3 Common Causes of Poor Sense of Smell
- Influenza-Anosmia, the scientific name referring to loss of smell, is usually caused by allergies, colds, flus, and sinus infections. These infections will set your body into an immune response thereby causing it to increase mucus production. This is a temporary condition and should pass within a week’s time.
- Nasal Polyps-Nasal Polyps are tiny non-cancerous growths that spring up in the nose and are found at the threshold between the sinuses and nasal cavity. They are often teardrop shaped and are caused either by allergies or intense periods of inflammation.
- Diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis that affect the nervous system may also affect one’s ability to smell. However, a poor sense of smell may also be a normal effect of growing older.
How Can Your ENT Help You Improve Your Sense of Smell?
If you find yourself suffering from poor sense of smell, then you may want to visit your local ENT. An ENT can’t cure the flu or treat nervous disorders, but if the issue is related to polyps obstructing the nasal cavity and airflow, your ENT will be able to surgically remove them.
What You Can Do To Avoid Developing a Poor Sense of Smell
A poor sense of smell significantly impacts your quality of life, but thankfully there are some ways to help avoid developing anosmia.
- Quit Smoking
- Eat a balanced, nutritional diet
- Wash your hands frequently to limit exposure to germs that may cause an upper respiratory infection
- Avoid any toxic chemicals and pesticides
Something Smell Fishy to You? Not sure? Contact Your ENT today
If you want to be able to stop and smell the flowers from time to time, you have to be able to smell period. If your food doesn’t smell as good as it used to or if you can’t, for instance, detect sour milk before drinking it, contact Dr. Paul Young today. Anosmia is usually very common and easily treatable, so don’t hesitate to stop by the office.