Smell Loss (Anosmia)
Anosmia is a common condition that often occurs during and after an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI/common cold).
What is anosmia?
Anosmia is a common condition that often occurs during and after an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI/common cold). In most instances this self resolves but, in some circumstances, smell either takes a long time to return or does not return at all. Smell loss can also result from chronic inflammation and polyps in your nose & sinuses (CRS). In rare cases, smell loss can be due to tumour in the nose or brain.
What are the symptoms of anosmia?
Smell loss, in the context of an URTI, can be associated with flu-like symptoms. When the smell loss is due to nasal polyps, patients can also have nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, nasal congestion, facial pain & fullness and headaches. Smell loss, when caused by a tumour, can have other associated neurological symptoms or pain and bleeding from the nose.
How do you treat anosmia?
The treatment of smell loss depends on the underlying cause. Smell rehabilitation is effective when caused by an URTI. If smell loss is secondary to polyp formation and chronic sinus disease (CRS) then optimal management of the CRS is required before smell improvement can occur.
What does surgery/treatment involve?
Focussed history, examination (including nasendoscopy) and specialised investigations are required to determine the cause of the anosmia. Treatment will be adapted to address the underlying cause and will involve a combination of pharmacological and surgical options.