Anosmia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Anosmia is a condition where the perception of the sense of smell is disturbed. These complaints can be experienced in various forms. In those who experience it, there may be distortions in the quality of perception of an aroma (parosmia), complete loss of the ability to smell (anosmia), or the perception of certain odors, while there is nothing around that triggers the production of the aroma (phantosmia).
Someone who experiences Anosmia can also feel complaints about their sense of taste. However, Anosmia is a symptom that can be caused by several health conditions and is not a disease in itself. Understanding the Cause of Anosmia, A Disease That Can’t Detect Smell
Symptoms
The symptoms experienced by a person with anosmia are generally related to impaired ability to smell. Some things that can happen to anosmia are:
- Distortion in the quality of perception of an aroma, namely the presence of a certain aroma that smells like another aroma. This condition is known as parosmia.
- Complete loss of the ability to smell, known as anosmia.
- There is a perception of a certain aroma even though there is no object that triggers the production of that aroma around it. This condition is known as phantosmia.
Reason
The causes of Anosmia are quite varied, depending on the type of complaint experienced. For example, parosmia can occur as a result of several health conditions, such as upper respiratory tract disorders, exposure to certain chemicals, head injuries, or several other conditions.
Like parosmia, anosmia can also be caused by various health conditions. These include nasal congestion, sinus infections, head injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and so on. While phantosmia can be caused by several health conditions, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and head injuries.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of the disease underlying the occurrence of Anosmia can be determined from a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations if needed.
During the medical interview, the doctor will analyze the signs and symptoms that accompany Anosmia, previous medical history, history of allergies, history of injury, and so on. The doctor will also examine the patient by evaluating the organs of the nose and upper respiratory tract. This is done to see any abnormalities that may be related to Anosmia complaints, as well as to examine the body’s neurological and innervation system.
If the cause of Anosmia cannot be determined, the doctor may also recommend the patient to carry out several supporting examinations if deemed necessary. Usually in the form of imaging using X-rays, computerized tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment
Treatment for Anosmia depends on the disease that triggers the complaint. After the doctor finds the possibility of a health condition that is the reason for the Anosmia complaint, the doctor will suggest the most appropriate treatment to relieve the disease in question.
In general, Anosmia will subside when the underlying disease is treated.
Prevention
Prevention of Anosmia depends on the health problems that trigger Anosmia. Some causes – such as head injuries, and serious illnesses such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, are classified as conditions that are difficult to prevent.
There are several things that can be done to protect the olfactory organs. These include maintaining the immune system so that the respiratory organs are more resilient to inflammatory attacks, avoiding the use of narcotics and other illegal drugs, and not taking other types of hard drugs carelessly. Also protect your olfactory organs from too much chemical exposure to artificial body fragrances, air fresheners, insecticides, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals.