Loss of smell, or anosmia, is a rather serious problem for a person, significantly worsening the quality of his life. And we are talking not only about aesthetic moments - the pleasure of inhaling the aroma of flowers or the New Year's mood associated with the smells of citrus and cinnamon. Decreased or lost sense of smell can be dangerous to overall health. A pleasant smell stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, and the absence of its perception can cause digestive disorders. Many substances poisonous to humans have an unpleasant odor and irritate the nasal mucosa, causing sneezing, and with anosmia, they freely enter the body and have adverse effects.

The reader should understand that the loss of smell, although often not a direct threat to life, still requires the patient to seek advice from a specialist. About why the sense of smell decreases and disappears and what are the principles of treatment of this condition, and will be discussed in our article.

Classification and causes of loss of smell

During the flowering period, allergic rhinitis can cause a decrease in smell.

Both loss of smell (or anosmia) and its decrease (or hyposmia) can be congenital or acquired.

Congenital lack of smell is a consequence of the complete absence of the respiratory tract or their partial underdevelopment. Often this pathology is accompanied by congenital anomalies in the development of the nose or facial skull.

Acquired loss of smell can be of peripheral and central origin: peripheral occurs when the disorder is localized in the region of the nose itself, and central - with organic damage to the central nervous system.

Peripheral anosmia, in turn, depending on the causes that caused it, is divided into 4 types:

• functional (it is a manifestation of viral infections, in this case it is a consequence of swelling of the nasal mucosa; it can occur with neuroses and hysteria; after the elimination of the cause of anosmia, the sense of smell is fully restored);
• respiratory (develops when air containing molecules of aromatic substances passes through the nasal passages, but for some reason cannot reach the peripheral part of the olfactory analyzer; often these reasons are turbinate hypertrophy, and other benign and);
• senile, or age-related (the result of atrophic changes in the nasal mucosa, in particular the mucous epithelium, which leads to dryness of the nasal mucosa);
• essential (the result of a lesion directly in the peripheral part of the olfactory analyzer, which has arisen in connection with the inflammatory process in this area, burns of the nasopharynx of any nature, household or surgical trauma to the nose / nasopharynx, hypo- or atrophy of the olfactory epithelium, prolonged compression of the olfactory cavity by any tumor process , as well as its toxic damage).

Peripheral anosmia in most cases is characterized by a decrease in taste sensations in parallel with a deterioration in smell.

Decreased sense of smell of central origin, or cerebral anosmia, can occur with the following diseases:

• acute or chronic cerebrovascular accident of atherosclerotic or other nature;
• neoplasms of the brain in the region of the anterior cranial fossa (meningioma, glioma of the frontal lobe);
• disseminated encephalomyelitis;
• traumatic brain injury of any severity;
• arachnoiditis;
• meningitis;
• inflammation of the ethmoid sinus -;
• Alzheimer's disease.

With cerebral anosmia, if the pathological process is localized in the region of the cortical centers of smell, a person determines the presence of a smell, but cannot verify, determine its type.

Diagnosis of anosmia

To confirm instrumentally the patient's complaints that he does not smell, olfactometry is performed - measuring the sharpness of smell with a special device - the Zwaardemaker olfactometer. The device is a hollow porous cylinder that contains an aromatic substance and into which a long glass tube with divisions is inserted. During the study, this tube is gradually lowered into the cylinder - in this way, the dosing of the odorous substance entering the nose of the subject takes place. The amount of immersion of a glass tube into the cylinder is expressed in centimeters according to the number of divisions immersed in the cylinder and is a unit of measurement of olfactory acuity - olfaction.

In the process of examination, a person first determines the appearance of some kind of smell - this value of olfaction is called the threshold of sensation. The tube continues to be lowered into the cylinder, and at a certain moment the subject learns what kind of aroma he feels - this is the threshold of recognition, which is always higher than the threshold of sensation that occurs earlier. The recognition threshold directly depends on whether a person is familiar with the aroma provided to him or not.

With anosmia, the very fact of the absence of smell is determined, but only in a part of the case it is possible to determine what origin it is - central or peripheral. As mentioned above, with a loss of smell of the cerebral nature, the patient can feel the presence of an odor without the possibility of recognizing it, therefore, olfactometry allows you to determine the normal or increased threshold of sensation, and the recognition threshold is either sharply increased or not determined at all.

An olfactometric test can also be performed using all kinds of odors, which includes 40 task items for the patient (for example, identify a specific odor from 4 provided). The reliability of this test is quite high - about 0.95, but it is sensitive to gender and age differences. Patients suffering from a complete loss of smell will have a test result of 7 to 19 out of 40 points.

