Anosmia

Complete or partial loss of smell called Anosmia. It can occur due to many reasons like blockage of the nose and infections, etc.

Anosmia Causes:

Nasal polyp: cystic and mass-like growth in the nose which can occur due to allergic reaction or bacterial infection where mucosa gets swollen. It blocks the nasal passage that may result in loss of smell.

Cold and flu: common cold caused by rhinovirus with symptoms of nasal congestion, and watery discharge from nose, cough, and low-grade fever. Congestion of the nose causes anosmia.

Covid19: Covid19 is a pandemic disease caused by the coronavirus. It is a communicable disease, spread from the droplets of infected persons. Symptoms of covid are fever, loss of smell, back pain, weakness, throat pain, etc.

Brain injury: injury to the brain may cause damage to the olfactory nerve and results in loss of smell.

Congenital anosmia: it is a genetic disorder where the olfactory system developed abnormally.

Hay fever/allergic reaction: allergic reaction can cause partial loss of smell due to inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa due to certain allergic symptoms

accompanied by symptoms like nasal discharge from the nose, etc. Neurologic disease: neurological diseases like Alzheimer

disease, senile dementia, Parkinson disease, brain atrophy, etc may cause anosmia due to the generation of the brain cells and the olfactory nerve can cause disturbance to the signal pathway to the brain.

Medication: over medications like antibiotics, nasal spray ,nifedipine and phenothiazines etc.

Brain tumor: brain tumor can cause damage to the nerves and may result in permanent loss of smell.

Diagnosis:

Physical examination of nose or nasal endoscopy to see the mucosal lining of nose that helps in diagnosis of nasal polyp.

Absolute eosinophil count: to diagnose the allergic rhinitis.

MRI and CT scan: to see the tumor growth inside the brain

OR to see: the degenerative changes in the brain.

RT-PCR: to diagnose covid-19.

Management:

In the common cold and flu due to congestion temporary loss of smell can occur but it usually returns after a week. So don’t over medicate.

1. Avoid decongestant sprays, antibiotics etc.

2. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

3. Try to avoid specific pollutants and allergens that cause allergic reactions.

4. Steam inhalation is very useful in nose congestion. Homeopathic medicines:

Lemna minor : it is well indicated medicine for nasal polyp with blockage of nose, frequent sneezing and loss of smell. Mucosal discharge is thick and profuse. Sneezing mostly occurs in damp weather conditions.

Pulsatilla nigricans : it is well marked in congestion of the nose with loss of smell and taste. Pain at the root of my nose. Discharge is bland and yellow . excessive secretion in the morning. Mocosa is swollen and itchy in the evening time.

Ammonium muriaticum: this medicine can be given in sneezing and loss of smell. Hot watery discharge which is corroding lips and nostrils. Obstructed and stuffy nose. Itchy and heavy nose.

Kali bichromium: this medicine is well indicated in sinusitis and nasal septum ulceration . Discharge is thick ,ropy, sticky, greenish yellow acrid. Coryza with obstruction of nose and loss of smell.

Consult homeopathy treatment with 24/7 Homeopathy Clinic led by Dr. Ruchi and her experienced team in Zirakpur.