I have lost my sense of smell a year and a half ago. I have taken all types of medications and nothing has helped. What should I do next?
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The most common reason for loss or diminished sense of smell is related to obstruction to airflow through the nose, and upper respiratory infection is the most common specific cause. Other causes of nasal airflow obstruction that can result in loss or diminished sense of smell include deviations of the nasal septum (congenital or acquired from trauma), allergy, nasal polyps, or inflammation of the membranes inside the nose. The nerve responsible for the sense of smell known as the olfactory nerve, can also be injured as a result of viral infections or trauma resulting in loss of sense of smell. Rarely, tumors can result in loss of sense of smell. Despite the many known potential causes of loss of the sense of smell, there will be individuals in whom a specific cause is not found. Some of these latter individuals are theorized to have zinc or vitamin deficiencies and in certain cases improvement is seen with long term zinc or vitamin supplementation. In most cases of reversible loss of sense of smell, improvement of nasal airflow results in improvement in smell. Medications that reduce nasal swelling include decongestants and topical nasal steroids. Allergy medications or allergy shots can be helpful for those whose sense of smell is affected by nasal inflammation due to allergy. For those with anatomic causes of nasal airflow obstruction such as deviations of the nasal septum or nasal polyps, surgery may be the best solution. Unfortunately, there are individuals in whom the loss of sense of smell is irreversible and permanent. If you have not already done so, I would strongly recommend an evaluation by an otolaryngologist.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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