect your ability to taste and smell.

• #25 Anosmia (Loss of Smell) | Stanford Health Care

  https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/ear-nose-and-throat/anosmia-loss-of-smell.html

  Anosmia (total loss of smell) and hyposmia (partial loss of smell) can result from many conditions, medications, and infections. […] Usually, anosmia and hyposmia improve once doctors have treated the cause. In some cases, loss of smell can be permanent. If you notice symptoms of anosmia, it is important to seek treatment right away. Delaying treatment may result in permanent smell loss. […] Anosmia and hyposmia can affect people of any age or gender, but smell disorders are more common in men. These conditions can result from: […] COVID-19 and other viral infections: Anosmia is a common symptom of COVID-19 and long COVID. Many other viral infections can also cause this condition. Usually, the sense of smell returns in a few weeks, but it can take months or even longer to return. […] Degenerative disorders: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and multiple sclerosis (MS) can damage odor receptors and cause smelling abnormalities. Hyposmia and anosmia are often early signs of these disorders.

• #25 Anosmia (Loss of Smell) | Stanford Health Care

  https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/ear-nose-and-throat/anosmia-loss-of-smell.html

  Genetics: Rarely, people are born without the ability to smell. Doctors call this condition congenital anosmia. It results from certain genetic disorders, such as Kallmann syndrome, which also affects hormone development. […] Injury: A deviated septum (damage to the partition between the nasal cavities) can affect a person’s ability to smell. A traumatic brain injury can damage nerves in the brain responsible for communicating with olfactory nerves in the nose. […] Medications and chemicals: Some drugs can cause anosmia, including antihistamines and nasal decongestants. The risk increases with long-term use of these medications. Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as insecticides, can also affect smell. […] Nasal polyps (noncancerous growths) and tumors: Growths in the nose and sinuses can change how nerves work, resulting in anosmia. Brain tumors can damage the area responsible for identifying smells. […] Radiation therapy: People who receive radiation therapy for head and neck cancer may experience anosmia following treatment. […] Smoking: Cigarettes and other tobacco products can affect the sense of smell, especially in people who have smoked for many years.

• #26 Anosmia: Definition, symptoms, causes, treatment, and more

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-anosmia

  Anosmia is the inability or decreased ability to smell. It can be permanent or temporary, depending on the cause. […] Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers disease, may cause a loss of the sense of smell. […] Several factors may contribute to anosmia, including inherited anosmia, older age, chronic sinonasal diseases, severe head injury, upper respiratory infections, and neurodegenerative diseases. […] Some neurodegenerative diseases that may cause anosmia or some degree of loss of smell include Parkinsons disease, Alzheimers disease, Huntingtons disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. […] Sometimes doctors are unsure why a person developed anosmia. This is known as idiopathic anosmia. […] The novel coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic causes reduction of smell and taste in many patients. […] A hypothesis for why some people with a SARS-CoV-2 infection develop anosmia is genetic differences in the ability of the virus to attach to receptors in the nasal cavity. […] Doctors have identified several causes of anosmia. Some causes can lead to permanent or temporary loss of smell.

• #27 Healthy aging

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/expert-answers/loss-of-taste-and-smell/faq-20058455

  Some loss of taste and smell is natural with aging, especially after age 60. […] But other factors can contribute to loss of taste and smell, including: […] Loss of taste and smell can have a significant impact on quality of life. […] If you’re experiencing loss of taste and smell, see your health care provider. […] Many nasal and sinus conditions and dental problems can be treated as well. […] Most people who have loss of taste and smell associated with COVID-19 disease report seeing improvements in their symptoms in a few weeks. […] However, for some, loss of taste and smell may linger for months. […] If your symptoms don’t improve after treating the cause of your loss of taste and smell, your health care provider may recommend smell training therapy. […] If necessary, your health care provider might recommend consulting an allergist, an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist), a neurologist, or other specialist.

