There are several possibilities when diagnosing the cause of a loss of smell.
The Clinique ORL 1851 in Montreal outlines the most common causes and explains when you should seek medical advice if you notice a loss of smell in yourself or a loved one.
IN SHORT
There are many different causes of loss of smell. The most common causes are:
- Viral and respiratory infections
- Nasal and sinus problems
- Head injuries
- Certain medicines
Furthermore, a loss of smell can take the form of anosmia or hyposmia, which are a total or partial loss of the sense of smell, respectively.
Anosmia and Hyposmia: What Is the Difference?
Loss of smell can take the form of anosmia and hyposmia. In practical terms, anosmia is the total loss of the sense of smell, whilst hyposmia is a partial loss.
Anosmia often causes a loss of the sense of taste, and those affected can generally only taste more ‘intense’ flavours, such as salty, sweet, sour or bitter substances.
Hyposmia may also be accompanied by a reduction in the sense of taste, but to a much lesser extent.
These two conditions can have a number of different causes, and it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional as soon as you notice a significant loss of smell.
Loss of Smell Associated with Ageing
In many cases, a loss of smell is a natural consequence of ageing. Ageing can lead to a deterioration of the olfactory nerves, dry out the mucous membranes and thin the olfactory epithelium.
This gradual deterioration often results in a reduced sense of smell as we get older.
However, this usually becomes apparent around the age of 60 and may worsen after the age of 70. If you notice a significant loss of smell earlier than this, it could be a sign of premature decline in the sense of smell, but it is more likely that the cause of the loss of smell is not related to your age.
Viral and Respiratory Infections
Colds, flu, COVID-19, etc.
Many viral infections can lead to partial or total loss of the sense of smell.
Generally, a loss of smell caused by a viral infection will be treated at the same time as the infection itself, but unfortunately there are some exceptions, such as certain cases of COVID-19.
Nasal and Sinus Problems
Nasal allergies
One of the most common causes of loss of smell, particularly during the pollen season, is nasal allergies.
Generally speaking, loss of smell caused by allergies is harmless, but there are still a few tips you can follow to alleviate your seasonal allergies and regain your sense of smell.
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are fleshy growths that develop inside the nose. They are usually benign, but can cause a number of problems, including loss of smell.
In most cases, steroid nasal sprays are sufficient to clear up nasal polyps. You should therefore seek medical advice if you suspect you have nasal polyps, the main symptoms of which are:
- Nasal congestion
- Facial pain
- Excessive nasal discharge
- Post-nasal drip
- Physical blockage in the nose
- Loss of sense of smell
Acute or chronic sinusitis
Sinusitis, whether acute or chronic, causes a loss of smell in most cases. This loss is usually partial, but can be total in some cases. The main symptoms of sinusitis are:
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal discharge, sometimes purulent
- Pain or pressure in the face or skull
- Headache or fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of sense of smell
If you experience several of these symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional who can diagnose the cause of your loss of smell and help relieve your symptoms.
It is particularly important to seek medical advice if your symptoms last for more than three months or recur at least four times a year, as this is likely to be chronic sinusitis.
Head Injuries
Head injuries, which can result from a severe impact during a car accident or simply from too much contact whilst playing sport, can cause a loss of smell.
Unfortunately, loss of smell resulting from head injuries is often permanent, as a head injury can damage or destroy the olfactory nerve fibres or even completely sever the connection between the brain and the nasal cavity.
Medicines and Tobacco
Finally, certain medicines may contribute to a loss of smell in some people. Generally, this potential side effect will be listed on the medicine’s information leaflet.
Some specialists link smoking to a loss of smell, but no studies have yet established a direct link.
Causes of Loss of Smell: When Should You Seek Medical Advice in Montreal?
If you notice a loss of smell, whether partial or total, you should generally seek medical advice as soon as possible, unless it is clearly linked to a known condition, such as seasonal allergies or the flu.
For prompt treatment of a loss of smell in Montreal, put your trust in the team at Clinique ORL 1851 on the Plateau Mont-Royal, in the heart of the city!
