How to fix anosmia?

Anosmia is absent smell rather than simply reduced flavour. Congestion from a common cold or allergic rhinitis can block scents. Chronic sinusitis may cause ongoing inflammation, pressure or discharge. COVID-19 and Long COVID can affect smell in different ways, including changes after other symptoms improve. Less common explanations include a head injury, nasal polyp or medicine effect.

Because smell and flavour work together, eating may feel different even when the tongue can still detect basic tastes. The symptom alone cannot identify its cause, so timing, nasal symptoms, recent illness and medicines matter.

Arrange an assessment when anosmia lasts beyond a short-lived blocked nose, returns repeatedly or has no clear explanation. A clinician may treat nasal inflammation or sinus disease, review medicines and decide whether specialist evaluation is needed. Avoid unprescribed oils, harsh rinses or repeated use of decongestant sprays.

If advised, practise smell training with safe, familiar scents at regular intervals and record gradual changes. Protect yourself by checking alarms, dating leftovers and asking another person to confirm food safety. Improve enjoyment with contrasting textures and temperatures, and keep nutrition and hydration steady if meals are less appealing.

Get urgent medical help if anosmia follows a head injury or appears with confusion, new weakness, difficulty speaking, severe headache or breathing trouble. Seek prompt review for persistent one-sided nasal obstruction, repeated nosebleeds, facial swelling or severe facial pain. These features need more than home measures.

Ask whether congestion, allergy, sinus disease, infection or a medicine could explain the change. Ask how long to try the recommended treatment, whether smell training fits your case, and what symptoms should trigger an earlier review.