Loss Of Smell - A Lurking Sign Of Disaster?

Do you find that you’re not able to smell the aroma of food? Are you not able to smell an object despite holding it close to your nose? Is it due to a disease or is it a disability that needs to be addressed?

The sense of smell is an integral part of the brain. Loss of smell is an indicator of either a disease or a tumour present in the front of the brain. Many people aren’t even aware that they’ve lost their sense of smell; this condition is often diagnosed only during investigations.

What Are The Causes For Loss Of Smell

- Common cold in normal cases and age-related degeneration of nerves in the case of senior citizens.

- In some people, this condition is noted during their middle-age because of continuous exposure to toxic fumes, thinning of nasal mucous membranes, chronic nasal infection and growth of polyps in the nose.

- Other causes include tumours in the front portion of the brain, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Slow Progression vs. Sudden Loss

Loss of sense of smell may also be an indication of the onset of a disease process like Parkinson's. Neurodegenerative diseases and slow-growing brain tumours are often not diagnosed early as even the patients are not aware of their disabilities.

Dr M Gopi Srikanth, Consultant Neurologist at Century Superspeciality Hospitals, explained, "In cases of sudden loss of smell, patients become immediately aware. This is because their food does not give off the smell that they appreciated before. Sudden loss of smell is also found in the case of head injuries, chronic nasal infections and also during common cold." 

In sudden cases, it’s easily identified and treated. But in progressive cases like tumours and neurodegenerative diseases, the condition spreads to other senses and causes other disabilities.

Patient’s Profession Can Also Play A Part

Dr Deepika Sirineni, Consultant Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals explained, "Loss of smell is also common in those who are constantly exposed to toxic smells and who work in places where they need to check strong odors like camphors and different kind of perfumes. Such patients need to be treated on time to regain their basic sense of smell. But often, these people come too late."

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