If the nose does not smell: simple tips. The nose does not smell what to do at home

All sense organs are important in the human body. After all, when they stop working, our life loses its usefulness and comfort.

Often the common cold ends with a loss of smell: smells are not felt, taste is lost. So what to do for people who are faced with this situation - how to restore the sense of smell with a runny nose?

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The reasons

With a runny nose, the access of air to the olfactory receptors is closed. This means that air particles that carry aromas can hardly penetrate these places due to snot, resulting in a loss of smell and taste. Particularly susceptible to this condition are people who suffer from chronic runny nose, sinusitis and frontal sinusitis. Adenoids, polyps, allergies, nasal septal defects and neoplasms in the nasal cavity significantly worsen the situation.

Viral infection

Decreased sense of smell always occurs in the second phase of the common cold with a viral infection, when itching of the nose and sneezing are replaced by copious liquid secretions and congestion. This happens for two reasons:

Allocations envelop the walls of the nose, preventing air from entering them.
Some viruses block the work of receptors.

Sinusitis

If a week after the cold, the condition worsened, the temperature began to rise, the sense of smell and taste disappeared, persistent nasal congestion and headaches appeared, the disease may have been complicated by sinusitis (sinusitis). Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses. The mucous membrane of the sinuses swells, the secret stagnates and turns into pus. The microorganisms that cause sinusitis destroy the epithelium, so the signals of taste and smell simply stop coming to the brain. This is what causes the loss of smell.

Overdose of nasal drops

Vasoconstrictor drops can be dripped no more than 4-6 hours later and no more than 3-4 times a day. The duration of treatment for most drugs is 3 days. But it is not uncommon for people to abuse these medicines and bury them often and a lot. With prolonged and frequent use of vasoconstrictor drugs muscle layer the vessels of the nose ceases to function independently, the nutrition of the vessel wall is disrupted. It is also possible to overdry the nasal mucosa by the irrational use of astringent drops - Collargol and Protargol.

Allergy

The sense of smell may disappear temporarily during an allergic rhinitis. This happens due to edema and an abundance of liquid secretions, which do not allow air to come into contact with the olfactory receptors. If the sense of smell disappeared due to allergies, then first of all you need to get rid of it with the help of antihistamines and hormonal drugs.

Hormonal disorders

It is not scary if the sense of smell disappeared during pregnancy (against the background of vasomotor rhinitis), menstruation, after taking oral contraceptives. The reason for this is hormonal changes, after which everything returns to normal.

Anatomical changes in the nasal cavity

The reason for the loss of smell can be changes in the nasal cavity, accompanied by secretions:

polyps;
adenoids;
large curvature of the nasal septum;
tumors;
turbinate hypertrophy.

To restore the sense of smell, you need to get rid of the listed anatomical defects. It is possible that this is only possible with the help of an operation.

Poisons and chemicals

The sense of smell and taste disappears in people working in the production of toxic substances and in contact with paint and varnish products, oil products, vapors of various acids, etc. This condition, called anosmia, or complete loss of scent perception, may or may not be accompanied by a runny nose. In addition, active and passive smokers also often complain that they have lost their sense of smell. Receptors can die completely, and it can be almost impossible to restore their original functions.

Treatment

To get rid of this scourge, you need to eliminate the runny nose and establish an outflow of mucus from the nasal cavity. First of all, you need to limit yourself to the use of nasal drops. Instead, it is better to resemble physiotherapy, for example, electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UV radiation of the nose and throat, bioptron. In case of an urgent need to improve breathing, you need to accustom yourself to using saline solutions, which help well to eliminate the symptoms and causes of the disease. The minerals included in their composition, natural components significantly improve the functioning of the nasal mucosa.

You need to do gymnastics every day - ten minutes to tense and relax the muscles of the nose. Keep your nose tense for at least a minute.
Massage the wings of the nose.
If the sense of smell is lost, and there is a loss of taste, you need to do warming up. It is recommended to warm the nose with a blue lamp; in its absence, you can use an ordinary student lamp. Heating is carried out at a distance of 25 cm, heat for 10 minutes, once a day for a week.
Rinse the nose daily with pharmaceutical saline solutions - Delphi, Aquamaris, Humer.
You can drip oil drops Pinosol into your nose.

Attention! For treatment it is forbidden to use vasoconstrictor drops, sprays and combined drops containing a vasoconstrictor component (Polydex, Vibrocil).