• #28 When the Nose Goes | Northwestern Medicine

  https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/when-the-nose-goes

  Has a smell ever taken you back to a childhood memory or made you feel a strong emotion? […] A loss or decline in sense of smell is very common many studies suggest its more prevalent than hearing loss and can be life-changing. […] Anosmia is complete loss of the ability to smell. Hyposmia, more common than anosmia, is a decrease in the sense of smell. […] After the age of 65, 60 percent of people have major olfactory impairment, and nearly 25 percent of people are completely anosmic, says Dr. Alvi. […] Allergies, chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps all cause inflammation in the nasal passages, which can decrease the ability to smell. […] There are certainly some reversible causes of olfactory impairment due to inflammation. Other times, after a bad cold or the flu, people can also develop permanent smell impairment, says Dr. Alvi.

• #29 Anosmia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

  https://www.webmd.com/brain/anosmia-loss-of-smell

  Most of us take our sense of smell for granted. But have you ever thought about what it would be like to not be able to smell something? The complete loss of smell is called anosmia (an-OHZ-me-uh). […] For some people, including many elderly, the loss of a sense of smell may persist. In addition, anosmia can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Any ongoing problems with smell should be checked out by a doctor. […] Anything that interferes with these processes, such as nasal congestion, nasal blockage, or damage to the nerve cells themselves, can lead to loss of smell. […] Nasal congestion from a cold, allergy, sinus infection, or poor air quality is the most common cause of anosmia. Other anosmia causes include: Injury to the nose and smell nerves from surgery or head trauma. Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as pesticides or solvents. Certain medications, including antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory medication, heart medications, and others. Old age. Like vision and hearing, your sense of smell can become weaker as you age. In fact, one’s sense of smell is most keen between the ages of 30 and 60 and begins to decline after age 60. Certain medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, nutritional deficiencies, congenital conditions, and hormonal disturbances. Radiation treatment of head and neck cancers.

• #30 Anosmia – loss of smell | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/anosmia-loss-of-smell

  Anosmia means loss of the sense of smell, while hyposmia means reduced smell sensitivity. […] There are numerous medications, diseases, hormonal disturbances and chemicals that can disrupt the sense of smell, sometimes permanently. […] However, different factors that are known to interfere with the smell sense include: […] Chemicals – a wide range of industrial chemicals, including heavy metals, inorganic and organic compounds, acids and pollutants. […] Diseases of the hormonal system – such as diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome and hypothyroidism. […] Diseases of the nervous system – such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, migraine, Korsakoff syndrome, brain tumours, brain lesions and epilepsy. […] Drugs – stimulants (such as amphetamines and cocaine), depressants (such as morphine), some antibiotics and other drugs, including the vasoconstrictors in nasal sprays.

• #30 Anosmia – loss of smell | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/anosmia-loss-of-smell

  General diseases – such as bronchial asthma, leprosy and cystic fibrosis. […] Trauma – including blows to the head or injuries to the nose. […] The nerve cells servicing the olfactory epithelium are unique to the nervous system. Unlike nerve cells anywhere else in the body, the olfactory neurons are able to recover or regenerate after injury. This means that incidences of anosmia can be temporary.

• #31 What’s Causing My Loss of Smell and Taste?

  https://www.webmd.com/brain/ss/slideshow-causes-of-loss-of-smell-and-taste

  When your sense of smell goes south, taste usually follows. […] As you age, you lose some of the olfactory nerve fibers in your nose. […] Anything that irritates and inflames the inner lining of your nose and makes it feel stuffy, runny, itchy, or drippy can affect your senses of smell and taste. […] If you cant get enough air through your nose, your sense of smell suffers. […] Trauma to the head, neck, or brain can damage that nerve, as well as the lining of your nose, nasal passages, or the parts of your brain that process smell. […] Doctors dont understand why, but loss of smell can be an early warning sign of dementia, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons disease. […] Certain kinds of cancer and treatment can change the messages between your nose, mouth, and brain. […] Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can shift your senses, especially antibiotics and blood pressure medications. […] Loss of taste and smell could be your bodys way of telling you youre low in vitamins. […] Besides its ability to cause cancer, tobacco smoke can injure or kill the cells that help your brain classify smells and taste.

