Loss of smell

Symptoms

You may experience various symptoms such as:

• complete loss of the sense of smell
• reduced sense of smell
• perceiving smells as foul odours
• perceiving smells that are not there
• changes in the sense of taste

Causes

The loss of smell can be caused by the following:

• Swelling or congestion in the nose itself, which prevents smell from reaching the olfactory fibres (e.g. due to common cold, nasal congestion, nasal polyps, sinusitis and a benign or malignant tumour in the nose).
• Damage to the nerve fibres themselves: after a viral infection (e.g. COVID-19), a benign or malignant tumour in the brain, smoking, certain medication, an accident, poor disposition from birth, onset of dementia.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made based on a clinical exam with a nasal endoscopy, smell testing and a CT and/or MRI scan.

Treatment

Given that there are various causes for the loss of smell, your physician will prepare a tailored and individual treatment plan for you. A cortisone nasal spray and/or smell training are customary treatments.

Latest publication date: 15/05/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith