Epistemis

Anosmia

Specialty: Otolaryngology.

  • loss of smell
  • hyposmia

Why it occurs

  • Viral infection (including COVID-19)
  • Rhinitis / nasal polyposis
  • Head trauma
  • Neurodegenerative disease

Initial workup

Rhinoscopy; evaluate viral, polyposis or neurological cause; Breast CT if it persists.

red flags

Progressive unilateral anosmia or with neurological deficit (rule out basal tumor).

Standard management

  • Nasal corticosteroid — if it causes inflammation/sinusitis
  • Olfactory training — in postviral anosmia

Educational guidance for study. It is NOT a prescription recommendation. The actual choice depends on the cause, the patient, and current guidelines.

PreviousTinnitus
Area
Otolaryngology
Listed causes
4
Treatment options
2
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