Why Smell Matters
Loss of smell does more than dull your senses—it can affect safety, nutrition, and emotional well-being. Anosmia may:
Reduce enjoyment of food and social experiences
Diminish appetite, leading to weight loss or malnutrition
Increase the risk of missing spoiled food or harmful odors
Signal early signs of neurologic conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s
What Is Anosmia?
Anosmia is the partial or complete loss of the sense of smell, affecting up to 20% of the population. Because smell and taste are closely connected, many people with anosmia also notice a reduced or distorted sense of taste. While often temporary, anosmia can sometimes be permanent and significantly impact daily life.
What Causes Anosmia?
Common causes include:
Chronic sinusitis or nasal inflammation
Nasal obstructions, such as polyps
Viral infections, including cold or flu
Allergies, smoking, aging, or head trauma
Neurological conditions
Less commonly, anosmia can result from certain medications, toxic exposure, or vitamin deficiencies.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually and may include:
Partial or total loss of smell
Distorted or absent odors from familiar things
Reduced ability to taste flavors like salty, sweet, sour, or bitter
Nasal congestion, postnasal drip, or difficulty breathing through the nose
How We Diagnose Anosmia
Smell Testing Using a Scratch-and-Sniff Method
Nasal Endoscopy to Examine Nasal Passages
MRI or CT Imaging to Identify Underlying Conditions
Treatment Options
About half of all anosmia cases can be treated successfully, depending on the cause. Even when not fully reversible, symptoms often improve with care. Common treatment options include:
Decongestants, antihistamines, or steroid sprays
Short-term oral steroids
Sinus surgery for obstructions or chronic infections
Smell therapy or intranasal theophylline spray
All treatments are personalized and offered as part of a comprehensive care plan at the New York Sinus Center.
Take The Next Step
Learn more from this comprehensive Anosmia presentation prepared by Dr. Robert Pincus: Olfaction 2016 – Anosmia Stinks
It’s important that you first consult with us, your physicians, about which anosmia treatment may be suitable for you.
To determine whether you are affected by anosmia, fill out and submit our Anosmia / Loss of Smell Questionnaire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anosmia is the partial or complete loss of the sense of smell and affects up to 20% of the population. It can significantly impact daily life, including taste perception, because smell and taste are closely connected.
Common causes of anosmia include chronic sinusitis, nasal obstructions like polyps, viral infections such as cold or flu, allergies, smoking, aging, head trauma, and neurological conditions. Less frequent causes include certain medications, toxic exposure, and vitamin deficiencies.
Diagnosis of anosmia involves smell testing using scratch-and-sniff methods, nasal endoscopy to examine nasal passages, and MRI or CT imaging to identify any underlying conditions contributing to the loss of smell.
Loss of smell can reduce enjoyment of food and social interactions, diminish appetite leading to weight loss or malnutrition, increase risks due to inability to detect spoiled food or harmful odors, and may signal early neurological conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Treatment depends on the cause and includes decongestants, antihistamines, steroid sprays, short-term oral steroids, sinus surgery, smell therapy, and intranasal theophylline spray. About half of anosmia cases can be successfully treated, and all treatments are personalized.
While anosmia is often temporary, it can sometimes be permanent, particularly if caused by severe nerve damage or neurological conditions. However, many cases improve with appropriate treatment and care.
You can assess if you have anosmia by filling out the Anosmia / Loss of Smell Questionnaire provided by the New York Sinus Center. Consulting their physicians will help determine suitable diagnosis and treatment options.