Aromaverlust

Aromaverlust is a term used to describe reduced or absent olfactory function, i.e., the sense of smell. It covers conditions known as hyposmia (diminished smell) and anosmia (loss of smell), and can include qualitative disorders such as parosmia (distorted odors) and phantosmia (smelling odors that are not present).

The most common causes are upper respiratory infections including COVID-19; chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps; nasal trauma or surgery; aging; exposure to tobacco smoke and environmental irritants; certain medications; and neurological conditions such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease.

Primary symptoms are reduced ability to smell or complete inability to detect odors; changes in taste often accompany loss of smell. Diagnosis involves clinical history, standardized olfactory tests (odor identification, detection thresholds, discrimination), often supplemented by nasal endoscopy or imaging to evaluate obstruction or sinus disease. Differential diagnosis considers neurological or systemic causes.

Management targets underlying causes when possible: nasal corticosteroids for inflammatory conditions, treatment of sinus disease, or surgery for polyps. Olfactory training, a structured program of repeated exposure to a set of odors, is commonly recommended and has shown some benefit. Prognosis varies; some recover partially or fully, especially after viral infections, while others experience persistent impairment. Safety counseling and adjustments may be needed for daily activities.

Olfactory dysfunction affects a notable portion of the population, increases with age, and is often linked to viral illnesses. It can significantly impact flavor perception, nutrition, safety, and quality of life. Awareness and standardized testing have grown in recent years, particularly in the context of post-viral smell loss.