If a patient is found to have a lack of smell, further research should be aimed at establishing the causes that caused them. The most important in this case is computed tomography of the brain, which makes it possible to detect organic changes in the frontal lobe and other pathologies. If changes in the brain are detected, in order to clarify the diagnosis, further examination and determine the tactics of treatment, the patient is shown a consultation with a neuropathologist and / or a neurosurgeon.

Treatment for loss of smell

The nasal polyp prevents the passage of molecules of aromatic substances through the respiratory tract - they do not reach the peripheral olfactory analyzer, anosmia develops.

Methods for the treatment of anosmia and the possibility of restoring the sense of smell are, in principle, determined in each case individually and directly depend on the type of disease that caused the pathology of smell.

If the cause of anosmia is viral or bacterial rhinitis or sinusitis, the patient is prescribed local and general antiviral or antibacterial therapy, plus local anti-inflammatory and systemic or local antiallergic drugs (the latter help to reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa).

In allergic rhinitis, the restoration of smell is facilitated by the appointment of antihistamine (anti-allergic) drugs locally and / or systemically, and in case of a severe allergic reaction or in the absence of the effect of antihistamines, even corticosteroid hormones are prescribed, which are known to have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.

If polyps are found in the nasal cavity, the only effective method of treatment that will lead to the restoration of smell is the removal of neoplasms surgically. The same applies to other tumor formations in the nose, but in the case of their malignant nature, radiation or chemotherapy will also be added to the operation (of course, the restoration of smell in the latter case is absolutely not guaranteed, but still possible).

In the case of a deviated nasal septum, the olfactory function of the nose will be restored only after a successful operation to align it.

With central anosmia caused by a tumor process in the brain, treatment is usually combined - surgical removal of the neoplasm plus chemo- and / or radiation therapy. However, in some cases, at advanced stages of the disease, radical treatment is inappropriate, and only symptomatic is carried out - it is impossible to restore the sense of smell.

Some doctors suggest adding more zinc preparations to the complex treatment of the cause of anosmia, since its deficiency leads to deterioration and distortion of the sense of smell, and vitamin A, the lack of which in the body causes degeneration of the epithelium of the mucous membranes, including the nose, as a result of which the sense of smell decreases.

At the end of the article, I would like to repeat once again: despite the fact that most of the causes of loss of smell are not life-threatening for the patient, he should not let the disease take its course or self-medicate at home. It is worth seeking help from a specialist as soon as possible to find out which disease caused anosmia - in the case of such an unpleasant finding as a tumor of the nasal cavity or brain area, the chances of its successful treatment at an early stage are much greater than in a neglected one.

The program “About the most important thing” tells about the loss of smell:

How to restore the sense of smell? There are various options for overcoming this deviation. The treatment process will depend on the cause of the disease. In most cases, it will be possible to achieve a positive result on your own at home, using effective folk remedies, but consultation with your doctor is required.

The reasons for the loss of smell can be different. In humans, the mucous membrane covering the nasal septum may swell. This is due to the defeat of the body with an acute respiratory viral infection. Other factors:

• sinusitis;
• bacterial rhinitis;
• allergic rhinitis;
• deviated nasal septum;
• nasal polyps.

Anosmia is sometimes caused by negative changes in the mucous membrane, provided that the olfactory cilia are immersed in the secret.

Violations appear with the destruction of the neuroepithelium responsible for the sense of smell. This is due to the progression of acute infections of a viral nature. Other factors are associated with the inhalation of chemicals that have a toxic effect.

In the absence of smell in some patients, the disease can be triggered by a cranial injury, in which there is a fracture of the very base of the cranial fossa (in front). The causes are tumors of a different nature, neurosurgical manipulations, the use of neurotoxic drugs, congenital diseases, for example, Kallmann's syndrome.

The violation is often provoked by damage to the receptors that are located in the organs responsible for smell, in the pathways. This change is a complication of many diseases. The problem is associated with poisoning with toxic substances. These include: nicotine, morphine, atropine.

Deviation can acquire a stable form. It is called hyposmia. Such a transformation is caused by nasal polyps, tumors of a malignant or benign nature, and a deviated nasal septum.

During the diagnosis, it is possible to establish the factors that provoke the problem:

1. The olfactory pathways are not sufficiently developed.
2. Due to bruises, blows, due to a fall on the occipital region of the head, as a result of which the bulbs and olfactory pathways are destroyed.
3. Inflammatory processes affecting the sinuses of the ethmoid bone.
4. Inflammation associated with the soft adjacent cerebral surface, surrounding areas.
5. Tumors are median, other volumetric formations.
6. Smoking.
7. Negative transformations associated with the aging process of the body.
8. Exposure to toxins (meth acrylate, cadmium, acrylate).
9. Parkinson's disease.
10. Dementia with Lewy bodies.
11. Alzheimer's disease.

