The sense of smell allows us to detect and identify odors. It enhances our enjoyment of food, contributes to our safety by alerting us to dangers like gas leaks or spoiled food, and connects with memory and emotion. Losing this sense can be a distressing experience, impacting quality of life and safety.
Causes of Smell Loss
Many factors can lead to a reduced or absent sense of smell. Temporary causes include viral infections like colds, influenza, or sinus infections, which cause inflammation and block odor molecules. Allergies can also lead to similar congestion. Persistent causes include head injuries, certain medications like antibiotics or blood pressure drugs, or neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. The COVID-19 virus is also a prominent cause, with many experiencing temporary or prolonged smell loss.
Self-Care Methods to Restore Smell
Smell training, also known as olfactory training, is a recommended strategy to help regain a diminished sense of smell. This technique involves exposing yourself to a set of distinct odors to stimulate your olfactory system. You use four essential oils with diverse scent profiles, such as rose (floral), lemon (fruity), clove (spicy), and eucalyptus (resinous).
To perform smell training, place two to three drops of each essential oil into separate small vials. Twice a day, sit in a quiet environment and sniff each scent for 10-20 seconds, focusing on recalling what the scent previously smelled like. Take a short break of one to two minutes between each scent. Consistency is important, and it is recommended to continue this routine for at least 12 weeks, though progress can be slow and may take several months or up to two years.
Nasal rinses with saline solutions can help clear congestion, which may be obstructing odor pathways. Using a humidifier can also improve nasal hygiene by adding moisture to the air, potentially alleviating dryness and congestion that can contribute to smell loss.
Medical Treatments for Smell Loss
When self-care methods are not sufficient, a healthcare professional may recommend various medical interventions. Corticosteroids, available as nasal sprays or oral medications, are often prescribed to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, which can improve smell function, particularly if the loss is due to conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal polyps. For bacterial sinus infections, antibiotics are prescribed to clear the infection and restore normal nasal function. Antihistamines are used if allergies are the underlying cause of smell loss, as they reduce allergic reactions that lead to congestion.
In cases where structural issues are blocking the nasal passages, such as large nasal polyps or a deviated septum, surgical options may be considered. Endoscopic surgery can remove polyps or correct a deviated septum, directly addressing the physical obstruction. Post-surgery, patients are often advised to continue with topical nasal steroids and saline rinses to prevent recurrence and maintain improved airflow.
Knowing When to See a Doctor
While many instances of smell loss resolve on their own, especially after common colds or allergies, certain situations warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional. If your loss of smell is sudden and unexplained, or if it is accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as vision changes, weakness, or memory problems, seeking medical attention is advisable.
Persistent smell loss that does not improve after an illness, such as a cold or COVID-19, despite trying self-care methods, should also prompt a doctor’s visit. A healthcare provider can assess your condition, determine the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate treatments. Addressing smell loss is important not only for quality of life but also for safety, as it can impair the ability to detect hazards like gas leaks or spoiled food.