The sense of smell is part of the chemosensory system and plays an important role in daily life, health, and safety. Smell occurs when odor molecules stimulate specialized nerve cells inside the nose. These nerves send signals directly to the brain, where smells are identified and interpreted.
A healthy sense of smell allows you to enjoy everyday experiences such as food aromas and natural scents. It is also essential for safety, as it can alert you to hazards like smoke, gas leaks, or spoiled food. When this sense is reduced or altered, it can affect both quality of life and personal safety.
Smell disorders occur when the normal function of the olfactory system is disrupted. They are more commonly seen in older adults and may affect people of all ages.
At ENT Specialists of Alberta, our ear nose and throat specialists help patients across Alberta evaluate and manage conditions that affect the sense of smell.
Smell disorders can vary in severity and presentation. Common types include:
Our specialists at ENT Specialists of Alberta perform thorough evaluations to determine the underlying cause of smell disorders and recommend appropriate treatment options whenever possible.
If changes in your sense of smell are affecting your safety, enjoyment of food, or daily life, contact ENT Specialists of Alberta today to schedule a consultation and receive expert care.
In most cases, a smell disorder develops as a result of illness, injury, or inflammation that affects the nose or the nerves responsible for smell. In some individuals, a smell disorder may be present from birth. In other cases, no clear cause can be identified, which is referred to as an idiopathic smell disorder.
At ENT Specialists of Alberta, our ear nose and throat specialists help patients across Alberta identify the underlying cause of changes in smell and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Several conditions can interfere with the normal function of the olfactory system. Common causes include:
Viral infections are a well known cause of smell loss. Illnesses such as colds, influenza, and other viral infections can temporarily or permanently affect the sense of smell. More recently, viral related smell loss has gained attention due to its association with COVID related illness, though it is not the only virus known to cause anosmia.
Hyposmia refers to a decreased ability to smell. It has been associated with smoking, respiratory infections, advancing age, and certain mental health conditions. Viral infections and aging are among the most common contributing factors.
Phantosmia occurs when a person perceives odors that are not actually present. These phantom smells may be constant or intermittent and can affect one or both nostrils. They may be pleasant or unpleasant. Possible causes include head injury, infections, medication side effects, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson disease. In rare cases, phantosmia may be linked to brain tumors or seizure activity involving the temporal lobe.
Parosmia develops when the nerves responsible for smell are damaged, altering how odors are perceived. Familiar smells may seem unpleasant, overwhelming, or entirely different from what is expected. This condition can significantly affect appetite and quality of life. Parosmia is often linked to viral infections or head injury and may occur as the sense of smell begins to recover.
At ENT Specialists of Alberta, we provide comprehensive evaluation and care for patients throughout Alberta who are experiencing changes in smell. Identifying the cause is an important step toward managing symptoms and improving daily life.
If you are experiencing ongoing changes in your sense of smell, contact ENT Specialists of Alberta today to schedule a consultation and receive expert care.
The diagnosis and management of smell disorders fall under the care of an otolaryngologist, commonly known as an ear nose and throat specialist. At ENT Specialists of Alberta, our experienced physicians provide comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment for patients across Alberta experiencing changes in their sense of smell.
When evaluating an abnormal sense of smell, your ENT specialist will begin with a detailed physical examination of the nose and throat, along with a thorough review of your medical history. This includes discussing any recent illnesses, head injuries, exposure to chemicals, current medications, and other known medical conditions that may affect smell function.
Additional testing may be recommended to better understand the cause of your symptoms. This can include imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, as well as specialized smell testing designed to measure your ability to detect faint odors and identify different scents accurately.
If a smell disorder is linked to a viral illness or minor trauma, your doctor may recommend a period of observation, as many cases improve naturally over time. Recovery is more commonly seen in younger patients, females, and individuals who do not smoke. Treatment plans vary depending on the underlying cause. If nasal obstruction, such as chronic sinus inflammation or nasal polyps, is identified, management may include medication or a targeted procedure to restore airflow and improve smell function.
In some cases, a reduced or altered sense of smell may be an early indicator of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer disease or Parkinson disease. If this is suspected, your ENT specialist may refer you to another medical specialist for further evaluation.
Some patients may benefit from olfactory training, a structured therapy that involves daily exposure to specific scents over several months. Common scents used in this process include rose, eucalyptus, lemon, and clove. This approach may help stimulate recovery of smell function in select patients.
Ongoing research continues to explore medications and therapies that may support the regeneration of olfactory nerves, as well as how aging affects the senses of smell and taste over time.
While some individuals adapt to changes in their sense of smell, these disorders can impact safety, nutrition, and overall quality of life. If you notice persistent changes in your ability to smell, it is important to seek medical attention.
At ENT Specialists of Alberta, our team is committed to guiding you through diagnosis and treatment with expert care and clear guidance. If you are experiencing symptoms of a smell disorder, contact ENT Specialists of Alberta today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward improved comfort and quality of life.
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