If you need to return a normal sense of smell after a runny nose, it is enough to turn to traditional medicine recipes that have been tested and give positive results. At home, they do a special exercise, which is associated with variable relaxation and tension of the nasal wings.

Performing such a manipulation, you must strictly adhere to the established methodology. The tension time should not exceed the relaxation period. Manipulation is performed during the day, several times are enough. Exercise is done every day until there is a noticeable improvement and the normal state is restored.

Parallel treatment of colds, loss of smell with a runny nose and restoration of the sense of smell can be carried out by washing.

For the procedure of washing out mucus from the sinuses, along with the infection, salt water is used.

To prepare a solution, it is necessary to dilute 1 tsp in 200 ml of boiled water. sea ​​salt. You can use table salt. During the manipulation, it is necessary to close one of the nostrils with a finger, and slowly draw in salt water with the other. The procedure is carried out carefully, without haste. This therapy is ideal for patients in childhood, it effectively copes with the lack of smell. A few drops of iodine are added to 200 ml of the solution.

It will be possible to restore normal sense of smell thanks to the use of essential oil. It is necessary to pour water into an enameled container (200 ml will be needed), then it must be boiled. 3 tablespoons are added to the resulting liquid. freshly squeezed lemon juice and 5 drops of essential oil. For these purposes, use lemon balm, mint or lavender oil. The resulting therapeutic composition is ready for inhalation.

Above the container, you need to lower your head and inhale the steam through your nose. A positive result can be achieved by performing the procedure within 2-3 days. So the patient not only gets rid of the problem that has arisen, but also treats rhinitis. Inhalations should not be stopped as soon as the condition improves. Be sure to carry out additional 1-2 manipulations to consolidate the effect.

If there is no sense of smell, aroma lamps should be used. They need to be combined with various essential oils. Suitable oils are lavender, orange, mint, rosemary, lemon balm, tangerine. Oils that evaporate can be easily inhaled, so the action happens at a rapid pace.

Before starting a therapeutic effect, you need to consult a doctor. Some essential oils can trigger allergies in people.

You can perfectly restore your sense of smell and get rid of progressive rhinitis with freshly squeezed lemon juice or cyclamen. It is allowed to use the tool in several ways. Juice should be instilled with a pipette 4 times a day. Another option is to draw in the juice through the nostrils. It is necessary to be treated every day without passes. The therapeutic course is 2-3 days.

With a cold, menthol oil is characterized by a high degree of effectiveness. It is instilled into each of the nasal passages. It is possible to significantly increase the level of effectiveness and accelerate the onset of positive changes due to the lubrication of the outer side of the nose.

In practice, a high benefit from the treatment of rhinitis with propolis has been proven. It is easy to make an ointment for lubricating the nasal passages from it at home. For this you need:

• propolis (1 tsp);
• butter (3 tsp);
• olive oil (3 tsp).

These ingredients are placed in a convenient container and thoroughly mixed in a water bath until a homogeneous consistency of the composition is achieved. It is permissible to use cotton swabs for restorative purposes. They are dipped in ointment and put into the nasal cavity. The procedure takes 15-20 minutes. Such a therapeutic event should be carried out 2 times a day.

If the sense of smell is lost, the patient will be able to return it at no extra cost. You will need sugar beet juice and natural honey. Freshly squeezed beetroot juice is diluted with a small amount of liquid honey, the components are thoroughly mixed.

The composition is used for instillation into the nasal cavity. It is necessary to be treated until a significant improvement in the condition occurs. To achieve the effect as soon as possible, the number of procedures is increased to 5. If necessary, you can use cotton pads or small pieces of cotton, which, together with the product, are placed in the nostrils for 10-15 minutes.

After a runny nose, fresh celandine is often used for restorative purposes, from which juice is squeezed. It must be instilled in both nostrils, a few drops. The time interval between procedures can be 2 hours.

Garlic juice will help get rid of anosmia. It has a positive effect when there is a loss of smell with a cold. Juice must be diluted in water. For this, 10 servings of water are taken for 1 serving of juice. Cotton swabs are impregnated with the composition. They are injected into each of the nasal passages for 15 minutes. The number of procedures is 2-3 per day. To feel the smell again and overcome rhinitis allows the bactericidal action of garlic.

Whether a decrease in smell has occurred, a person will be able to check on his own. To do this, you need to inhale the aroma of any soap. If there are no problems, then the person feels it well. If there is no smell, then it cannot be felt. The development of hypoxia is evidenced by the inability to smell the vinegar smell of varying degrees of strength.

