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 PRP therapy
All treatments are personalized and offered as part of a comprehensive care plan at the New York Sinus Center.
Take The Next Step
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, affecting up to 20% of the population. It often impacts taste as well, since smell and taste are closely connected. While it can be temporary, anosmia may sometimes be permanent and significantly affect daily life.
Common causes of anosmia include chronic sinusitis, nasal obstructions like polyps, viral infections such as cold or flu, allergies, smoking, aging, head trauma, neurological conditions, certain medications, toxic exposure, and vitamin deficiencies.
Symptoms of anosmia can appear suddenly or gradually and include partial or total loss of smell, distorted or absent odors from familiar things, reduced ability to taste flavors, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and difficulty breathing through the nose.
Anosmia is diagnosed through smell testing using scratch-and-sniff methods, nasal endoscopy to examine nasal passages, and imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans to identify underlying conditions.
Treatment depends on the cause but may include decongestants, antihistamines, steroid sprays, short-term oral steroids, sinus surgery, smell therapy, or PRP therapy. About half of anosmia cases can be successfully treated, and symptoms often improve with care.
Loss of smell affects safety by increasing the risk of missing spoiled food or harmful odors, impacts nutrition by reducing appetite and enjoyment of food, and can signal early signs of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, affecting emotional well-being.
If you suspect anosmia, it is important to consult with a physician to determine the appropriate treatment. You can also fill out an anosmia questionnaire to help assess your condition and guide diagnosis and care.