Could you no longer smell that fresh pot of coffee that used to be so invigorating for you in the morning? If you answered yes, then there are only two possibilities. Either you have COVID-19 or you have anosmia.
According to HealthGrades.com, when a person is infected with COVID-19, one of the symptoms is a loss of sense of taste or smell.
Infected patients in China, South Korea, Italy, and Germany have reported a high prevalence of loss of smell or taste. However, you cannot lose your sense of smell only due to COVID-19.
Did you know that there are a number of additional variables that might influence this:
Ageing
Your sense of smell, like your vision and hearing, improves with age. After the age of 60, you’re more likely to have odour loss, which might alter your taste.
Weight reduction in the elderly is aided by this combo.
Sinus
The common cold is one of the most common causes of temporary loss of smell. When your sinuses swell or get clogged with mucus, scent receptors in the nasal tissues are blocked.
This is a temporary symptom that will pass once you’ve recovered from the illness. Anosmia can occasionally be caused by chronic sinus infections or severe allergies. Polyps and other nasal blockages are typically only temporary since they may be removed.
Smoking
Cigarettes not only smell unpleasant, but they also interfere with your sense of smell. Smoking is a pollutant, and repeated exposure can impair your ability to smell and taste.
The good news is that your sense of smell normally returns after you stop smoking or minimise your exposure to cigarette smoke.
Medication
Are you aware that anosmia is one of your medication’s negative effects? Antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antihistamines are some of the drugs that might cause transient odour loss.
However, if you stop taking the medication, your nose will return to normal.
Head injuries
After a head injury, brain interaction with scent is possible. Any sort of head trauma, from concussions to brain surgery, can disrupt your ability to smell when the sniffing nerve is severed, obstructed, or injured.
This condition might be permanent or transient, depending on the severity of the damage. It’s typically an indication that your brain and nerves have recovered when your sense of smell returns.
Nervous system disorders
Because the nose is so closely linked to the brain, a loss of scent can be a warning sign that something is wrong with your nervous system.
So, if you’re losing your sense of smell, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible since it might be a sign of a nerve issue.
Chemicals
Harsh chemicals that affect the lining of the nose, such as insecticides or solvents, can permanently damage nasal tissues and scent receptors.
When working with strong-smelling chemicals at home or at work, use a respirator that covers your nose to protect yourself. Disposable face masks are insufficiently protective.
Genetics
Some people are born with a poor sense of smell or none at all. Congenital anosmia is the medical term for this condition.
The good news is that losing your sense of smell doesn’t always mean losing your sense of taste, so you can still eat freshly made chocolate chip cookies even if you’ve never smelled them.
Because smell loss can be caused by a variety of things, including nerve involvement, it’s advisable to get medical advice as soon as possible.