Folk ways

It is necessary to do steam inhalations over water with the addition of lemon juice, lavender and mint oil. Do them daily, the number of procedures is 10. For inhalation, you can prepare a decoction of sage, calendula, nettle or mint, with the addition of fresh garlic juice. You need to cover your head with a blanket and breathe over the steam for 15 minutes.
Insert cotton swabs moistened with honey into the nose for 20 minutes.
If the sense of smell is gone, you can breathe over the smoke from burning wormwood, garlic or onion husks.
To return the taste will help inhalation of pungent odors: horseradish, onion, mustard.
It is useful to inhale vapors of menthol oil or Zvezda balm.
Make hot foot baths with the addition of mustard, eucalyptus, pepper. They improve blood circulation, effectively cope with a runny nose and congestion, drive away a cold, especially if you take hot baths before bedtime.

Prevention

So that you do not lose your sense of smell and taste, you need to take care of your health and follow the following recommendations:

do not delay the treatment of a runny nose and colds;
during an epidemic of viral diseases, rinse the nose with saline solutions, decoctions of chamomile, calendula;
avoid contact with allergens if an allergy is diagnosed;
take care of strengthening the immune system;
when working with harmful substances use protective masks and respirators;
observe safety rules when playing sports.

Loss of smell after a runny nose is not always and not for everyone. It is not normal and requires treatment. Therefore, if the sense of smell disappeared and did not recover a couple of months after recovery, then it is not recommended to hesitate - you need to go to the ENT doctor.

What to do if the sense of smell and taste is gone, and the nose does not smell? In cases where this disease, not even considered by many as such, is accompanied by a deterioration in the perception of aromas or even taste, people begin to sound the alarm and look for ways to restore them. The causes and treatment of this disorder will be discussed in this article.

Reasons or why did the sense of smell and taste disappear?

It may seem that the inability to distinguish smells is a trifle, without which it is easy to live. But when a person loses one of his basic senses, he realizes its true value. After all, deprived of the opportunity to experience fragrances and "unpleasant darlings", he partially loses the pleasure of eating, and can also expose himself to the risk of eating a spoiled product. Wherein the world no longer seems as colorful as before. Therefore, it is extremely important to think about how to restore the sense of smell and taste with a cold. The inability to distinguish odors is most often observed in the background colds accompanied by discharge from the nose (rhinitis). Depending on the degree of deterioration of the olfactory function, there are:

hyposmia (partial decrease in the sharpness of the sense of smell);
anosmia (complete lack of susceptibility to aromatic substances).

The most common reason for the occurrence of hyposmia or even anosmia is acute rhinitis. It develops due to the fall of both local and general immunity and the activation of microorganisms that always live on mucous membranes. healthy people. Since the body loses the ability to prevent their reproduction, microorganisms infect tissues and provoke the onset inflammatory process. This is accompanied by the appearance of swelling and drying of the mucous membrane. Subsequently, it is moistened due to serous effusion (a special fluid that occurs during tissue inflammation). The amount of mucus gradually increases, the effusion partially accumulates under the upper layer of the mucosa, forming bubbles, as a result of which it can exfoliate and provoke the formation of erosions. During all these processes, receptors sensitive to aromatic compounds and located in the upper part of the nasal cavity can be blocked by mucus or damaged. Therefore, they are unable to respond to stimuli and, therefore, transmit a signal to the brain. This explains the fact that after a cold, the sense of smell disappeared. But a deterioration in the ability to smell different substances is not the only possible consequence of rhinitis. Often there is a simultaneous loss of taste and smell. The reason for this lies in the fact that very often a person involuntarily confuses taste and aroma. True taste sensations arise in response to salty, sour or sweet substances entering the tongue, since special receptors localized on the tongue are responsible for their perception. different areas language.
Therefore, even the most cold person always distinguishes the basic tastes to a greater or lesser extent. Problems arise from the differentiation of complex flavor combinations, typical, for example, for fruits and berries, soups, original second courses, etc. For their full perception, the simultaneous participation of taste analyzers and olfactory receptors is required. Therefore, what a person is accustomed to consider as a taste of a dish can easily turn out to be its aroma.

Attention! If the patient stopped smelling, and there was no discharge from the nose, it is imperative to contact a neurologist to rule out brain pathologies and other serious diseases.