• #32 Anosmia (Loss of Sense of Smell): Causes, Conditions, Treatment

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/am-i-losing-my-sense-of-smell-1192157

  A partial or total loss of smell called anosmia can happen for many reasons including having COVID-19. […] Many conditions can temporarily or permanently cause anosmia. More rarely, a decreased sense of smell can signal the start of a serious condition such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. […] The following conditions can cause anosmia that is often temporary or reversible: Allergies, Congestion from colds or upper respiratory infections, Dental problems or oral surgery, Deviated septum, Nasal polyps (often must be treated surgically), Sinusitis, Temporary fluctuations in hormone levels, Vitamin deficiencies or malnutrition (rare). […] The loss of smell due to some conditions or risk factors may be reversible, partially reversible, or permanent. […] Zinc nasal sprays are known to cause permanent anosmia. Breathing in chemicals or environmental pollutants has been known to cause permanent anosmia as well.

• #32 Anosmia (Loss of Sense of Smell): Causes, Conditions, Treatment

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/am-i-losing-my-sense-of-smell-1192157

  Many conditions often cause a permanent loss of a person’s sense of smell. […] Brain injuries (head trauma) may cause anosmia, as can disorders that affect the nervous system, including: Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease. […] Some other conditions that may cause anosmia include: Adrenocortical insufficiency syndrome, Cerebral vascular accident (stroke), Cushing’s syndrome, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Kallmann’s syndrome, Hypothyroidism, Psychiatric conditions, Sjgren’s disease, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Tumors of the brain, sinus cavities, or nose, Turner syndrome. […] As mentioned above, many conditions that can diminish your sense of smell are reversible, but it depends on the root cause of your condition. […] If the anosmia is a side effect of a medication you are taking, the medication should be stopped. […] There is no medication or treatment specifically designed to improve or bring back your sense of smell, but finding the cause of the anosmia and resolving the underlying issue is successful in many cases.

• #33 Anosmia (loss of smell) | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell

  Anosmia is the medical term for the loss of smell. […] Loss of smell can be caused by many things, such as injury and COVID-19. […] Anosmia and hyposmia have many different causes. Most of the time, the causes of anosmia are age-related. Some people are born with anosmia. […] Injuries to the head and face can cause the loss of smell. […] Infections can also cause anosmia, such as: a cold, influenza, COVID-19. […] Anosmia can also be caused by some chemicals and medicines. This includes some illicit drugs, such as cocaine. […] Other causes of anosmia are: brain tumours, nasal polyps, head injury, vitamin deficiency, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or chronic sinusitis, diseases including Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease, smoking. […] If you notice a change in your sense of smell, see your doctor.

• #34 Smell and Taste Disorders in Primary Care | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/1215/p852.html

  Medication effects may represent up to 12% of olfactory dysfunction, and an even larger proportion of gustatory dysfunction. […] There are few conclusive data confirming the role of medications in smell and taste disorders, because most evidence is based on case studies or series. […] One exception is chemotherapy, which can cause loss of taste and smell, as well as parosmia and phantosmia. […] Patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease may subjectively recognize smell and taste deficits as early symptoms. […] The loss of smell and taste in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease differs from that of age-matched controls, but not between the two conditions. […] Disease severity in Parkinson and Alzheimer disease correlates with the severity of smell and taste loss. […] Olfactory loss is correlated with increasing frequency of upper respiratory infections. […] The severity of sinonasal disease also correlates with the degree of olfactory loss, increasing throughout the continuum of allergic rhinitis, to chronic rhinosinusitis, to nasal polyps.

• #35 6 Medications That Can Cause Loss of Smell – BuzzRx

  https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/6-medications-that-can-cause-loss-of-smell

  The following medications can affect both your sense of taste and your sense of smell: Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin. Steroid nasal sprays such as fluticasone. Blood pressure and heart medications such as amlodipine and enalapril. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and pravastatin. Thyroid hormone replacement medications such as levothyroxine. […] Some of the medications that have been reported to affect the sense of smell are listed below. It is worth noting that smell disorders related to some of these drugs are rare side effects and not commonly reported: Beta-blockers like metoprolol. Antiarrhythmic drugs like amiodarone. Antithyroid drugs such as methimazole. ACE inhibitors such as captopril. Intranasal zinc, used as a remedy for the common cold.

