What is anosmia?
Anosmia is the total loss of smell, in addition it also reduces the ability to perceive flavors, so that its deficiency is related to loss of sense of taste.
On many occasions, patients with anosmia, have psychological sequelae, directly translated into depression and loss of interest in food, since the 80% what we taste comes from smell.
What are the causes of anosmia?
Anosmia occurs when inflammation or other cause of obstruction of the nasal passages, prevents odors from reaching the olfactory zone or when part of the olfactory zone is destroyed Pathologies that prevent air from reaching the olfactory receptors located in the upper part of the nostrils:
- Severe viral infections (Gripe, coronavirus, rhinitis, sinusitis)
- Nasal septum deviation
- Neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's (older adults).
- Previous head and neck radiation
- Recent nasal or sinus surgery
- Nasal and brain tumors
- Previous head and neck radiation
- Recent nasal or sinus surgery
- Nasal and brain tumors
- Head injury accidents
Treatment
There are no specific treatments for anosmia, but its causes can be treated.
Necessary care
To avoid dangerous situations in people who have suffered loss of smell, we must take into account the following recommendations.
- Have alert mechanisms such as smoke detectors
- Perform constant checks of gas valves
- Check that cleaning compounds that are not so concentrated
Anosmia as an early symptom of COVID
Smell and / or taste disorders may occur in SARS-CoV-2 infection and
other respiratory viruses. Identification of these disorders are valid indicators, but not
specific to COVID-19.
The presence of these manifestations should initiate the suspicion of infection, confirm it and isolate the person, even in the absence of other respiratory symptoms.
Produced by: Drag. Maria Lorena Arellano
Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist
Give us feedback
Tell us what you thought this article and leave your suggestions of topics that could treat.