Have you really lost your sense of smell and taste? It often happens that the patient says: “I don’t smell ..”, “I don’t feel the taste of food and smell”, but in reality it turns out that this is not so. To accurately verify the presence of hyposmia, in medicine, even there is a special test - olfactometry. Its essence lies in the alternate inhalation of vapors of 4-6 odorous substances contained in labeled vials. The patient is pinched one of the nostrils with a finger, and a vessel with a substance is brought to the other at a distance of one centimeter. The patient should take one breath and answer what he feels. Traditionally used:

0.5% acetic acid solution;
pure wine alcohol;
Valerian tincture;
ammonia.

These substances are listed in order of increasing aroma, so you can judge the degree of impairment of the olfactory function by the smell of which of them a person is able to feel. A similar test can be carried out at home, even without special solutions on hand, ordinary household items and products will do. The test consists of several stages, the transition from one to another is carried out only after the successful completion of the previous one. The patient is offered to sniff:

Alcohol (vodka), valerian and soap.
Salt and sugar.
Perfume, onions, chocolate, thinner (nail polish remover), instant coffee, an extinguished match.

If any of them could not be recognized, this is a clear sign of a decrease in the olfactory function, and the reason for contacting the ENT in order to figure out how to restore the sense of smell and taste with a runny nose.

Patients often complain that they lost their taste and smell due to a runny nose. These symptoms may occur when:

acute;
chronic;
allergic.

sharp and chronic inflammation paranasal sinuses:

sinusitis;
ethmoiditis;
frontite;
sphenoiditis.

Much less often, the reasons that the flair has worsened are:

ozena;
scleroma;
polyposis.

Thus, most often the perception of aromas is distorted with colds and other acute respiratory infections. Nevertheless, such common diseases accompanied by a runny nose, such as sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, and others, can also precede this. And since they often develop against the background of a deviated septum, patients are often prescribed septoplasty. This operation, the purpose of which is the alignment of the septum and the normalization of breathing, is necessary to eliminate the prerequisites for the preservation of inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses and, consequently, a violation of the sense of smell. But, unfortunately, septoplasty is not a guarantee of restoring the ability to distinguish odors normally, since after it degenerative changes in the mucous membrane and the development of hyposmia or even anosmia are possible. Although the curvature of the septum in no way affects a person's ability to perceive all kinds of aromas. Also, degenerative changes in the mucosa can occur not only as a result of septoplasty, but also after accidental damage by foreign bodies. In such situations, they talk about the development of traumatic rhinitis. The reason for its occurrence can be not only macro-objects, but also small solid particles, for example, coal, dust, metal, contained in:

smoke;
aerosols;
various industrial emissions, etc.

It has also been observed that the sharpness of smell and taste perception worsens with age. These changes can be called physiological, since they are caused by the “weakening” of the corresponding receptors. But usually older people notice that the sense of smell has worsened precisely after a cold. This may be due to damage to the receptors due to the active course of the inflammatory process, which then are not fully restored. Therefore, after recovery, older people may complain of hyposmia.

Of course, only a specialist can give an exact answer to this question. A qualified doctor will be able to find the true causes of violations and quickly eliminate them. Any self-medication can only exacerbate the problem and delay the return to normal. Therefore, despite the fact that there are various folk remedies that help to cope with the problem, before you start using them, you should ask the otolaryngologist if they can be used. Depending on the reasons for the deterioration in olfactory function, the doctor may prescribe a number of drugs to help restore it, including:

Naphazoline ( Naphthyzin);
Xylometazoline ( Galazolin);
Oxymetazoline ( Nazol);
Tramazolin ( Lazolvan Reno) etc.

These drugs are among the vasoconstrictors. Their action is based on mechanisms that eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane. But using them for longer than 5-7 days is not recommended, because they are addictive and lose their effectiveness. In the worst case, drug rhinitis develops, accompanied by a constant runny nose, which is much more difficult to cope with than, for example, with an acute one. If hyposmia is the result of allergic rhinitis, patients are prescribed antihistamines, and in more severe cases, topical corticosteroids:

Chloropyramine ( Suprastin);
Loratadine (Claritin);
Erius ( Eden);
Telfast;
Ketotifen;
Nasonex;
Flixonase;
Beclomethasone, etc.

When sinusitis became the cause of hyposmia, treatment is carried out exclusively under the control of the ENT. Any self-medication in such cases can lead to tragic consequences, since inflammation in the sinuses can provoke the development of sepsis, meningitis and other life-threatening pathologies. Therefore, in such cases, any activities that contribute to how to return the sense of smell and taste with a runny nose must be agreed with the otolaryngologist. Main article: You can increase the effectiveness of the therapy prescribed by the doctor by first softening the accumulated mucus. Steam baths are ideal for this. They are done no more than 3 times a day for 20 minutes. It will not be superfluous to add a variety of ingredients to hot water. medicinal herbs, for example:

chamomile flowers;
succession grass;
linden flowers, etc.