• #35 6 Medications That Can Cause Loss of Smell – BuzzRx

  https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/6-medications-that-can-cause-loss-of-smell

  There is no specific treatment for taste and smell disorders that are a side effect of medication. If a prescribed drug affects your sense of taste and smell, your doctor may lower the dose of the offending medication or switch you to another medication. The sense of taste and smell usually return after the drug is discontinued. If you have a total loss of the sense of taste and smell and it does not improve with a change in medications, your doctor may refer you to a specialist at a smell and taste center. The specialist at the taste and smell clinic will thoroughly examine you to investigate other potential underlying causes of your loss of smell or taste.

• #36 Loss of Taste and Smell: Causes and Treatment

  https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/smell-and-taste-disorders

  Smell and taste disorders are conditions that result in a decrease, distortion, or a loss of taste and smell. […] A loss of taste or smell may also be a feature of infection with COVID-19, and can often last for weeks or months after other symptoms have cleared. […] There are many different causes of smell and taste problems. The most common causes of temporary loss are colds, flu and sinus problems. […] The sense of smell can be lost due to a variety of causes. The most common causes include: An injury to the head. A stroke. Viral infections – colds or flu. Diseases affecting the sinuses, such as various forms of sinusitis (or nasal polyps), and structural abnormalities. Allergies that affect your nose, such as hay fever. Taking certain medications. Hormone problems such as Cushing’s syndrome. Dental or mouth problems. Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene, chlorine, formaldehyde, paint solvents and trichloroethylene. Exposure to radiation therapy for head or neck cancer. Cocaine snorted through the nose. Cigarette smoking.

• #37 What causes loss of smell and taste? | Spire Healthcare

  https://www.spirehealthcare.com/health-hub/specialties/general-health/what-causes-loss-of-smell-and-taste/

  Other causes of loss of taste include smoking, diabetes, Sjgrens syndrome, infection of your oral cavity (the space inside your mouth) and certain treatments, such as radiotherapy and particular medications (eg antidepressants such as amitriptyline). […] Nutrient deficiencies can also cause loss of smell, such as deficiencies in zinc, copper and nickel.

• #38

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00441-020-03381-9

  It has been estimated that 0.010.02% of the general population are born without a functioning sense of smell. […] Whereas genetic variations account for a minor part of congenital anosmia (CA), i.e., in the Kallmann syndrome, which is characterized by olfactory dysfunction (anosmia or hyposmia) and isolated hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (IHH), the majority of CA patients lacks known genetic variations or underlying diseases. […] Although the aetiology is not yet completely understood, parallel occurring morphological neuropathological alterations have been evident. […] The lack of ability to subjectively assess olfactory performance may hinder an early diagnosis. […] Although a majority of anosmic individuals does not appear to be bothered in daily life, a considerable number of patients declare negative effects of their sensory loss, often manifested in reduced life quality or depressive symptoms.

• #38

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00441-020-03381-9

  Independent from its cause, patients report similar impairments when it comes to the impact of anosmia on daily life functioning. […] Detection of edible food, rejection of spoiled food regulation of appetite and hedonic experience such as flavour perception all those features of nutrition are mediated by chemosensation and hence affected in anosmia. […] The altered perception of food is often an initial sign of olfactory loss which is noticed by the patients themselves. […] Up to 70% of patients with acquired anosmia report a decreased pleasure of eating or drinking. […] Odours serve as warning signals, e.g., for the detection of gas or hygiene-related domains. […] Those signalling functions of odours are disturbed in anosmia. […] About one third of the patients with acquired olfactory dysfunction report a negative impact of their disorder on a social domain, especially when it comes to romantic relationships.

• #38

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00441-020-03381-9

  In sum, these findings highlight the importance of olfaction for social communication. […] Although the majority of patients deal well with olfactory impairment in their daily life, about one third of those individuals with olfactory loss who seek professional help states substantial reduction in overall life quality. […] The development of low-threshold screening tools could hence promote early detection of smell disorders before adverse long-term effects arise. […] In general, women report greater disturbance of olfactory impairment than men, especially when it comes to affected social and domestic life. […] In all cases, a comprehensive analysis of individual conditions should be carried out, as those can increase as well as attenuate the occurrence of negative outcomes and mediate well-being.

