It is estimated that at least one of every 100 people in the US may not have an adequate “sense of smell”. That’s right, its more common they you think. Maybe you don’t even realize you do not smell those lovely flowers, cooking aromas, etc. Remember it is necessary to have a proper sense of smell to enjoy the nuances of fine cuisine, flavors while eating. It was once thought that women had better “smell detection”, it appears that is not the case. Sorry, ladies!
Some of the most common causes of “smell dysfunction” that be around 2 million individuals include, allergies (naturally), sinus problems, injuries, structural abnormalities of the nose and sinuses, infection and prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals.
Smell Lingo
• Unable to smell, at all: anosmia
• Incorrect sense of smell, not as it should: dysosmia
• Less smell than normal: hyposmia
• Sensation of smell is “worse” they it is: parosmia
There are only a few places in the US where one can really get a very comprehensive evaluation of “smell and taste” problems. One can also find some practitioners that can provide a simple, quick in-office “sniff and smell” test to get you diagnosed.
Some of us can find a medication we are taking may interfere with your “sense of smell and/or taste” as well as certain chronic diseases such as diabetes and dementia. It also appears that in some cases difficulties with normal smell can improve, too.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders at www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/smelltaste may provide some additional info and tips for this condition.
