Smell disorders
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 (absence of the sense of smell)
- Hyposmia (enhanced sense of smell)
- Congenital anosmia (when someone is born without a sense of smell)
- Parosmia (when sense of smell is distorted)
- Phantosmia (when someone detects an odour that is not actually present)
Smell disorders may be temporary or permanent and can come on suddenly or gradually.


COVID and loss of sense of smell (anosmia): who’s likely to get it and how long does it last?
By Professor Carl Philpott
2021-04-23
A loss of smell has proven to be an important aspect in detecting who has COVID-19, but how common is this symptom and who is most likely to experience it? After reading Professor Carl Philpott guidance and advice, you'll be fully in the know. See more
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Professor Carl Philpott
Otolaryngology / ENTExpert in:
- Smell disorders
- Taste disorders
- Sinusitis
- Rhinitis
- Blocked nose
- Tonsillitis
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Mr Deepak Gupta
Otolaryngology / ENTExpert in:
- Disorders of nasal breathing
- Smell disorders
- Sinusitis
- Rhinology
- Snoring
- Paediatric ENT
- See all