Can anosmia be cured?

Smell can be blocked by swelling, mucus or sinus inflammation, as with allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis or a common cold. COVID-19 can alter smell during infection, and some people have ongoing symptoms after it. Injury or changes affecting smell nerves may take longer to recover. Because smell contributes to flavour and warns you about smoke or spoiled food, persistent loss deserves attention.

Record when the loss began and whether it followed congestion, infection, injury or a new medicine. A clinician can examine the nose, review medicines and decide whether testing or specialist referral is appropriate. Treating an underlying nasal condition may help; do not use decongestant sprays longer than advised. Use smoke and gas alarms, check food dates, and ask someone you trust to confirm smells you cannot detect.

Arrange review when anosmia lasts beyond a short respiratory illness, keeps recurring, or comes with facial pain, blockage or discharge. Seek urgent help after a head injury if there is confusion, severe headache, weakness, vomiting or clear fluid from the nose. Sudden smell loss with neurological symptoms is also an emergency.

What cause fits my pattern of smell loss? Could nasal inflammation or infection be involved? Would smell testing, treatment or referral help, and how can I stay safe at home?