For the same purpose, you can rinse your nose with saline solutions. They are easy to purchase at the pharmacy or make your own at home. In the first case, you need to ask the pharmacist:

Humer;
Aqua Maris;
Marimer;
Quicks;
Aqualor;
But-salt;
Salin;
saline, etc.

If it is decided to prepare a saline solution at home, then for this you will need salt, preferably sea salt without flavorings, and purified water. 2 g of salt is thoroughly dissolved in a glass of warm, pre-boiled water. The procedure is carried out with a large amount of the resulting liquid, observing simple rules:

The patient lies on his side.
In the nostril that is on top, liquid is injected from a special dispenser or with a syringe without a needle in a large enough amount so that it flows out of the lower nostril.
Repeat the procedure, turning over to the opposite side.

Sometimes doctors advise patients to supplement their treatment with:

light massage;
breathing exercises;
magnetotherapy;
laser therapy, etc.

Many people who catch a cold continue to smoke. Of course, to talk about how to restore the sense of smell, without giving up at least for a while from this addiction not worth it.

Here are popular ways to restore the ability to perceive smells: 1 Inhalation with lemon and essential oil of mint or lavender. For cooking medicinal mixture a glass of boiling water is poured into a wide container, 10 drops of lemon juice and a couple of drops of the selected oil are added. Breathe over this mixture for 4-5 minutes, while trying to take quick breaths, but being careful, as such forced breathing can lead to dizziness. If desired, mint can be replaced with an alcohol solution of menthol. Usually 5 procedures are enough to restore the sense of smell and taste. They are carried out once a day. 2 Inhalations with fir and/or eucalyptus essential oil. Manipulation is carried out by analogy with the previous one. If only one of the oils is used, add 2 drops to boiling water, if both, then 1 drop each. 3

Steam inhalation.

The most common way to carry out such procedures is to inhale the vapors from freshly boiled potatoes. Perhaps 90% of people have experienced this method at least once in their lives. Its essence lies in the fact that a person bends over a pot of boiled root vegetables, covers his head with a large towel and breathes steam until the potatoes cool. 4 Inhalations with sage, nettle, calendula, mint and garlic. Such manipulations will help to remove the accumulated mucus and unblock the olfactory receptors. They are carried out according to the same principle as with potatoes, but only if there is no temperature. 5 Oil drops. Menthol and camphor oil are mixed in equal proportions. The resulting mixture is instilled 3 drops into each nasal passage 3 times a day. A napkin or gauze moistened with a few drops is placed on the pillow next to the patient. essential oil basilica. It can also be applied to the nose and inhaled fragrant vapors. 6 Applications with propolis. Bee products are famous for their bactericidal properties, so their use is also justified to combat inflammatory processes and their consequences. A cotton swab soaked in a mixture of propolis, butter and vegetable oil is introduced into each nasal passage. For its preparation, it is necessary to mix equal amounts of oils with a three times smaller amount of propolis. Tampons are left in the nose for a quarter of an hour. Manipulation is carried out twice a day. 7 Drops with honey and beetroot juice. The ingredients are mixed in a ratio of 1: 3 and a few drops are instilled into each nasal passage for a week. 8 Drops with mummy. A 10% solution is prepared from peach oil (10 g) and mummy (1 g). It is instilled 5 drops 4 times a day in each nostril. You can also cook similar remedy from 5 ml oil solution camphor and 1 g of mummy. In addition, cotton swabs can be soaked in prepared mixtures and inserted into the nasal passages for half an hour twice a day. 9 Acetic inhalation. Sometimes you can come across a recommendation to breathe vinegar vapor. This should not be done in any case, since the result of such a procedure can be a serious chemical burn to the eyes or nasal mucosa. 10 Warming up with a blue or ordinary lamp. Any thermal effect can be used only on the recommendation of a doctor, as it can provoke a worsening of the patient's condition if breathing problems are caused by sinusitis or other sinusitis.
However, in most cases, the recovery of smell and the ability to distinguish odors occurs spontaneously within a few weeks after suffering an infectious disease. If desired, this process can be accelerated using the above methods, but deciding how to restore the sense of smell and taste with a runny nose is only worth it together with the doctor.

