What loss of smell is called

Anosmia means that familiar odours cannot be detected. Hyposmia means that smells are weaker than before, although some detection remains. A changed smell, such as foods or perfumes seeming distorted or unpleasant, may be described as parosmia. These words describe a sensory change; they do not name its cause. Congestion from a common cold, allergic rhinitis, or chronic sinusitis can interfere with odour reaching the smell receptors. Viral illnesses, including COVID-19, may affect smell pathways with or without a blocked nose. Long COVID can involve smell changes that continue after the initial infection.

Notice whether the problem is complete loss, reduced detection, or altered odours, and record when it started. Check for blocked nose, facial pressure, allergies, recent viral symptoms, new medicines, or a head injury. Avoid relying on smell to identify smoke, gas, or spoiled food. Do not use leftover antibiotics or insert products into the nose without advice. A clinician can take a history, examine the nasal passages, and decide whether treatment or further assessment is needed.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, fainting, severe dehydration, or neurological symptoms. Seek prompt assessment when smell loss follows a head injury, starts abruptly without an obvious respiratory cause, occurs with severe headache or weakness, or persists after other illness has resolved. Arrange review if the change affects eating, safety, or quality of life.

Ask which term best describes your symptom, whether nasal swelling or a medicine could explain it, and whether an examination or smell assessment is useful. Ask when you should return if smell does not improve and how to protect yourself from hazards you may no longer detect.