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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffThe complete loss of smell — anosmia (an-OHZ-me-uh) — can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause. Loss of smell caused by a common cold will clear up on its own. Loss of smell related to an obstruction of the nasal passage, such as polyps, will clear up when the obstruction is removed. Loss of smell related to other causes, such as aging or a brain tumor, may be permanent.
Anosmia isn't necessarily a serious condition in and of itself, but an intact sense of smell is necessary to fully taste foods. So loss of smell could cause you to lose interest in eating, leading to weight loss, malnutrition or even depression. Loss of smell also prevents you from smelling things like spoiled food or smoke.
- Mann NM, et al. Anatomy and etiology of taste and smell disorders. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 7, 2008.
- NIH senior health: Problems with smell. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/problemswithsmell/aboutproblemswithsmell/01.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
- Smell and taste disorders. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch091/ch091i.html?qt=anosmia&alt=sh. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
- Smell disorders. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/smelltaste/smell.asp. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
- Olfactory dysfunction. In: Lalwani AK. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2007.
- Klinefelter syndrome. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/klinefelter_syndrome.cfm. Accessed Dec. 29, 2008.
- Adult conditions: Sexual function & infertility. American Urological Association. http://urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=11&topic=129. Accessed Dec. 29, 2008.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/wernicke_korsakoff/wernicke-korsakoff.htm. Accessed Dec. 29, 2008.
- Paget's disease of bone. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Pagets/genetics.asp. Accessed Dec. 29, 2008.
- Frontotemporal dementia information page. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/picks/picks.htm. Accessed Dec. 29, 2008.
- Multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/msa_orthostatic_hypotension/msa_orthostatic_hypotension.htm. Accessed Dec. 29, 2008.
- Sjogren's syndrome. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/diseases_and_conditions/sjogrens.asp?aud=pat. Accessed Dec. 29, 2008.
