When you partially or fully lose the ability to smell the delicious food at The Bait Shed, it is known as anosmia. Anosmia may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause. It’s important to see a doctor if you experience anosmia in case it’s a symptom of a serious underlying condition. Below we review the causes anosmia, how it’s diagnosed and how it’s treated.
Causes of Anosmia
There are three main causes of anosmia: irritation to the mucus membranes that line the nose, blockage of the nasal passages and damage to the brain or nerves.
Irritation
Irritation of the mucus membranes can result from:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Common cold
- Flu
- Nonallergic rhinitis
- Sinus infection
- Smoking
Blockage
If something is physically blocking the nose, it can prevent smells from entering. Possible causes include:
- Bone deformities
- Nasal polyps
- Tumors
Brain/Nerve Damage
There are many types of brain or nerve damage that can cause loss of smell, some include:
- Alcoholism
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain surgery
- Brain tumors
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Old age
- Head injury
- Hormonal problems
- Huntington’s disease
- Malnutrition
- Medications
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Schizophrenia
- Stroke
- Radiation therapy
- Underactive thyroid
COVID-19
Loss of smell is also a well-known symptom of COVID-19, though the reason why is not well understood.
Diagnosing Anosmia
To diagnose anosmia, your doctor may ask questions about your symptoms, perform a physical exam and take your medical history. They may also order tests such as:
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Nasal endoscopy
- X-ray
Treatment for Anosmia
The appropriate treatment for anosmia depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you have a cold, sinus infection or allergies, it will typically resolve itself when your other symptoms clear. If it doesn’t, you should see a doctor.
Irritation
You can treat anosmia caused by irritation with:
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Avoidance of allergens/irritants
- Decongestants
- Smoking cessation
- Steroid nasal sprays
Blockage
Anosmia caused by a blockage can be treated by removing the blockage, usually through surgery.
Brain/Nerve Damage
Unfortunately, this cause of anosmia is often not treatable. If you have partial anosmia, you can add concentrated flavoring agents to food to improve your enjoyment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Benjamin Liess MD today.