What are smell disorders?

Smell disorders, also known as olfactory disorders, are those that result in an increase, decrease, absence or change in our sense of smell. Common smell disorders include:

Anosmia

Anosmia is the medical term for the complete loss or absence of the sense of smell. It occurs when the olfactory system, which includes the olfactory nerve and the brain's processing of odour signals, is compromised, preventing the individual from detecting and identifying scents.

Hyposmia

Hyposmia refers to a partial or diminished sense of smell, where an individual's ability to detect and recognise odours is reduced. Unlike anosmia, which is the complete loss of the sense of smell, hyposmia represents a milder form of olfactory impairment.

It can result from various factors, including nasal congestion, infections, certain medications, or neurological conditions, and it may impact one's enjoyment of food and the ability to detect certain odours, potentially affecting safety awareness.

Congenital anosmia

Congenital anosmia is a rare condition where an individual is born without a sense of smell. Unlike acquired anosmia, which develops later in life, congenital anosmia is present from birth. It can be caused by genetic factors that affect the development of the olfactory system, such as abnormalities in the olfactory nerve or the olfactory bulb.

Individuals with congenital anosmia might not be able to detect or differentiate odours, impacting their experience of taste and their ability to detect certain environmental cues.

Parosmia

Hyposmia refers to a partial or diminished sense of smell, where an individual's ability to detect and recognise odours is reduced. Unlike anosmia, which is the complete loss of the sense of smell, hyposmia represents a milder form of olfactory impairment.

It can result from various factors, including nasal congestion, infections, certain medications, or neurological conditions, and it may impact one's enjoyment of food and the ability to detect certain odours, potentially affecting safety awareness.

Phantosmia

Phantosmia is a sensory phenomenon where individuals perceive phantom smells that are not present in their surroundings. This olfactory hallucination can be disorienting and unsettling, leading individuals to detect odours that may be pleasant or unpleasant, even though there is no actual source of the smell.

Phantosmia can be linked to various factors, including sinus infections, migraines, neurological disorders, or even certain medications. Accurate diagnosis and addressing the underlying cause are crucial for managing this condition and alleviating the distress it may cause.