What the medical term anosmia means

It may affect both nostrils or, less commonly, one side. A clinician may describe it as temporary, persistent, present from birth, or acquired later, depending on its pattern.

Hyposmia is a reduced ability to smell rather than a complete loss. Parosmia means familiar odours smell different or unpleasant, while phantosmia is sensing an odour that is not present.

Smell also contributes strongly to flavour. Someone with anosmia may say food has lost its taste even though basic tongue sensations such as sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savoury remain.

Note whether the change was sudden or gradual, one-sided or on both sides, and linked with congestion, facial pressure, a respiratory illness, allergy symptoms, head injury, smoke exposure, or a new medicine.

Do not test smell with ammonia, bleach, fuel, or other irritating chemicals. Familiar foods or mild household scents are safer for observing whether any smell remains. Keep smoke and gas alarms working because anosmia can hide warning odours.

Book an assessment if anosmia is unexplained, persists after nasal congestion resolves, follows a head injury, or occurs with one-sided obstruction, recurrent bleeding, or persistent facial discomfort.

Emergency evaluation is needed when sudden smell loss appears alongside facial drooping, limb weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, severe abrupt headache, or breathing distress.

You can ask whether your symptom is anosmia or hyposmia, whether nasal airflow or the smell nerves seem affected, and whether an ear, nose, and throat review is appropriate. Also ask how any suspected allergy, sinus problem, infection, or medicine effect should be managed.