When the nose does not smell, how to treat it? Immediately contact a specialist or is it a trifle and what will pass on its own? Why did it happen? These and other questions arise in the head if a person loses one of these important sense organs. Don't worry ahead of time. To begin with, it is necessary to understand the principle of operation of this respiratory organ and the reasons that could have led to its failure, to continue functioning normally.

The work of the olfactory organ

The stable work of this sense organ is simply necessary. In the absence of the ability to recognize odors, a person can be in great danger even at the household level, for example, with a gas leak. Moreover, problems with the sense of smell can indicate a brain tumor. Before starting treatment, you need a diagnosis made by a specialist. Anosmia (loss of smell) can be absolute or partial. In fact, this olfactory organ has a very complex structure, which is why, even at this moment, it remains not fully understood.

Special receptors work on the recognition of aromas, to which the smallest molecules of odorous substances enter through the nasal passages. The received information becomes an electrical signal and enters the part of the brain, where the final output takes place, which we recognize as "smell".

Types of olfactory disorders

If the nose has stopped smelling, then there can be a huge number of reasons for this. because of complex structure its stable operation directly depends on even minor details, and the loss of smell is caused by any violations of air penetration into the nasal passage. Among other things, the sense of smell deteriorates with age, and with hunger, and its severity depends even on the time of day For example, at night, the brain practically does not recognize odors. In individual situations, the inability to recognize the aroma is a congenital pathology. There are several basic concepts that describe the loss of smell:

full;
partial(the ability to identify some odors);
specific(without the ability to determine any specific smell);
absolute hyposmia(decreased sense of smell);
partial hyposmia(decrease in the sharpness of the sense of smell of some specific odors);
dysosmia(wrong perception of smells).

Causes of loss of smell

The most common cause of loss of smell remains the blockage of access of microscopic odor particles directly to the mucous membrane. This can happen for various reasons:

inflammatory processes.
Polyps.
Deviation of the nasal septum.
Physical trauma.
Neoplasms.
Immersion of the olfactory hairs in the secret.

Rhinitis is the main and most common reason for the impossibility of access of odor molecules to the mucous membrane. The body secretes additional mucus to fight germs, which causes swelling in the area where the receptors are located. Among other things, loss of smell may remain after a runny nose has been treated. Often this is due to the long-term use of special drops, which should relieve puffiness, but in the end, when abused, they themselves provoke it. You should never abuse vasoconstrictor drops. Normally, the nose should regain its ability to perceive odors within 7 days.. What to do if a week has passed and the smells are still not felt? Need see a doctor as soon as possible, because there is a high risk of damage to the olfactory nerves. In addition to rhinitis, the mucous membrane can also swell with:

sinusitis;
frontite;
nasal polyps.

Self-treatment is absolutely impossible, because this can lead to irreversible negative consequences with health, up to a complete loss of smell. In cases where the nose breathes but does not smell, often the problem lies in malfunctions or even damage to the cells that perceive the smell. The reason for this may be the following factors:

neoplasms;
viral type infections;
chemical poisoning;
radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer;
tumor in the brain;
harmful chemical fumes.

There are times when the loss of the ability to smell is irreversible. Often this occurs due to physical trauma to the skull and damage to the recognition of the center of smell. Most often, such injuries occur during an accident. Absolute loss of smell can be in other cases:

Kallman's syndrome;
cancer tumor;
congenital diseases;
neurosurgical operations and therapy;
use of neurotoxic drugs.

How to return the sense of smell?

If for a long time, for no apparent reason, there is no sense of smell, you need to contact an otolaryngologist (ENT) as soon as possible. Only a qualified specialist will be able to maintain the stable operation of the body. An otolaryngologist using special techniques will be able to determine the true cause of the malfunction of the olfactory organ, after which he will prescribe a special treatment. The approach must be comprehensive: surgical intervention, physiotherapy, special preparations. Only a comprehensive and professional approach to treatment will be able to restore the sense of smell again. Among other things, the specialist must develop an individual nutrition system to restore the sense of smell. It is especially useful to consume foods that contain vitamin A and zinc:

orange and yellow vegetables;
dairy;
beef;
sunflower or pumpkin seeds;
liver;
chicken eggs;
legumes.