If there are any suspicions, you need to consult a doctor who can provide the necessary assistance in a timely manner, preventing the development of a deterioration in the condition. Correct diagnosis of the causes of negative changes is important for patients at any age. The method and features of therapy will depend on this.

In some cases, it is possible to cope with the deviation with folk remedies. A good recipe is a mixture of carefully washed river sand and table salt. The ingredients are taken in the same amount. The resulting mass is laid out in a pan, then the container is placed on the stove.

First, the mixture is dried, then its temperature is brought to 50°C. After that, you need to pour the composition into a specially prepared fabric bag, which is then tied. The filled bag is applied to the bridge of the nose (20 minutes). The therapeutic course consists of 9 procedures. They can be done every day or with a break of 1 day.

We restore normal breathing and the perception of smells and tastes in the following way: grease a coin (you can take 5 kopecks) with natural liquid honey, attach it to the middle of the back of the nose. So that the coin does not fall and does not move, it is fixed with an adhesive plaster.

It is best to use an old copper coin. The procedure should be performed daily, its duration is half an hour. In most cases, a full recovery will require at least 15 treatments.

It will be possible to restore health thanks to a small aluminum plate. It must be thoroughly rinsed, then wiped dry and glued with a plaster to the bridge of the nose. It is better to perform such a manipulation before going to bed in order to leave the plate with all night. It is realistic to overcome the problem and achieve restoration of the olfactory function after 3 procedures.

After the flu, you can use the following mixture:

• water - 200 ml;
• lemon juice - 10 drops;
• cologne - 10 drops.

Water must be preheated to a temperature of 50°C. After that, juice is added to it and mixed thoroughly. The resulting composition should be soaked with a piece of gauze or cotton fabric. It is applied to the entire nasal surface. The procedure takes approximately 6 minutes. The duration of the treatment course is 10 procedures that are performed every day without gaps.

After the flu, during self-treatment, patients can use the Vietnamese Golden Star balm. The closed container with the product should be left in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours. Thus, the composition is heated. After that, it should be rubbed into the back of the nose and into the middle part of the forehead. To achieve the desired effect, it is enough to perform 7-10 procedures daily.

When hypoxia appeared, it is necessary to do warming up with a blue lamp. If there is no such device at home, it is allowed to use a conventional desktop electrical appliance, the main thing is that the power of the light bulb is 40 watts. The patient must wear sunglasses. The lampshade is removed from the lamp. The head should be tilted back. This will allow light to enter the nasal cavity. The optimal distance from the nose to the lamp is a length of 25 cm.

If a person does not smell, quartz will help. A small piece of quartz should be placed in a glass vessel, such as a jar, and left in a sunny place for 3 hours so that the stone warms up well. The stone must be placed on the nose. The treatment session should last for 20 minutes. We must ensure that the stone does not move. To do this, it is additionally fixed or fixed, held with fingers.

Not in all cases, it is possible to cope with the disease without the qualified help of specialists. This may apply to older people or situations associated with serious pathological processes. In a medical institution, the loss of smell and taste, provoked by diseases of the mucous surface, is treated through special measures. Among them are the following:

1. Elimination of factors of exogenous and endogenous origin, which not only cause, but also support pathology.
2. The use of a complex of specially selected drugs in each individual case, which relieve rhinitis.
3. Carrying out physiotherapy.
4. Implementation of physiotherapy.
5. Surgical intervention in the body, if there are indications for this or an emergency.

The most important thing is that the treatment of ENT diseases is painless. It is possible to achieve positive results due to the correct impact on the totality of all links of pathogenesis. Due to this effect, patients begin to feel positive changes in the process of nasal breathing, the olfactory function is gradually restored.

If washing is carried out, irrigation of the mucous membrane of the nasal sinuses with the use of specially selected medicines, the nasal passages are optimally cleansed. All pus, toxic substances, causative agents of allergic reactions are removed from the mucous membranes of the nose, sinuses. It is possible to fully restore the drainage properties.

Be sure to combine the entire set of necessary sanitizing procedures with a course of immunomodulatory therapy. It is selected individually for each person. Normalization of the functioning of the immune system allows you to achieve a complete recovery in a short time. At the same time, the treatment process is simplified, since the body itself can fight the causative agent of the disease.

If complex and timely therapy is carried out, it will be possible not only to restore the function, but also to ensure a stable, long-term remission.

When the sense of smell disappears, it is considered a rather difficult problem. Consultation with a specialist is needed in order to accurately understand the causes and eliminate the likelihood of complications.

To restore the ability of nasal breathing, the nasal cavity is sanitized. After that, the doctor prescribes therapy for the paranasal sinuses. Based on the severity of the disease, a drug effect on the body or the use of sparing surgical methods of treatment is provided.

