Do you find it hard not even to smell a scent? It could be that you have anosmia! Find out more about the disease and its causes in this article.
When we have a cold, it is usually difficult to smell the food, drink, or other odors around us. Maybe this is often the case and fairly reasonable. But what happens if the ability to smell is lost without breathing problems? Maybe this is a sign of anosmia!
The sense of smell is of course very important. In addition to recognizing smells, this ability can help detect the smell of gas and smoke that can warn us of danger. So, what is anosmia and what causes it?
Avoid Anosmia
This disorder occurs where the ability of the sense of smell to inhale something becomes lost. Reporting from Healthline, this condition can occur temporarily or permanently.
As explained by WebMD, inside the nose there are special nerve cells called olfactory cells. Each smell releases molecules that can stimulate these olfactory cells thereby sending information to the brain, where the scent is identified.
A blockage in the nose or damage to nerve cells can cause a person to lose their ability to detect odors. If the ability to smell is reduced, it will affect the tongue’s ability to detect taste.
This can make the sufferer lose weight and even become malnourished. The effect is really bad, isn’t it? This condition is not a stand-alone disease. There are other diseases that trigger anosmia.
Causes of Anosmia
This disease can occur when there is a disturbance in the sense of smell. There are simple to serious levels. Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, here are the causes of anosmia that you need to know.
1. Irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose
Some examples of conditions that cause irritation are as follows.
- Sinusitis.
- Flu.
- Allergic rhinitis.
- I am not allergic to rhinitis.
- Smoking.
The flu is the disease that most often causes anosmia. But don’t worry, in this case, the anosmia is only temporary.
2. Blockage or Obstructed Airflow to the Nose
The condition is usually caused by some of the disorders below.
- Deviated septum (bending of the dividing bone in the nose).
- Nasal polyps.
- Tumor.
The causes of anosmia above can also be temporary. If the main cause is addressed, then the ability of the sense of smell will also return to normal.
3. Conditions That Cause Brain and Nerve Damage
Anosmia can also occur due to disturbances in the brain and nerves. For example, triggered by some types of this disease.
- Aging.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Brain tumor.
- Stroke.
- Brain or head injury.
- A brain aneurysm (swelling of a blood vessel in the brain).
- Complications of brain surgery.
- Diabetes.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Hormonal disorders.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Certain medications (antibiotics, blood pressure medications).
- Poor nutrition.
- Certain diseases ( multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and so on).
- Side effects of radiation therapy in cancer patients.
- Long-term alcohol use.
There are also causes of anosmia due to congenital or congenital anosmia. It is associated with defects in certain parts of the brain.
Anosmia Treatment
Treatment for anosmia sufferers, of course, varies according to the cause. If the cause is an infection, flu, allergies, or sinuses, your doctor will usually prescribe medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, antibiotics, and nasal sprays.
If caused by allergies, try to avoid allergens (allergy trigger substances) so that anosmia can be prevented. For those who have lost their sense of smell due to a blockage, the treatment is to remove the blockage. For example, surgical removal of polyps and tumors is performed.
Sometimes, a person will regain his sense of smell spontaneously, you know. But unfortunately, not all anosmia can be treated. This applies to anosmia due to aging. If you experience problems with smell, especially those that last for a long time, see a doctor immediately.