Medical terms for loss of smell and taste

Smell and taste are separate senses that work together during eating. Anosmia means smell is absent, hyposmia means it is reduced, and parosmia means familiar smells seem changed or unpleasant. Ageusia refers to absent taste, while dysgeusia describes an altered taste. Many people who say food has lost its taste actually have reduced flavour because aromas cannot travel well through the nose. Allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, a common cold, COVID-19, or Long COVID may affect these senses.

Notice whether you cannot detect odours at all, detect them faintly, or perceive them differently. Test only familiar, safe smells without putting substances close to the nose, and do not use harsh chemicals. Use smoke and gas alarms, label food, and take care with hot surfaces because smell may no longer provide a warning. A clinician can examine the nose and mouth, review medicines and recent illness, and decide whether formal smell or taste testing is useful.

Seek prompt assessment for sudden smell loss without congestion, a change after head injury, one-sided symptoms, severe headache, confusion, weakness, trouble speaking, or vision changes. Arrange a routine review if the change persists, worsens, returns repeatedly, or affects eating and safety. Mention mouth dryness, dental problems, nasal blockage, infection symptoms, and any new medicine because these details can change the assessment.

Ask which term best describes your experience and whether the problem appears to involve smell, taste, or both. Ask whether nasal examination, medication review, or sensory testing is appropriate. Bring examples of smells or foods that changed and note the date of onset, recent infections, allergies, injury, and nasal symptoms.