• #39 Parosmia (Distorted Smell): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23986-parosmia

  Parosmia is a distorted sense of smell. It happens when smell receptor cells in your nose dont detect odors or transmit them to your brain. Causes include bacterial or viral infections, head trauma, neurological conditions and COVID-19. Parosmia is usually temporary, but in some cases, its permanent. […] There are several different conditions that can cause parosmia, including: COVID-19, Acute sinusitis, Head trauma, Nasal polyps, Common cold, Influenza (flu), Certain medications, Chronic dry mouth (xerostomia), Smoking, Chemical exposure, Cancer treatments, Temporal lobe seizures, Brain tumors (less common). […] Parosmia is one of the most common long COVID symptoms. According to one research study, people with COVID-related parosmia start to regain their sense of smell approximately 14 to 16 months after infection. […] Yes. In some cases, parosmia is permanent. But full recovery is common. Ask your healthcare provider for details about your situation. Current research suggests that COVID-related parosmia is only temporary, though symptoms can last for a year or longer.

• #40 Anosmia / Smell disorders

  https://www.entuk.org/patients/conditions/81/anosmia_smell_disorders/

  Anosmia is the medical name for the loss or lack of the sense of smell. […] Sometimes it is not possible to find the cause of the sense of smell changing or being lost in fact, a cause may not be found in up to 1 in 5 people. […] However, we know the following are the most common causes: Smoking, Viral infections (e.g., common colds, and COVID-19), Nose or sinus problems (e.g., chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps), Medication (e.g., opiates), Head trauma or head injury, Age our sense of smell naturally reduces as we get older. […] Some medical conditions may be associated with anosmia, including Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, and schizophrenia. […] Depending on the cause (if found), your doctor may be able to give you an estimate of when or whether your sense of smell is likely to improve. Unfortunately, it is very hard to predict accurately.

• #40 Anosmia / Smell disorders

  https://www.entuk.org/patients/conditions/81/anosmia_smell_disorders/

  Increasing age, Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease typically result in more permanent loss or a continually worsening sense of smell. […] Head trauma can cause injuries to the small nerves in the nose that sense smell (called olfactory nerves), or the part of the brain that receives the signal. Sometimes this will recover (over months to years), either partially or completely. In most, the change is permanent.

• #41 Anosmia (Loss of Smell): Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21859-anosmia-loss-of-sense-of-smell

  Anosmia may be a symptom of other, more serious medical issues like diabetes or traumatic brain injury. […] Anosmia may be a side effect of many common medical issues, including conditions that block your nose or interfere with signals sent from your special scent cells to your brain. […] Rarely, people are born with anosmia, or congenital anosmia. That means they’ll never be able to detect odors. […] Anosmia can keep you from realizing there’s smoke in your home or workplace. […] Anosmia related to colds, flus and infections usually goes away within a few days. […] Sometimes anosmia doesn’t go away. That’s when you should talk to a healthcare provider because it may be a symptom of serious medical conditions like diabetes or a brain injury.

• #42 My smell sensation gets weak after a few minutes. Is it common, or do I have any disease?

  https://www.icliniq.com/qa/loss-of-smell/what-can-cause-olfactory-dysfunction

  The olfactory dysfunction associated with chronic rhinosinusitis is more likely to improve and has a better prognosis than those associated with other causes like trauma or post viral or postsurgical. […] However, some degree of neuronal injury cannot be ruled out entirely. But even then, olfactory neurons have the capability of regenerating and can restore functioning.

• #43 Loss of Smell or Taste After Traumatic Brain Injury | MSKTC

  https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/loss-smell-or-taste-after-traumatic-brain-injury

  Inability to smell gas leaks, toxic fumes or chemicals, which can be harmful if undetected. […] The parts of the brain involved in smell and taste are close to parts of the brain that deal with other functions. If the areas of the brain that deal with taste and smell are injured, other nearby parts of the brain may also be injured. […] Recovery can happen. Research shows that 30% of affected people get better naturally over time. […] The chance of getting better over time is more likely if you have mild loss of sense of smell.