When deterioration in olfactory function is associated with a respiratory disease, conservative treatment is recommended. It consists of the mechanical removal of obstructions in the nasal cavity that do not allow air to pass freely.

Often, a positive effect can be achieved only after the treatment of the underlying disease. When there are polyps, they can only be removed surgically. Allergies are treated with symptomatic medicines.

Sometimes anosmia is caused by organic lesions of the central nervous system, trauma, viruses, infections in children. The prognosis in most cases is unfavorable. With a traumatic illness, a persistent character is usually observed. Normalization or a significant improvement in the current situation is achieved only in 10% of patients from the total number.

Irreversible processes cannot be treated. This is due to age characteristics. If the olfactory nerves are damaged, there are no methods to effectively eliminate the transformation.

Faced with the violation in question, it is best to seek qualified help immediately. Based on the examination and the results obtained, the doctor will help determine the most appropriate course of action. It is important not to harm your own health and not provoke complications by self-medication.

Loss of smell is often a very unpleasant surprise. If a runny nose is not treated for a long time, then as a result, the ability to distinguish smells disappears. The nasal sinuses have a mucous membrane that swells with abundant secretion, which often accompanies various respiratory diseases, such as the common cold, sinusitis, rhinitis.

Unfortunately, there may be more serious causes of loss of smell, such as a fracture or deviated septum, various malignant tumors, polyps in the sinuses, toxic and / or chemical substances entering the nasopharynx, and even simple smoking.

There is also lack of smell from birth. Cases are rare, but, unfortunately, doing something to cure a congenital disease and restore the lost sense of smell is very difficult, and often completely impossible, at this stage in the development of medicine. Disturbances in the activity of olfactory receptors are divided into three types - anosmia, hyposmia and cacosmia. Hyposmia is a temporary and rather mild inability to distinguish odors, while in anosmia the patient loses his sense of smell completely and is no longer able to smell odors. In the third variety, kakosmiya, odors are perceived incorrectly, and this is most often evidence of a tumor.

Treatment and restoration of smell

Fortunately, loss of smell, even after several years, is treatable. This can be done in various ways, the best option is combined treatment. When prescribing medications by the attending physician, it is best to combine treatment with traditional medicine. Thus, the sense of smell will return faster, a possible runny nose will be cured, and with systematic prevention, the “scent” will no longer disappear and the patient will be able to breathe life in full.

How to restore the sense of smell with the help of alternative traditional medicine

