If you are unable to smell fragrances, body odor, leaking gas, food or spoiled food, you have a condition called anosmia, defined as the loss of the sense of smell. Those with anosmia also complain of loss of taste, as they cannot appreciate the flavor of food. Anosmia occurs due to obstruction in the passages of the nose or due to damage to the olfactory nerve which is responsible for transmitting odor information to the brain.
Nose Conditions
The smell nerves (olfactory nerves) are situated behind the eyes and above the nose. Any inhaled substance will stimulate these nerves and result in smell. An ongoing process in the nose like a cold, allergy or infection of the sinuses can block nasal passages and prevent air from reaching the olfactory nerves. This can result in loss of smell which is usually temporary and improves when the infection is treated.
Viral anosmia occurs with a viral infection like the flu or the common cold. This may result in partial or total smell loss.
Any polyps, which occur due to inflammation, or growths inside the nose that block nasal passages and nerves, will cause anosmia.
Brain Conditions
Permanent loss of smell occurs when there is damage to the nerves or damage to the area of the brain where smell is perceived. This can happens due to brain injury, brain surgery or brain tumors. According to the U.C. San Diego Medical Center, 30 percent of Americans who have had a head trauma also have anosmia.
Anosmia could also signal the presence of degenerative conditions of the brain like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Natural causes like old age can also damage the smell nerves.
Other Causes
Smoking can also interfere with the sense of smell. Medications like steroid sprays, thyroid drugs, estrogen, antipsychotics, drugs used for treating high blood pressure--like enalapril and reserpine--and exposure to certain chemicals can damage the sensory nerves in the nose.
Sometimes anosmia is present from birth due to genetic factors.
A zinc deficiency can cause anosmia, and zinc supplements are often given as a treatment. Psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and depression can also result in smell loss.
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