Loss of smell (anosmia)

Loss of smell (anosmia) can be partial or total. It can be very dangerous, as certain smells like smoke or rotten meat warn us of dangers in the environment. It can be associated with a loss of taste. 

We classify loss of smell as conductive or sensorineural. An evaluation by an ENT specialist will be able to identify conductive causes that prevent smells from getting to your brain, such as nasal polyps or nasal tumors. Sensorineural causes of anosmia can be due to olfactory dysfunction following a cold, a traumatic brain injury, or a brain tumor. In addition to nasal endoscopy, the ENT specialist can request specialized imaging such as CT scan or brain MRI.

Treatments vary depending on the cause, but can include surgery, nasal steroids, or oral steroids.