• Small and easy exercise. It is useful to do it to restore the sense of smell and to prevent a runny nose: for a week (at least), you need to alternately strain and relax your nose (keep it in this state for about a minute).
• The most famous way is nasal flush salty - preferably with sea salt water. The sense of smell will recover quickly and relatively painlessly, and this procedure will also help in the prevention of the common cold. Since everything ingenious, as you know, is simple and you can do a nose wash without any special skills. Unpleasant sensations that will accompany at the beginning will pass quickly, leaving behind only the most pleasant - recovery. Such washings will not only help to cope with the disease, but also strengthen the immune system and raise vitality for many years. There is no need to worry about the safety of the procedure to restore the sense of smell, as it is recommended to do it even for young children and pregnant women. The recipe is quite simple and concise: you need to mix 250 ml of warm (not hot) water with a pinch of salt (just a little, on the tip of a knife). Covering the right nostril with the index finger, the left should try to gently draw in the water so that you feel it at the very larynx. Then you need to do the same with the right nostril. For a stronger effect, you can use not ordinary, but sea water, or simply add a few drops of iodine to the liquid (250 ml of water about a teaspoon of salt and 7-8 drops of iodine).
• In order for the runny nose to disappear and free breathing to return, you can boil a glass of water (necessarily in an enameled bowl or pan), add a couple of tsp. natural lemon juice and a few drops of mint or lavender essential oil. Breathe deeply over this liquid in each nostril separately. Carry out at least 10 such procedures.
• And also to restore the activity of olfactory receptors, you can use cyclamen juice or lemon juice. With their help, you can well strengthen the human immune system. There are two options for using: make homemade drops by mixing cyclamen or lemon juice with water at room temperature (1: 1) and drip your nose, or simply rub pure juice into your sinuses.
• Menthol or juniper oil also a good remedy if the ability to distinguish odors is lost. You can drip literally 3-4 drops and rub the oil into the temples and wings of the nose. This procedure will expand and cleanse the vessels.
• Propolis and simple medicines made from it at home have a special therapeutic effect. Mix 1 tsp. propolis, 3 tsp vegetable and 3 tsp. butter (pre-melted). Prepare a homogeneous mass and abundantly moisten cotton or gauze swabs in it. These tampons need to lay the nostrils, leaving for 15-20 minutes. The procedure should be carried out 2 times a day - in the morning and before bedtime.
• Hot Vinegar Vapors also good for problem solving. It is necessary to pour a few tablespoons of ordinary table vinegar onto a hot container and carefully (avoiding steam in the eyes), take a few breaths.
• Juice from young beet leaves (about 100g) and a teaspoon preferably fresh honey has excellent healing properties.
• A powder made from aromatic medicinal herbs can help restore the sense of smell. Both flowers and leaves of marjoram, chamomile, lily of the valley, linden, needles, cumin and mint can be used. Herbs must be washed and dried well, then ground into a powder that must be inhaled.
• From the same fragrant powder, you can make a solution for inhalation. You will need to pour a couple of glasses of boiling water 2-3 tbsp. l dry herbal mixture and boil for a few minutes. Inhalations should be carried out as usual - breathe over a pan with fragrant steam for 20-25 minutes. The duration of treatment is no more than a week.
• A very useful, but a little harsh tool, it can turn out to be celandine juice. You need to drip 3 times in each nostril, one drop.
• Cabbage juice has almost the same medicinal properties, but is less dangerous.
• You can use the juice of garlic or onion for instillation of the nose. Making medicine is very easy. Dilute freshly squeezed garlic juice in a ratio of 1:20, onion juice 1:50. If there is no allergy, then you can add a couple of drops of fresh honey to the juice.
• Milk with sage will be very useful for the treatment of sinusitis (runny nose and colds), which often causes loss of smell, and for the immune system in general. In a glass of milk, add a tablespoon of pre-dried sage and heat (but do not boil).
• The following procedure will reduce the runny nose during a cold and restore the sense of smell, which can be easily done at home. Hands should be held in hot water (40–42 degrees) for at least 15 minutes. As soon as the water cools down, add hot water.
• For the speedy restoration of the olfactory receptors at any time of the day, you can turn on aroma lamps with spicy essential oils, which, when evaporated, have a beneficial effect on the nasopharynx and the desired result will not be long in coming.
• Massage with aroma oils the bridge of the nose, arms, legs and even the back will also help to achieve a speedy recovery and restore the sense of smell, since the oils have the pleasant property of quickly penetrating into the bloodstream through the skin. With a light massage of the bridge of the nose with fingertips dipped in juniper essential oil, a beneficial effect is in close proximity to the sore spot.

How to restore the lost sense of smell by classical methods with the help of physicians

If the choice fell on drug treatment, then, of course, the first thing to do is consult with your doctor. It should be noted that often it is drug treatment that causes a systematic loss of smell, so this method should be treated with extreme caution and not overdo it.

The mucous membrane of the nose is very sensitive, and with prolonged use of drugs with a vasoconstrictor effect, the sense of smell may completely or partially disappear. This happens due to malnutrition of this very mucous membrane. In this case, doctors recommend immediately stopping the use of drops to restore the sense of smell as soon as possible. If loss of smell occurs as a result of rhinitis or sinusitis(Rhinitis) of bacterial origin, the doctor usually prescribes treatment with the following drugs:

• anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs
• anti-allergic drugs (helps to quickly get rid of mucosal edema and at least normalize breathing and return the lost sense of smell)

If the smell disorder is provoked by rhinitis of allergic origin, the doctor usually prescribes the following treatment:

• antihistamines
• corticosteroids (have a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the human body)

The most complex case of olfactory disorder is various malignant tumors and polyps, in the case of diagnosing which, mandatory surgical intervention is carried out, and sometimes chemotherapy and radiation exposure, since restoring the sense of smell and saving life is the main goal.

Loss of smell is not a sentence! Be healthy!

Even though a seemingly simple loss of smell is usually poses no particular threat human life, do not underestimate this disease, because a simple inconvenience can hide a serious violation of the mechanism of the body. At the slightest symptom of a lack of smell, you should immediately contact a specialist who will help you identify the cause of the disease as soon as possible and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Attention, only TODAY!

The ability to sense and distinguish smells is one of the main ways of understanding the world around us. The olfactory system consists of receptors (sensitive cells) located in the nasal mucosa. These receptors sense odors and send a signal to the brain. Certain areas of the brain process and recognize signals, thanks to which we perceive certain odors.

The loss of this ability, as well as the loss of taste, is a big problem for a person. This gift to feel accompanies us from birth and is an integral part of the cognitive process. The aroma and taste of food gives us many joyful moments in life. And the smell of flowers, grass, home give incomparable pleasure.

Loss of smell (anosmia) occurs for various reasons, and can be partial or complete, although complete is quite rare. Depending on the cause of the appearance, anosmia can be temporary, permanent, and sometimes completely irreversible.

