Home care for anosmia

The helpful approach depends on why smell has changed. Congestion from a cold or allergy may improve as nasal swelling settles, while loss without blockage can need a different assessment.

Anosmia means a complete loss of smell; hyposmia means a reduced sense of smell. Food may seem bland because smell supplies much of flavour, although the tongue can still detect basic tastes.

Possible contexts include a common cold, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, COVID-19, a head injury, nasal growths, or some medicines. Identifying the context guides care.

Smell training involves gently smelling a small set of familiar scents, such as lemon, rose, clove, and eucalyptus, on a regular schedule. Focus on each scent without inhaling irritants or placing substances inside the nose.

Saline nasal rinsing may help when mucus or irritation is blocking airflow. Use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water, and keep the device clean. Avoid essential oils inside the nostrils and avoid decongestant sprays beyond the labelled period because overuse can worsen congestion.

Check smoke and gas alarms, label food dates, and ask someone with a normal sense of smell to check food or possible leaks.

Arrange a clinical review if loss of smell persists after congestion has cleared, keeps returning, affects only one nostril, or comes with ongoing facial pressure, nosebleeds, or an unexplained nasal blockage.

Seek urgent care after a significant head injury or if the change occurs with facial drooping, weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, a severe sudden headache, breathing difficulty, or swelling around the eyes.

Ask whether nasal inflammation, infection, medicine effects, or another cause fits your symptoms; whether your nose needs examination; and how to perform smell training safely. Bring a list of medicines and note when the change began, whether it was sudden, and whether taste or nasal airflow also changed.