When Our Nose Stop Working

When Our Nose Stop Working

When our sense of smell doesn't function properly, it can affect our daily lives, such as when we experience anosmia.

Anosmia is a disease where our sense of smell cannot recognize odors. Losing the ability to smell has a huge impact on our lives such as lack of appetite, which can lead to poor health and even depression.

In most cases, anosmia is short-lived, but there are some cases where it is long-lasting and a sign of a more severe illness.


Photo by Brittany Colette on Unsplash

Causes of Anosmia

Anosmia occurs when nerve cells that are supposed to send signals to the brain fail to do so. This can happen for several reasons, namely:

  1. Inflammation of the nasal wall by:

    • Flu
    • Cold
    • Sinusitis
    • Allergic Rhinitis
    • Non-allergic Rhinitis
    • Smoking habit

  2. Blockage of the nostrils by:

    • Nasal bone abnormalities
    • Nasal polyps
    • Tumors

  3. Damage to the nervous system by:

    • Diabetes
    • Brain surgery
    • Brain tumor
    • Head injury
    • Aging process
    • Brain aneurysm
    • Kallmann syndrome
    • Klinefelter syndrome
    • Alzheimer's disease
    • Parkinson's disease

In addition, anosmia related to damage in the nervous system and brain can also be caused by Paget's disease, Sjogren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and coronavirus or COVID-19 infection. Especially for COVID-19, this condition is generally only temporary.

Symptoms of Anosmia

Symptoms occur where we are unable to recognize certain smells. In more severe conditions, we can't even smell very strong odors such as the smell of gas, perfume, etc.

Anosmia Treatment

If we feel that we cannot smell certain odors even though we do not have a cold or flu and it happens for a long time, then we should see a doctor as soon as possible so that we can get treatment.

The treatment required varies depending on the underlying cause of the anosmia. Here are some ways to cure Anosmia:

  • Decongestant medication for anosmia caused by nasal congestion
  • Antibiotic medication for anosmia caused by bacterial infections, including sinusitis
  • Surgery, to treat anosmia caused by nasal bone abnormalities or nasal polyps

For Anosmia caused by allergies, there is no need for special treatment because it will heal on its own.

Prevention of Anosmia

There are several things we can do to prevent the occurrence of Anosmia, namely:

  • Washing hands with soap and running water regularly
  • Not being around people who are sick
  • Avoiding exposure to allergenic substances
  • Stop smoking and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke as much as possible
  • Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals

Note that some people develop anosmia due to a birth defect. This condition is generally difficult to cure and is permanent.

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