If the otolaryngologist cannot detect any disorders that can directly or indirectly affect the loss of smell, it is necessary to visit a neurologist. The problem may be a failure in signal transmission to the cerebral cortex. Often the problem is nerve damage, cancer, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis. Diabetes mellitus can also be the cause of a violation in the functioning of the olfactory organ. If treatment is not started in time, damage occurs nerve cells that process data on incoming odors. If you suspect diabetes mellitus, you need to go to the endocrinologist, who will make the appropriate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate procedures. Now knowing which nose does not smell, you can start treatment on time and avoid more serious complications.

The ability to perceive smells and tastes allows a person to feel the fullness of life, enjoy pleasant aromas and avoid bad-smelling things. Often, a common cold becomes the cause of the development of olfactory disorders. This condition brings tangible discomfort, can last for several days and much longer. If the sense of smell is lost during a runny nose, the lost function can be restored quite quickly. For this, various effective methods recommended by conventional and alternative medicine are used.

Why do you lose your sense of smell and taste when you have a cold?

Anosmia is the complete or partial loss of the ability to smell. If a similar phenomenon occurs with a runny nose, there should be no reason for excitement - in this case, this process is natural. Most often, it is easily reversible, since in most patients the condition returns to normal after the swelling of the nasal mucosa decreases and the root cause of the development of the disorder is eliminated.

During a cold and the appearance of a severe runny nose, the following processes occur, leading to the disappearance of smell:

the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity (neuroepithelium containing cilia sensitive to odors) swells;
its structure changes;
weakens the sensitivity of the receptors of the nasal passages.

A condition in which the nose breathes but does not smell, often accompanied by a large accumulation of mucus, poor sleep quality, increased irritability.

Pathology occurs in two main forms - hyposmia and anosmia. In the first case, the negative phenomenon is temporary, the sensitivity is partially lost and gradually normalizes with minimal external influence. The development of anosmia is fraught with a complete loss of susceptibility to smells and tastes, can result in more serious consequences and requires a professional approach to treatment.

Most often, after a runny nose, a full-fledged sense of smell returns after 5-7 days. Under adverse circumstances, the defect can remain forever - as an unpleasant consequence of the disease.

Causes of loss of smell

The most common reason for the temporary loss of olfactory sensations in most people is untimely and poor-quality treatment of the common cold. With rhinitis, there is also a weakening or complete disappearance of taste sensations, for which the receptors covering the body of the tongue are responsible. Colds and runny noses do not affect their normal functioning, and loss of taste is naturally associated with a lack of smell.

Lack of smell makes it impossible to fully enjoy the taste of food. If a person does not smell food, the brain is not able to analyze in detail the various flavors of various dishes. At the same time, he retains the ability to determine sweet, salty, etc.

In addition to a runny nose, causes of loss of smell include:

Viral infections that also cause itchy sensations in the nasal cavity, sneezing, nasal congestion, profuse mucous discharge.
Processes of an infectious-inflammatory nature occurring in the nasopharynx.
Sinusitis, after which there is often a loss of taste and olfactory function.
Uncontrolled use of drugs intended for nasal use. An overdose of such drugs can damage the nasal mucosa and deprive it of the ability to perceive even strong odors.
Irritation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa by substances with a pronounced taste and aroma (alcohol, garlic, hot spices) or substances of chemical origin.
Allergic reactions causing severe swelling and copious discharge from the nose.
Hormonal failure that develops against the background of menstruation, the use of oral contraceptives, during the period of bearing a child.
Anatomical features of the structure of the nasal cavity, the presence of polyps or adenoids in it.

A common cause of loss of smell is regular smoking (both active and passive). The full functioning of the nasal receptors is reduced as a result of constant irritation of the mucous membrane with tobacco smoke.

How to get your sense of smell back

In order to normalize the lost taste sensations and the ability to distinguish aromas, the following is used:

drug therapy;
physical procedures;
treatment using folk remedies;
surgical intervention.

For effective fight with the disease, first of all, it will be necessary to eliminate the runny nose and mucus that accumulates in the nasal cavity. To do this, doctors recommend resorting to the following methods:

Washing with saline solutions and preparations containing silver (in children, this procedure must be carried out under the supervision of adults and taking into account age characteristics). For irrigation of the nose, pharmacy products Quicks, Salin, Physiomer, Morenazal, Aqua Maris, etc. are used.
The use of nasal drops that have a vasoconstrictive effect (Tizina, Xylometazoline, Naphazoline). Such drugs can be used for no more than 7 days, since prolonged instillation can lead to the opposite effect.
The use of sprays that help eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane, reduce the amount of discharge from the nose, restore full breathing and restore the function of taste buds. For this purpose, Vibrocil, Afrin, Otrivin, Xymelin, Oxymetazoline are shown.
The appointment of immunocorrectors (with frequent relapses). Imudon or Echinacea purpurea tincture help to increase the body's defenses.
Sedative therapy with the ingestion of valerian, motherwort preparations, which help to improve overall well-being, facilitate falling asleep and relieve irritation.