It must be said that anosmia can be a symptom of some serious diseases, including cancer, but in itself does not pose a threat to human life. In general, there can be several reasons for the appearance of anosmia. Let's talk about why a person loses his sense of smell, we will tell you the reasons for what to do to prevent this process.

What causes loss of smell?

The most common cause is a cold, SARS, sinusitis, all types of rhinitis. These diseases cause swelling of the nasal mucosa. In this case, the secretion of the mucous membrane is disturbed and sensitive, olfactory cilia are immersed in this secret. Also, the cause may be a deviated nasal septum, polyps.

The sense of smell may disappear when the sensitive epithelium is destroyed due to exposure to viruses. The cause may be the inhalation of various chemicals that are toxic (atropine, morphine, nicotine). Taking certain drugs that disrupt cell turnover.

Anosmia is often caused by trauma to the skull, a developing tumor. It also happens due to neurosurgical operations, due to the use of neurotoxic drugs, as well as in connection with certain congenital diseases, such as Kallmann syndrome.

Persistent loss of smell (hyposmia) most often occurs due to the appearance of polyps or tumors in the nasal cavity, due to the curvature of the nasal septum.

Other causes of anosmia:

Congenital features, underdevelopment of the olfactory pathways,

craniocerebral trauma,

Violation of the function of the olfactory pathways and bulbs in case of injuries, blows from falling on the back of the head,

Inflammation of the sinuses of the ethmoid bone and adjacent pia mater. Neoplasms located in the anterior cranial fossa

Long term tobacco smoking

Age-related disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's

Anosmia treatment

Smell loss therapy involves the identification and elimination of likely exogenous and endogenous factors that cause and maintain persistent loss of smell. Treatment is prescribed individually. The patient is selected a medical complex of various medicines. It depends on the type and causes of anosmia.

In addition to drugs, along with them, physiotherapy methods are successfully used - treatment and procedures. If necessary, surgery may be prescribed.

How to prevent the development of anosmia?

Regularly, every evening, rinse your sinuses with warm soft water or infusion of medicinal plants, such as chamomile. You can use decoctions of herbs of sage, mint, eucalyptus leaves, calendula flowers.

If you have problems with your sense of smell, stop smoking. It is better to get into the habit of inhaling the fragrant oil of rue flowers through your nose, or inhale the aroma of the leaves of the plant rubbed in the palms of your hands.

Grind dry chamomile flowers, dried marjoram leaves, lily of the valley flowers, peppermint and cumin to a powder. Mix all the powders and inhale the aroma of herbs through your nose several times a day.

If the sense of smell is gone, try dripping fresh red beet juice into your nose, 2-3 drops per nostril. Just pre-mix it with the same amount of liquid bee honey.

If anosmia occurred due to a cold, then in the process of recovery, the sense of smell will be restored. If this still does not happen, then consult a doctor to find out other possible causes of anosmia.

Most cases of loss of smell are successfully treated. With a severe cold, viral infection, on the recommendation of a doctor, you can use antibiotics to treat and drain blocked nasal passages.

In chronic cases of anosmia, take a test for the presence of food allergens, donate blood for analysis. This must be done to identify the cause of the pathology. If food allergens regularly enter the body, the mucous membranes gradually become inflamed. The inflammatory process can cause blockage of olfactory receptors.

It must be said that there are cases when anosmia can be irreversible. For example, when the sense of smell gradually disappears in an elderly person, this may be an irreversible age-related process.

In any case, with the disappearance of the sense of smell and its absence for a long time, you should go to an appointment with a general practitioner or, in his direction, a specialist in diseases of the nose or a neuropathologist. Be healthy!

Svetlana, www.site

Sense of smell is the ability to distinguish smells from each other. Unlike men, women have a more acute sense of smell. It is especially aggravated during a hormonal surge in the body, for example, during pregnancy or ovulation. Violation of the sense of smell occurs due to inflammatory processes in the nose and injuries of the mucous membrane. Vitamin deficiency, head injuries and intoxication of the body can lead to such a pathology. A common cause of loss of smell is allergies and genetic mutations.

Varieties of pathology

Olfactory impairment is a pathological condition in which the access of any aromatic substances to the olfactory neuroepithelium is difficult, a special receptor zone is severely damaged, or the central olfactory tract is affected.

Violation of the sense of smell can be of three types. Each of them has its own characteristics.

