Anosmia Overview

Considerations

The loss of smell is usually the result of nasal congestion or blockage and isn't serious, but it can sometimes be a sign of a nervous system (neurological) disorder. Loss of the sense of smell may not have an obvious cause.

Some loss of smell occurs normally with aging. In most cases, there is no obvious or immediate cause, and there is no treatment.

Temporary loss of the sense of smell is common with colds and nasal allergies , such as hay fever ( allergic rhinitis ). It may occur after a viral illness.

The sense of smell is often lost with disorders that prevent air from reaching the part of the nose where smell receptors are located (the cribriform plate, located high in the nose). These disorders may include nasal polyps , nasal septal deformities, and nasal tumors.

Other disorders that may cause a loss of ...