Anosmia, a condition that refers to the loss of smell, can be a permanent or a temporary condition, depending on its causes. In case the loss of smell has been caused by a common cold, it is quite likely that the problem will soon disappear on its own, once the cold clears up. In case the loss of smell has been caused an obstruction in the nasal passage like a polyp, then, it is important to get the obstruction removed in order to regain the sense of smell.


However, if the causes of loss of smell include old age or brain tumors, then in all probability, the condition may be permanent. There are several causes of loss of smell. Temporary loss of smell could occur due to factors like sinus infections, colds, flu and hay fever.


However, more permanent cases of loss of smell could occur due to age, brain injury, radiation therapy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, malnutrition, diabetes, hormonal disturbance, brain surgery or tumor and Alzheimer’s disease, to name a few. In children, one of the most common causes for loss of smell is meningitis.

Anosmia is not really a very serious or even a very dangerous condition on its own. Nevertheless, a complete sense of smell is absolutely important for our day to day lives. Moreover, the sense of smell is an important component and the lack of which can affect even the ability to taste food properly. Therefore, it has been noticed that loss of taste and smell often go hand in hand, which could eventually result in lack of interest in eating, severe weight loss, food poisoning due to consumption of spoilt food, malnutrition and depression. An incomplete sense of smell can also interfere with your ability to detect the smell of smoke, which could indicate a fire or danger close by. Therefore, even a case of temporary loss of smell should be check by a doctor and treated as soon as possible.

Even though loss of smell is a temporary condition and is not dangerous, it should still be checked and treated as soon as possible. Loss of smell treatment is usually recommended if the condition persists for a long time. Otherwise, most temporary instances of loss of smell usually get rectified on their own, without the help of medication or treatment options. However, the use of certain home remedies for temporary hearing loss may be required.