<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nLoss of smell, known\nmedically as anosmia, is an inability to perceive odors. It can be partial or\ncomplete and, while rarely the symptom of a serious condition, can still cause\nmisery for those suffering from its effects. It is usually temporary, the result\nof a cold or upper respiratory infection, but in some cases \u2013 especially those\ninvolving the elderly \u2013 the loss of smell may be permanent and a sign of a\nserious condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Causes Loss of Smell? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n Anosmia occurs when the\nsinuses become swollen and inflamed. The most common causes include colds, flu,\nallergies, sinusitis and nonallergic rhinitis. Nasal obstructions such as\npolyps, tumors and other deformities can block the flow of air through the nose\nand lead to a loss of smell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many other possible\ncauses including Alzheimer\u2019s disease, brain tumor, aneurysm, diabetes, cocaine\nuse, chemical exposure, malnutrition, hormonal imbalances, medications, Parkinson\u2019s\ndisease, rhinoplasty, radiation therapy and old age, among others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Symptoms of Loss of Smell? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n Obviously, the telltale sign\nof anosmia is a loss of smell that cannot be traced to a cold or allergy. Some\npatients report a change in the way things smell. If the condition persists for\nlonger than a week or two, you should consult a doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Is Loss of Smell Treated? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n Treating anosmia depends on\nwhat is causing it. If a cold or allergies are to blame, treatment is\nunnecessary; your sense of smell should return in a few days as symptoms\nimprove. If a polyp or other growth is blocking your nasal passages, surgery\nmay be necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For bacterial infections,\nantibiotics are prescribed. Other conditions may require more specialized\nmedical treatment. Occasionally, the sense of smell returns automatically,\nwithout any type of treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Loss of smell can\u2019t always be\ntreated effectively, particularly if it is the result of age. In these cases,\nit\u2019s important to take extra precautions to ensure your safety. Make sure the\nbatteries in your smoke detectors are all functioning properly and change them\noften. Take care when eating leftovers; your sense of smell directly affects\nyour ability to taste, and consuming spoiled food could cause serious health\nproblems. <\/p>\n\n\n
Call Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center<\/span> at (541) 779-7331<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Loss of smell, known medically as anosmia, is an inability to perceive odors. It can be partial or complete and, while rarely the symptom of a serious condition, can still cause misery for those suffering from its effects. It is usually temporary, the result of a cold or upper respiratory infection, but in some cases…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":425,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":"","locid":"","rating":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/438"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=438"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/438\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/425"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=438"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=438"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}