Anosmia-What we Know About Anosmia and what We Don't Know About it

Anosmia, or the inability to detect scents, can have serious psychological consequences, including feelings of physical and social vulnerability and victimization. Anosmia can occur because of nasal obstruction caused by nasal polypi, enlarged turbinates, or oedema of mucous membrane as observed in common cold, allergic rhinitis and also in vasomotor rhinitis. Anosmia is also seen in atrophic rhinitis which is a degenerative disorder of nasal mucosa, peripheral neuritis, injury to olfactory nerves or olfactory bulb which can happen due to fractures of anterior cranial fossa and intracranial lesions like abscess, tumour or meningitis which results in pressure on olfactory tracts. These intense effects result from a state, people with normal olfactory abilities treat it with a lack of sympathy and apathy since it has a quick start and a poor outlook for recovery. Evidence-based treatments for anosmia are limited so there is a need to disseminate information about the health risks associated with anosmia, which could include screening procedures for olfactory abnormalities that are practicable and useful, adequate clinical assessment, and advice to patients to prevent harm and control health and quality of life with anosmia. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that approximately 1.4% of the population of the United States have chronic olfactory disorders and odor loss. The goal of this post was to go through the numerous types of anosmia and olfactory diseases, as well as their differential diagnoses, assessments, and current treatment options.