The name for loss of smell

These terms describe what you experience rather than why it happened. With anosmia, ordinary smells such as food, soap, or smoke may not be detected. With hyposmia, they may be faint or require a stronger source. If smells seem changed, burnt, or unpleasant, the term parosmia may be used. A cold can swell the nasal lining and block odours, while allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis can cause ongoing obstruction and inflammation. Viral infections can affect smell pathways, and some people notice changes after COVID-19. A name helps communication with a clinician, but it does not replace an assessment of the cause.

Tell your clinician whether smell disappeared suddenly or faded gradually, whether one or both nostrils are affected, and whether taste or flavour also changed. Mention congestion, sneezing, facial pressure, recent infection, head injury, and any new medicines. Use smoke and gas alarms, label food dates, and ask someone else to check food if you are unsure. Avoid unadvised nasal products and antibiotics.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, fainting, or new weakness. Arrange medical review when the change follows a head injury, appears with severe headache or other neurological symptoms, begins without a clear nasal or viral illness, or continues after recovery. Review is also sensible when smell loss affects nutrition or household safety.

Ask whether your symptoms fit anosmia, hyposmia, or parosmia; whether your nose needs examination; and whether a recent infection, allergy, sinus condition, or medicine could be contributing. Ask what improvement to watch for and when referral is appropriate.