To return the patient's sense of smell and taste with a runny nose, a specialist can prescribe endonasal injections (introduction of hormone-containing drugs into the foci of pathology development).

After the end of the therapeutic course, effective physical procedures are prescribed to consolidate the results of treatment and accelerate the recovery of the body. Many patients are shown the passage of phonophoresis, ultraviolet radiation of the throat and nose, electrophoresis, and nasal massage. At home, with a runny nose, warming up with a blue lamp can be performed, however, such sessions must be coordinated with a specialist.

Independent use of pharmaceutical preparations to restore the sense of smell in case of a cold is unacceptable. Any treatment for anosmia should be discussed in detail with your doctor.

Help of traditional medicine in restoring taste and smell

Traditional medicine is able to offer various ways restoration of a weakened sense of smell and taste perception in normal home conditions. A good effect with a weakened sense of smell can be obtained by performing inhalations, applications, instillations and foot baths.

Inhalations with natural ingredients

If vegetable oils have not been used before, the first step is to test for sensitivity. Not a large number of The product is applied to the elbow and the skin reaction is expected. In its absence, the remedy can be fearlessly used.

Starting the procedure, it is necessary to add the following components to a small amount of water:

lemon juice;
lavender oil;
peppermint oil.

Inhalations are carried out during the exacerbation of the common cold and after its reduction. Sessions can be used steam inhaler or a wide enamel pan. In the second case, you need to cover your head with a towel. Adults will need to inhale steam for at least 3 minutes, children over 3 years of age need 1 minute. The water temperature should reach 30-40 degrees.

Sessions can be held up to 3 times a day. Also, decoctions of calendula, sage, freshly squeezed garlic juice can be used for inhalation treatment of impaired sense of smell.

Instillation of herbal remedies for a cold

Celandine juice helps to quickly and effectively restore the sense of smell, taste sensations. A pure product is not suitable for the preparation of nasal drops - it will need to be diluted with clean boiled water in the same proportions and the resulting product should be instilled into each nostril (3-4 drops each). The procedure is recommended to be carried out 3 to 5 times a day.

A pronounced therapeutic effect in case of deterioration of the sense of smell can provide natural combined drops. Honey and fresh beet juice are mixed in equal amounts. The resulting mixture is injected into the nasal passages three times throughout the day (2 drops in childhood and 4 for adults). The duration of treatment is from 5 to 7 days.

For applications, an ointment with propolis is effective. It is prepared as follows - a small amount of bee product is combined with two types of oils (olive + creamy). Flaxseed, corn or sunflower are also suitable. The mixture is heated with a water bath, after which all components are thoroughly mixed. Turundas with a ready-made composition applied to them are placed in both nostrils for 20 minutes. The procedure must be repeated in the morning and evening for 5-7 days. And after a runny nose, the sense of smell will return in 7-8 days

To restore the sense of smell with a runny nose, you can use natural liquid honey. For this purpose, gauze turundas soaked in bee product are inserted into the nostrils for 20 minutes.

If the sense of smell and taste are lost during a cold and runny nose, foot baths will provide a pronounced positive result. For their preparation, various components are used - mustard, eucalyptus tincture or pepper. These products are added in small quantities to a container with clean hot water. The procedure allows not only to restore lost functions, but also improves blood circulation, eliminates nasal congestion, and speeds up recovery.

If the sense of smell and taste are lost during a cold, then the inhalation of sharp aromas (onions, horseradish), menthol oil vapors, smoke obtained by burning garlic husks, loved by many generations, will benefit the weakened sense of smell. pharmaceutical preparation"Star".

When loss of smell becomes a reason for surgery

Surgical treatment may be indicated if there is no runny nose and nasal discharge, breathing is restored, but the sense of smell and taste perception have not returned to normal.

A radical method of eliminating anosmia is resorted to if, during the examination of the patient's nasal cavity, polyps or cystic formations. Surgery is also indicated for a deviated nasal septum.

In case of appearance in the nose malignant tumors, in addition to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are used, after which the chances of full recovery sense of smell is greatly increased.

