Smell Disorders

What are smell disorders?

A smell disorder is a condition that causes a change in your normal sense of smell. Changes in your sense of smell may be temporary or permanent. Your sense of smell is so closely connected to your sense of taste that a smell disorder usually results in a change in your sense of taste as well.

More than 2 million Americans suffer from some sort of permanent smell or taste disorder. Most often, such disorders are not considered serious problems. The ability to smell or taste usually diminishes gradually with age. Because the sudden loss of these senses can signal a serious problem such as a brain tumor, you should report any such change to your health care provider.

How do they occur?

Smell receptors, nerve tissue that picks up smells, are located in the lining of the nose. These receptors are connected to the olfactory nerves, which are connected to the part of the brain that interprets smells.

Your sense of smell is at its best when you are between the ages of 30 and 60. Your sense of smell normally begins to decline starting at about age 60. Partial or complete loss of smell can also be due to:

Some of the above result in a decrease in the sense of smell because they cause a blockage in the nose, while others damage nerves. In addition, some psychological disorders and certain seizure disorders cause people to believe they smell unpleasant odors that aren't really there.

Not much is known about the cause or significance of an increased sensitivity of smell.

What are the symptoms?

Your sense of smell may be distorted, it may be more or less sensitive than normal, or it may be absent. You may have similar changes in your ability to taste food. Loss of ability to taste may result in decreased interest in food, weight loss, and malnutrition.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Smell is tested by having you identify easily recognized odors such as chocolate and coffee. More specialized testing can be done with many specific odors. Your provider will try to determine if the problem is in one nostril or both.

It may be helpful to keep a log identifying and recording the circumstances surrounding the problem, including:

How is it treated?

If an underlying cause can be found for the smell disorder, your health care provider will try to address and eliminate it. For example, if the smell disorder is caused by medication, your provider may suggest that you try reducing, changing, or stopping the medication. When the cause is related to allergies or sinus problems, a nasal spray may be tried.

What can I do to help myself?

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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