Loss of sense of smell, or anosmia: Understanding, signs, reasons, remedies, and additional information

Loss of sense of smell, or anosmia: Understanding, signs, reasons, remedies, and additional information

Loss of Smell (Anosmia) and Its Implications

Loss of smell, known as anosmia, is a common and characteristic symptom of COVID-19, affecting around 53% of infected individuals [2][5]. This neurological symptom often appears early in the course of infection and can sometimes be the only recognizable symptom.

The virus's impact on the nervous system, particularly affecting olfactory function, causes this loss of smell. COVID-19 affects not only the respiratory system but also the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anosmia and confusion [1].

Studies have found that SARS-CoV-2 can cause microstructural changes in brain areas associated with olfactory and neural pathways, indicating that the virus has long-term effects on neural integrity [1]. In addition to complete anosmia, patients may experience distortions in smell (parosmia) or the perception of smells that are not present (phantosmia). Parosmia tends to result more from viral infections like COVID-19, while anosmia or partial smell loss is more common in older individuals and linked to the viral infection itself [4].

Anosmia can lead to dangerous situations, such as exposure to gas leaks, smoke, spoiled food, or poisonous liquids. Improving health questionnaires can help doctors diagnose anosmia more accurately. People living with anosmia may experience a lower quality of life due to difficulties with romantic and sexual intimacy, mealtime, and environmental safety [6].

Smell Training and Treatment

Smell training, which involves sniffing four different odors intensely twice per day for several seconds over at least 4 months, can benefit people with post-traumatic olfactory disorders [7]. Treatment for anosmia depends on its cause. For people with anosmia resulting from sinonasal disorders, surgery or corticosteroid drugs may be options [8].

Anosmia and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, can cause anosmia or some degree of loss of smell [3]. Some people are born with anosmia due to genetic differences. Hyposmia, a decreased ability to smell, affects a portion of the population.

People living with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease may develop severe complications from anosmia, including malnutrition, safety problems, and increased mortality risk [3]. Some cases of anosmia may resolve spontaneously without treatment, especially in patients with an upper respiratory tract infection [8].

The Brain and Smell

The brain processes olfactory information to create a scent that a person can identify. Understanding the neural basis of smell is crucial for understanding the impact of diseases on this function.

Conclusion

Anosmia is a symptom that should not be ignored. Anyone who recognizes a loss of or change in their sense of smell should contact a doctor. The impact of COVID-19 on the nervous system, particularly the olfactory system, is a growing area of research. As our understanding of the virus and its effects continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritise regular health checks and open communication with healthcare professionals.

1. The COVID-19 virus can affect up to 53% of infected individuals by causing anosmia, a loss of smell.
2. Anosmia often appears early in the course of a COVID-19 infection and can be the only recognizable symptom.
3. The virus's impact on the nervous system leads to neurological symptoms like anosmia.
4. COVID-19 affects not only the respiratory system but also the central nervous system, causing confusion as well.
5. Studies have found that SARS-CoV-2 can cause microstructural changes in brain areas associated with olfactory and neural pathways.
6. In addition to complete anosmia, patients may experience distortions in smell (parosmia) or the perception of smells that are not present (phantosmia).
7. Parosmia tends to result more from viral infections like COVID-19, while anosmia or partial smell loss is more common in older individuals.
8. Anosmia can lead to dangerous situations, such as exposure to gas leaks, smoke, spoiled food, or poisonous liquids.
9. Improving health questionnaires can help doctors diagnose anosmia more accurately.
10. People living with anosmia may experience a lower quality of life due to difficulties with romantic and sexual intimacy, mealtime, and environmental safety.
11. Smell training can benefit people with post-traumatic olfactory disorders.
12. Treatment for anosmia depends on its cause, with surgery or corticosteroid drugs being options for those with sinonasal disorders.
13. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, can cause anosmia or some loss of smell.
14. Some people are born with anosmia due to genetic differences, while hyposmia, a decreased ability to smell, affects a portion of the population.
15. People living with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease may develop severe complications from anosmia, including malnutrition, safety problems, and increased mortality risk.
16. Some cases of anosmia may resolve spontaneously without treatment, especially in patients with an upper respiratory tract infection.
17. The brain processes olfactory information to create a scent that a person can identify.
18. Understanding the neural basis of smell is crucial for understanding the impact of diseases on this function.
19. Anosmia is a symptom that should not be ignored and anyone who recognizes a loss of or change in their sense of smell should contact a doctor.
20. The impact of COVID-19 on the nervous system, particularly the olfactory system, is a growing area of research.
21. As our understanding of the virus and its effects continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize regular health checks and open communication with healthcare professionals.
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