• #43 Loss of Smell or Taste After Traumatic Brain Injury | MSKTC

  https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/loss-smell-or-taste-after-traumatic-brain-injury

  Your senses of smell and taste are important for many aspects of your life. […] Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause problems with smell and taste. […] Loss of smell is often the cause of loss of taste after TBI. […] Loss of smell may result from damage to the lining of the nose or nasal passages. Other causes may be injury to the nerve that carries smell sensation from the nose to the brain or harm to parts of the brain that process smell. Other possible causes are infections, toxins, and medicines. […] Smell and taste are part of an overlapping sensory system. „Flavor” comes almost entirely from the nose. Smell and taste are directly related because they both trigger the same nerves. […] Loss of appetite or loss of enjoyment or interest in food can make you eat too little, which may result in not getting important vitamins and nutrients that the body needs, and/or lead to unsafe weight loss.

• #44 I Lost My Sense of Smell: Do I Have COVID-19? | Rush

  https://www.rush.edu/news/i-lost-my-sense-smell-do-i-have-covid-19

  While most cold viruses cause congestion, other viruses can actually affect the olfactory sensory neurons in the nose. These neurons detect and send odorant information to the central nervous system. When a virus attacks these neurons, it can trigger a sudden, complete loss of smell, a condition referred to anosmia. […] With most viral infections, smell loss will occur after the other viral symptoms the nasal congestion and runny nose have come and gone. With COVID-19, smell loss one of the first signs of infection. […] Smell loss is actually an early sign of COVID-19 and usually occurs for those who have a mild form of the virus, says Tajudeen. […] Another major difference is the length of smell recovery. With other viruses, recovery could take months and sometimes even years. Smell recovery for COVID-19 patient usually takes about four weeks. Tajudeen suggests that this could be because COVID-19 affects supporting cells, which regenerate faster than olfactory sensory neurons.

• #45 Why your sense of smell is important to your health | UCLA Health

  https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/why-your-sense-of-smell-is-important-to-your-health

  A loss of smell can affect how you live and how you feel. […] People with anosmia may feel disconnected, indifferent, anxious or depressed. […] A loss of smell also throws off your sense of taste. […] A loss of smell can leave you vulnerable to dangerous events such as fires and gas leaks. […] If you notice a diminished smell or a change in how your food tastes, make an appointment with your primary care provider, who can perform a scratch and sniff smell identification test to evaluate your symptoms. […] If you’ve lost your sense of smell temporarily, things may smell different when the sense returns. […] Researchers are also working to find new ways of activating the sense of smell for people with anosmia.

• #46 Can losing your sense of smell predict heart failure? | American Heart Association

  https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/06/07/can-losing-your-sense-of-smell-predict-heart-failure

  Losing the ability to smell properly – a common sensory deficit as people age – may help predict or even contribute to the development of heart failure, new research suggests. […] Research shows nearly 1 in 4 people experience olfactory impairment by their early 50s. After age 80, more than half do. […] Being unable to smell properly can have other consequences. Prior studies have suggested a poor sense of smell may be an early marker for cognitive function loss, finding an association between olfactory dysfunction and lower general cognitive performance, memory and language. […] In the new analysis, participants with olfactory loss had a roughly 30% higher risk of developing congestive heart failure than participants with a good sense of smell. […] Chen said it remained unclear as to whether a poor sense of smell may be contributing to the development of heart failure or merely predicted it. […] „This study does not show causation,” she said. „It raises questions, but that’s good because it may help point us in a new direction for targets to improve care.”

• #47 Why You May Suddenly Lose Your Sense of Taste or Smell | BASS Medical Group

  https://www.bassmedicalgroup.com/blog-post/sudden-loss-of-taste-or-smell

  Most cases of sudden loss of taste or smell improve on their own within a couple of weeks. However, you should schedule a visit if: […] Early evaluation can rule out more serious conditions and help you recover faster. […] The right treatment depends on the underlying causebut early intervention gives you the best chance of full recovery.

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