Help - I Can't Smell!


The sense of SMELL is one of our five basic senses - apart from touch, vision, hearing and taste.
It is a higher and an aesthetic sense which, apart from helping us get the flavour out of food (Flavour is a combination of the sense of Taste and Smell) also helps us appreciate the finer things around us. It has a very strong connection with the Limbic system - because as we all know a particular smell can take us down memory lane to very specific experiences in our life.
Anosmia is described as the loss of the sense of smell.
Anosmia may be temporary or permanent depending on the cause of the problem and the extent of the lesion/ damage.

TYPES

Abnormalities in the sense of smell can be of various types - 
  • HYPOSMIA - Reduction in the sense of smell - due to lower transmission of nerve impulses.
  • ANOSMIA - Complete loss of sense of smell - due to a complete break in the transmission of nerve impulses.
  • PAROSMIA - an abnormal sense of smell - due to abnormal cross-connections of the Olfactory Nerve.
  • HYPEROSMIA - an increased sense of smell, which may be because of neurosis or sometimes as a part of a seizure disorder.

CAUSES

Smell abnormalities can be Congenital or Acquired.
Acquired Anosmia can be on account of - following trauma (Head Injury), viral infection, nasal polyps and sinusitis, tumours, or as a consequence of some medication. Metabolic disorders may sometimes be responsible. 
In more than 20 % of cases, no cause can be found.

MANAGEMENT

After having tried to treat the cause - nasal Polyps, Sinusitis, Nasal mass etc there are some general methods of management.
- Intranasal Sprays- usually steroids- may sometimes help
- Systemic Steroids - in some cases, especially after a bad viral infection, in an attempt to regenerate damaged nerve endings
- Nasal Douching and Nasal Toilet -  To get rid of crusts, secretions etc
- Smell Training - usually with four different types of Essential Oils
Whatever may be the cause, remember to contact your doctor early so that appropriate treatment can be started.
Location: D 3/14, Vasant Vihar Lane opposite Vasant Vihar Club, opp. Shri Ram School, Block D, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Navigating Winter Health: A Comprehensive Guide for the Elderly

Image
As the winter season descends upon us, the risk of winter-related illnesses, especially among the elderly, becomes more pronounced. Understanding the causes and adopting preventive measures is crucial to ensure a healthy winter. The onset of winter often brings an increase in Upper Respiratory and Lower Respiratory tract infections, attributed to factors such as poor air quality, seasonal transitions, the emergence of winter viruses, and the chilling temperatures. The current scenario highlights a significant prevalence of these respiratory infections, with the elderly population, particularly those with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, being more susceptible. Safeguarding against winter illnesses involves a combination of proactive steps: Vaccination: Ensure you have received your flu vaccine, providing added protection against prevalent winter viruses. Layered Clothing: Dressing warmly with layered clothing is essential. Pay attention to warm innerw
Read more

Turbinoplasty Surgery - explained by Dr. Rajesh Bhardwaj

Image
Turbinoplasty Surgery Turbinoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing nasal congestion and breathing difficulties caused by enlarged turbinates. The turbinates are bony structures covered in soft tissue located inside the nose, responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe. When the turbinates become swollen due to allergies, chronic sinusitis, or other nasal conditions, it can lead to nasal obstruction and reduced airflow. Turbinoplasty involves the reduction or repositioning of the turbinates to improve nasal airflow and alleviate breathing problems. MedFirst ENT Centre, located in Delhi, India, offers top-quality turbinoplasty surgery performed by highly skilled ENT surgeon and their professional medical team. Turbinoplasty - Benefits and Risks Benefits of Turbinoplasty Surgery: Improved Breathing: Turbinoplasty can significantly enhance nasal airflow, leading to better breathing and reduced nasal congestion. Relief from Nasal Obstruction: Patients
Read more

Enlarged Adenoids

Image
Enlarged adenoids are common in children. The adenoids can become enlarged due to an infection or allergy. The adenoids are glands that sit behind the nose above the roof of the mouth. When they grow large, they can cause snoring and breathing problems. They also press upon the Eustachian Tube and cause middle ear problems. For more information please visit our blog ENT Doctor If you are looking for a Sr. ENT Specialist then please visit our Centre. Address - D 3/14, Vasant Vihar, Lane opposite, Vasant Vihar Club, Opp Shri Ram School, New Delhi, Delhi 110057. For an appointment - Please call at +919871150032.
Read more