Anosmia is when you can’t detect an odor, whether it comes from pies fresh from the oven or smelly socks piled in a corner. It’s usually a temporary side effect of a cold or sinus infection. Our sense of smell fades as we age, so people age 50 and older may have long-lasting anosmia.

Aug 4, 2005 · Aging can cause a loss of smell, especially after age 60. What is smell? The nose and an area in the upper throat have special cells, called receptors, that discern odors. These receptors send a message to the brain about each smell. The brain then figures out what the smell is. Any problem along the way can affect the sense of smell.

Anosmia, also known as smell blindness, is the lack of ability to detect one or more smells. [1][2] Anosmia may be temporary or permanent. [3] It differs from hyposmia, which is a decreased sensitivity to some or all smells. [2] Anosmia can be categorized into acquired anosmia and congenital anosmia.

Oct 24, 2023 · Fortunately, for most people, anosmia is a temporary nuisance caused by a severely stuffy nose from a cold. Once the cold runs its course, a person's sense of smell returns. It can also be a...

Jul 3, 2023 · Anosmia is the inability to perceive smell/odor. It can be temporary or permanent and acquired or congenital. There are many causes. For example, any mechanical blockage preventing odors from reaching the olfactory nerves can cause a loss of sense of smell.

Aug 30, 2019 · Anosmia is the partial or complete loss of the sense of smell. This loss may be temporary or permanent. Common conditions that irritate the nose’s lining, such as allergies or …

Anosmia (total loss of smell) and hyposmia (partial loss of smell) can result from many conditions, medications, and infections. We understand that anosmia can significantly impact your quality of life. Our team determines the cause of smell disorders so we can provide effective treatments.

Anosmia is the partial or full loss of smell. Anosmia can be a temporary or permanent condition. You can partially or completely lose your sense of smell when the mucus membranes in your …

Nov 9, 2024 · What Is Loss of Smell? Officially known as anosmia. A partial or total loss of smell—called anosmia—can happen for many reasons—including having COVID-19. Loss of smell can also affect your sense of taste.

Apr 14, 2025 · Anosmia, or the loss of smell, can be a result of head trauma, COVID-19 infection, or neurological conditions. Learn about the research to improve it at Ohio State.