February 27 is Anosmia Awareness Day. The day was conceived by Daniel Schein, who was born without the ability to smell, to raise awareness and foster understanding about anosmia.

What is Anosmia?

Anosmia is a condition characterized by the loss of the ability to detect odors. It can occur suddenly or gradually, and it may be temporary or permanent. Some people are born without a sense of smell (congenital), while the majority of people who suffer from this condition have acquired anosmia. 

What causes Anosmia?

Anosmia can be acquired in several ways:

·      Infections and Allergies: An estimated 27.5 million individuals worldwide experienced smell loss because of Covid-19. Other viruses, including the flu, can also cause anosmia, and it is common to experience temporary anosmia with a sinus infection, the common cold or seasonal allergies.

·      Nasal blockages: Nasal polyps, a deviated septum or tumors can obstruct the nasal passages and lead to an inability to smell.

·      Head injuries: Trauma to the head, particularly to the area around the nose and forehead, can damage the olfactory nerves, resulting in a loss of smell.

·      Neurological disorders and other conditions: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis can affect the brain regions responsible for processing smell and leading to anosmia. Anosmic may also be present in a host of other conditions including, Huntington’s disease, Kallmann’s syndrome, Klinefelter's syndrome, Korsakoff’s psychosis, Multiple system atrophy (MSA), Paget’s disease, Pick’s disease, schizophrenia, Sjorgren’s syndrome, and nutritional conditions like malnutrition or zinc deficiency.

·      Aging: As we age we lose some of our ability to smell. More than 50 % of the 65+ U.S. population are affected by some form of olfactory disorder.

·      Chemical Exposure or Environmental Hazards

·      Medication or Radiation Treatments

·      Smoking

·      Cocaine abuse

What should you do if you have lost your sense of smell?

If you suspect you have anosmia, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include physical examinations, imaging tests, or olfactory function tests, to determine the underlying cause of your loss of smell. They may refer you for further testing to rule out neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.

What treatments are available?

There have been few effective treatments available for people with smell loss. In some cases, treating the underlying medical issues such as nasal congestion or sinus infections can restore the sense of smell. A physician might prescribe a nasal spray, antibiotics or steroids for these conditions.

Smell training, a daily regimen of sniffing select odors, has been shown to help stimulate the olfactory system. Research suggests that this practice potentially helps people regain some sense of smell.

Researchers are working on new treatments that range from gene therapy, to bionic noses, to new medications. Some individuals have reported success with new treatments including platelet rich plasma (PRP) and Stellate Ganglion Blocks.

What is it like to be unable to Smell?

The impact of anosmia can be profound, impacting a person’s quality of life, well-being and safety. Studies have linked anosmia to compromised quality of life and hedonic experiences, as well as depression and anxiety. 

Here are many of the challenges faced by individuals who suffer from anosmia:

Safety

-       Unable to smell a gas leak or fire or detect spoiled food

Food and Nutrition

-       Smell triggers appetite, and some people with anosmia lose interest in eating, leading to weight loss and nutritional challenges

-       Because lack of flavor means food is bland, some anosmic overuse salt or eat an excess of sugary foods, leading to other health issues

Well-being and Quality of Life

-       The inability to smell one’s loved ones impacts intimacy, parent child bonding, sexual attraction, and libido

-       Some people with anosmia develop excessive concern with their own body odor which can lead to insecurity in social situations

-       Because so many social functions and holidays revolve around food, many anosmic withdraw socially or no longer enjoy their favorite holidays

Mental Health

-       Anosmia’s impact on mental health is profound. Results of a recent study show found that 25% of those with a poor sense of smell developed significant depressive symptoms.  has  risk for depression

How does Anosmia impact the ability to Taste?

People with anosmia experience a diminished sense of taste. Foods may taste bland or unappealing, leading to a loss of appetite and potentially affecting one's nutritional intake. 

This is because the sense of smell and taste are closely intertwined, working together to create the perception of flavor. Approximately 80% of what we perceive as taste comes from our sense of smell.

When we eat, odor molecules released by food travel through the back of the throat (called retronasal olfaction) to the olfactory receptors in the nose, where they contribute to the overall flavor experience.

Where can I go for support?

You can find out more about smell and taste and the importance of these senses by checking the news section of the World Taste & Smell Association website (tasteandsmell.world). You can also find information and support from these groups:  

AbScent

FifthSense

Monell Center

Online support groups Facebook or Reddit

The Smell and Taste Association of North America (STANA)

University of Florida Center for Smell and Taste