Anosmia is a condition of the sense of smell that is unable to function normally. Most cases of anosmia can be cured, but some others, could be a sign of a serious health related problem.
When you smell, the olfactory nerve cells will give signals to the brain. Then the brain will identify and recognize odors. However, the sense of smell of sufferers of anosmia cannot function properly, so it cannot distinguish odors.
Various Causes of Anosmia
In general, anosmia caused by nasal congestion by mucus lining the inside of the nose. For example, due to colds, flu, sinusitis, allergic reactions or respiratory system reactions to poor air quality.
In addition, anosmia can also be caused by various conditions such as polyps that obstruct the respiratory tract, nasal bone deformities and nasal injuries due to head trauma or surgery, or even disorders of the nerve to the central nervous system.
There are also drugs and medical procedures that can cause anosmia, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, antihypertensives, medications for heart disease, radiation treatments for cancers of the neck and head. In addition, the abuse of illegal drugs such as cocaine can cause a person to not smell.
Some other medical conditions as a cause of anosmia include:
- The aging process (over 60 years of age)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's
- Diabetes
- Aneurysms and brain tumors
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nutritional disorders
- Congenital abnormalities
- History of nasal surgery (rhinoplasty)
- History of brain surgery
- Exposure to toxic chemicals.
Dangers That Lurk Anosmia Sufferers
The inability to smell certain odors, make sufferers of anosmia must be more vigilant because it can endanger the health of sufferers of anosmia even though they are at home, such as:
- Cannot smell foul odors on expired food. Patients with anosmia are advised to pay more attention to the condition of food and check the expiration date on food consumed. It is important to mark food that has been consumed or leftover food that will be stored again with an expiration date label. This can prevent poisoning.
- Can not smell the smoke of fire that might happen at home. To overcome this, people with anosmia are advised to install a fire alarm or smoke detector, especially around the kitchen area. So that security becomes more awake.
- Can't smell gas. This is certainly dangerous if there is a gas leak in the home kitchen. It is recommended to consider replacing household appliances that use gas with electrical devices.
- Do not smell chemicals or the smell of other dangerous substances, making sufferers of anosmia must be observant in buying any product that contains chemicals. Read the product warning label carefully. For example, when buying bathroom or kitchen cleaning fluids and insecticides. Make sure you know what the chemicals contained therein.
- Some people with anosmia also experience a significant decrease in appetite. To react to this, try to maintain and pay attention to the balance of daily nutritional intake. Weighing body weight regularly can be one indicator to assess the body's nutritional condition.
How to Overcome Anosmia
To find out the anosmia suffered and its cause, the doctor may ask about the patient's medical history. If a physical examination has been done, the doctor can ask for additional imaging tests, such as nasal endoscopy, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs on the skull or to find out the cause of the anosmia suffered may be done.
If the anosmia experienced is caused by allergies, sinus, or flu, it will usually heal on its own within a few days. But if it doesn't heal, consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
In anosmia caused by nasal irritation, the doctor may prescribe medication in the form of:
- Steroid nasal sprays
- Antibiotics, if there is a bacterial infection
- Antihistamines, if caused by allergies
- Decongestants
In addition, doctors may also ask to reduce exposure to nasal irritants and allergens, and to stop smoking.
In more serious cases such as polyps, your doctor may suggest surgery. This action is expected to restore the function of the sense of smell of sufferers of anosmia. If anosmia is likely due to the drug you are taking, consult a doctor about a drug that will not interfere with your olfactory power.
Anosmia is a condition that cannot be underestimated, because it can affect a person's quality of life, while triggering complications such as depression and decreased nutritional quality. Not infrequently, people with anosmia consume more salt or sugar to improve the taste of food, thereby increasing the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
So, if you experience symptoms of anosmia, consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment and solution.
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