Problems with Smell: Causes and Prevention Smell and Taste Disorders http://pakmed.net

Problems with smell happen for many reasons, some clearer than others. Loss of smell may be permanent or temporary, depending on the cause.

As with vision and hearing, people gradually lose their ability to smell as they get older. Smell that declines with age is called presbyosmia and is not preventable.

Age is only one of the many reasons that problems with smell can occur. Some people are born with a poor sense of smell, but this is not the case for most people.

Most people who develop a problem with smell have recently had an illness or injury. The most common causes are the common cold and chronic nasal or sinus disease.

Swollen sinuses and nasal passages often result in problems with smell. These conditions may cause total or partial loss of smell. The problem usually diminishes or goes away when the underlying medical condition clears up.

You can help prevent problems with smell caused by respiratory infections and colds by washing your hands frequently, especially during the winter months. Hand washing helps protect you from getting respiratory infections and colds.

If your smell disorder is caused by allergies, you should avoid allergens, like ragweed, grasses, and pet dander. Also, get a flu shot every year to prevent influenza and other serious respiratory conditions that can result from the flu.

Loss of smell can be caused by nasal polyps, which are small, non-cancerous growths in the nose or sinuses that can block the ability of aromas to reach nerve cells high up in the nose. Removing the polyps may restore smell. In rare cases, benign non-malignant tumors grow on the nerves of smell, causing a loss of smell.

Photo of bikers Previous surgery or trauma to the head can upset your sense of smell because the nerves that are involved in smell may be cut, blocked, or damaged by scar tissue. Automobile accidents are among the most frequent causes of trauma to the head. Everyone should wear a seat belt, and those who participate in sports, such as bicycling, should wear protective helmets.

People with head and neck cancers who receive radiation treatment to the nasal regions are among those who experience problems with their sense of smell. Older people who have lost their larynx or voice box commonly complain of poor ability to smell and taste.

Tobacco smoking is the most concentrated form of pollution that most people are exposed to. It impairs the ability to identify odors. Quitting smoking is one thing you can do right now to prevent loss of smell and improve your sense of smell.

Sometimes exposure to certain chemicals, such as insecticides and solvents, and some chemicals found in the workplace can decrease the sense of smell. Avoid contact with these substances, or if you do come in contact with them, see your doctor.

If you are taking certain medicines, you may notice a change in your ability to smell. Certain antibiotics, some blood pressure pills, some cholesterol-lowering drugs, and some antifungal medications can cause problems with smell. This occurs rarely, but it can happen.

If you are taking these medications and notice a change in your sense of smell, talk to your doctor. You may be able to adjust or change your medicine to one that will not cause a problem with smell. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if the cause of the smell disorder is the medication or the underlying condition.

Other less common causes of smell disorders are thyroid abnormalities and vitamin deficiencies. Malnutrition and diabetes also can be linked to smell disorders. If you have any of these conditions and experience a loss of smell or taste, tell your doctor. In some cases, when the condition that is causing the problem with smell is treated, the sense of smell returns.

Sometimes a problem with smell can be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as diseases of the nervous system, like multiple sclerosis, or, in rare cases, a brain tumor. Loss of smell may be the first sign that something is wrong.

Check with your doctor if you've been experiencing a problem with your sense of smell for a while. You may be able to prevent or get early treatment for a more serious health problem.

Quiz

1. Problems with smell can be caused by

A. the common cold

B. head injuries

C. sinus infections

D. all of the above

D is the correct answer. Most people who develop a problem with smell have recently had an illness or injury. The most common causes are upper respiratory infections and head injuries.

2. Smell that declines with age is called

A. presbyosmia

B. hyposmia

C. hyperosmia

D. myosmia

A is the correct answer. Smell that declines with age is called presbyosmia.

3. You can help prevent loss of smell due to respiratory infections by

A. blowing your nose frequently

B. washing your hands frequently

C. taking antifungal medication

D. talking less frequently

B is the correct answer. You can help prevent loss of smell due to respiratory infections by washing your hands frequently. Hand washing can help protect you from getting respiratory infections and colds.

4. Medicines that may affect your sense of smell are

A. vitamins

B. antibiotics and high blood pressure pills

C. over-the-counter medicines

D. vaccines

B is the correct answer. Antibiotics and high blood pressure pills are medicines that may affect your sense of smell.