1. Transport. This type of violation occurs due to severe edema of the mucosa. This condition is typical for rhinitis, sinusitis, curvature of the nasal septum and with various neoplasms in the nose. Viral and bacterial infections can provoke swelling of the mucosa. Violations in the production of mucosal secretions can also lead to such a pathology. In this case, the cilia of the epithelium are literally immersed in a viscous secret.
2. Touch. Such a violation occurs due to the destruction of the neuroepithelium by various pathogens. Pathology can occur when inhaling toxic substances and conducting radiation therapy on areas adjacent to the head.
3. Neural. This type of violation occurs with head injuries, when the base of the anterior part of the skull or the cribriform plate is damaged. Neurosurgery and head tumors can also lead to this.

In addition, a decrease in smell is also differentiated by the ability to determine odors. Based on the complaints of patients or the results of the examination, doctors distinguish the following violations:

• Complete anosmia - in this case, the patient does not distinguish smells at all.
• Partial anosmia - the patient feels some aromas.
• Partial hyposmia - reduced sensitivity to certain odors.
• Dysosmia - in this case, a person cannot normally identify odors. The sense of smell is perverted.
• Complete hyperosmia - the patient has a very developed sense of smell.
• Partial hyperosmia - in this case, special sensitivity is observed only to certain odors.

Only a doctor can determine the type of pathology in a particular case. For this, a complete examination of the patient is carried out.

A disturbed sense of smell cannot be called a serious symptom, but sometimes it indicates serious pathologies of the central nervous system.

Causes

A change in the sense of smell may be due to pathological disorders in the nasal cavity, as well as pathologies of the central nervous system. The sense of smell is disturbed with catarrhal pathologies, because the nose is very swollen, and odors cannot reach special olfactory receptors. Since the perception of smell also affects the perception of taste, this explains the tastelessness of food during a cold. Sometimes the olfactory cells are damaged by viruses, so a person does not smell and taste for several days after full recovery.

Sometimes the loss of smell is observed for months or becomes irreversible. Cells can be severely destroyed by frequent viral infections or radiation therapy.

The main causes of impaired sense of smell in humans can be called the following pathologies and conditions:

• Taking medications that affect the ability to properly perceive odors. This includes amphetamines, zinc-based drugs, certain hormones, and long-term nasal drops.
• Respiratory and allergic diseases.
• Blockage of the nasal passages with polyps and other neoplasms.
• Deformities of the nasal septum.
• Endocrine disorders.
• Neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.
• Lack of vitamins and nutrients in the body.
• Trauma to the skull and nose.
• Surgical intervention in the nasal cavity.
• consequences of radiation therapy.

The most common cause of olfactory disorders is considered to be a traumatic brain injury, which often happens in car accidents. In this case, the fibers of a special olfactory nerve, which comes from the center of smell, are torn in the region of the ethmoid bone, which separates the nose and the cranial cavity.

Sometimes there are cases when a person is already born with a disturbed sense of smell. This indicates congenital pathologies of a neurological plan or a genetic predisposition.

Diagnostics

To test a person's sense of smell, they resort to various products and substances with a strong odor. Essential oils, some soaps, and fragrant spices such as cinnamon or cloves can be used. In addition, they check how correctly the patient determines the taste. Sugar, salt, lemon juice and aloe juice can be used for this.

The doctor carefully examines the nose and the area adjacent to it. To clarify the diagnosis, the following studies may be prescribed:

• CT scan.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.

In addition, the doctor carefully collects an anamnesis. The patient is specified when the violation of smell became noticeable and under what circumstances this happened.

When diagnosing a pathology, the doctor necessarily pays attention to whether the patient has diseases of the oral cavity, which are accompanied by a lack of saliva.

Treatment

Depending on the cause that caused such a pathology, the doctor prescribes the treatment. If the violation is associated with taking certain medications, they should be discarded. After suffering a respiratory illness or flu, you should wait a couple of weeks. If during this time odors are still not felt, then you need to see a doctor.

In most cases, these disorders are reversible. To quickly restore the lost sense of smell, you must follow these recommendations:

To restore a normal sense of smell, you must stop smoking. It has already been proven that the violation of the perception of smells in heavy smokers is reversible, the restoration of smell occurs slowly, but surely.

It should be understood that it will not be possible to completely restore the sense of smell in the elderly. The level of smell perception in 80-year-olds is half that of 30-year-olds.

What to look out for

If a person does not feel the smell and taste of food, then this is not a problem. It should be alert that a person through the recognition of smells often learns about the impending danger. If the perception of odors is persistently impaired, it is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations:

If a person cannot recognize odors after suffering a respiratory disease, then you should not worry about this, after a week everything will be restored without any treatment.

With respiratory diseases and influenza, the sense of smell is almost always disturbed. This is due to a strong swelling of the mucosa and the inability to reach aromas to special receptors in the nose. This condition is reversible and does not require treatment. With head injuries, impaired odor recognition can be irreversible. Not amenable to adjustment and senile changes in the nose.