Is anosmia curable?

Loss of smell can occur when nasal swelling or mucus prevents odours reaching the smell receptors, as with a common cold, allergic rhinitis, or chronic sinusitis. It can also follow COVID-19 or persist after the initial infection, sometimes described as Long COVID. A clinician may ask when it began, whether taste is affected, and whether one or both nostrils are involved.

Some causes improve as inflammation settles, while others need targeted treatment or time for the smell pathway to recover. Avoid assuming that a persistent change will resolve without an assessment.

Arrange a medical review if the loss persists, keeps returning, or has no clear explanation. Treatment may involve managing nasal inflammation or infection when present. Do not put unapproved substances inside the nose. Because smell helps detect smoke, gas, and spoiled food, check alarms and use date labels and safe food-storage habits.

Seek urgent help if loss of smell follows a head injury or occurs with severe headache, weakness, confusion, vision change, or other sudden neurological symptoms. Prompt advice is also sensible with severe facial swelling, high fever, or worsening breathing symptoms.

Ask what cause best fits the timing and associated nasal symptoms, whether your medicines could contribute, and whether an ear, nose, and throat assessment is appropriate.