Prevention of deterioration of smell after a cold

To avoid loss of smell and taste, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

Treat rhinitis and colds initial stage development.
During the period of rising incidence, rinse the nose with saline solutions, chamomile, eucalyptus decoction.
Regularly conduct aromatherapy sessions with therapeutic essential oils.
Include in your daily diet natural products foods fortified with zinc and vitamin A.
After suffering ARVI or influenza, harden and strengthen the body's immune system.

With a runny nose, vasoconstrictor drugs for the nose should be used after receiving a doctor's prescription, in full accordance with the attached instructions.

Any violation of the sense of smell may indicate the development of pathology in the organs of the central nervous system, impaired blood supply to the brain. If there is a weakening or loss of the ability to distinguish between smells and tastes, not accompanied by a deterioration in nasal breathing, an immediate visit to the doctor and a medical examination will be required.

Inside the nose are nerve endings (olfactory neuroepithelium) through which molecules of a substance that emits an odor enter after a breath.

The endings then create an impulse that goes to the brain, which perceives and processes this into the sensation "I perceive a smell." The person himself is already aware of it.

But it happens that we do not feel any smells with our nose.

In medicine, the loss of smell is called anosmia, while its partial retention is called hyposmia.

Varieties of phenomena for symptomatic insight

Let's figure out in what form we may have a loss of olfactory ability:

anosmia, that is, the complete absence of the ability to sense any aromas;
partial anosmia, that is, the inability to distinguish between certain odors (with the preservation of this possibility for a number of other aromas);
specific anosmia, in which only one specific smell is inaccessible to the patient;
complete hyposmia means that the patient's nose is equally desensitized to all odors;
partial hyposmia - a condition in which the ability to sense part of the odors is reduced;
dysosmia, also called paraosmia or cacosmia, is a sensory distortion in which absent odors are perceived or existing pleasant aromas are perceived as unpleasant;
general hyperosmia - increased sensations from really existing odors;
partial hyperosmia - increased perception of individual odors.

Anosmia is also divided into central and peripheral.

In the first case, the nose breathes, is not blocked, but does not smell. With a peripheral form, odorous particles cannot reach the nerve endings that are designed to transmit information about them to the brain. This means that the nose is blocked.

Main causes of olfactory demise

Groups of violations

To understand why a person stops feeling different smells, three groups of reasons help:

violations of the transport type, in which the flow of molecules of odorous compounds to the zones where they are perceived by the nerve endings is difficult;
sensory disturbances that undermine the ability of the olfactory neuroepithelium to perceive odors;
disorders of the neural type caused by damage to the skull.

General Factors

The private causes that lead to a drop in nasal sensitivity include:

cold;
cocaine use;
congenital pathologies;
hormonal disorders;
, etc;
infection affecting the paranasal sinuses;
polyps in the nose, benign neoplasms;
inhalation of harmful chemicals, including solvents or pesticides;
damage to the nose itself or to the endings that perceive odors due to injury;
disruption of the functioning of the nose as a result of surgery;
a number of diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis;
taking medications, in particular, drugs for heart disease, anti-inflammatory effects, antidepressants and antibiotics;
radiation therapy associated with malignant formations in the neck or head;
aging, while the sense of smell reaches its greatest acuity in the interval of 30-60 years, and after 60 it begins to fall.

Cold

One of the most common cases of anosmia is tested by man cold with runny nose. The reason for this is:

serious viral infections;
the formation of polyps inside the nose;
chronic type;
suffered by the patient during a cold;
pathology of a chronic nature, affecting the mucous membrane in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses.

Unpleasant addition: loss of taste sensations

In some cases, a person ceases to feel not only smells, but also tastes. The combination of these two disorders is often found after a cold with a runny nose. It can result from many of the violations listed above.

Taste sensations from food are only partly due to the fact that substances of one type or another (sweet, sour or salty) have arrived at the taste buds of the tongue. These same sensations also become a consequence of the perception of the corresponding smell. In the absence of such an aroma, as a result of anosmia, the feeling from eating food decreases. As a result, it seems to a person that he has lost his taste, although the functions of his taste buds are not affected.

In addition, the contribution of the nose to the recognition of nuances of aromas is especially important. With anosmia, the tongue can often still distinguish basic odors. However, it needs nasal support to recognize shades. In its absence, the patient cannot distinguish different fruit shades or meat tastes from each other.

In other words, in most cases, when aromas and tastes are not felt, we are talking about an illusion. Taste buds after a runny nose work in a standard way, a person simply does not realize that earlier the nose played a significant role in the formation of taste sensations.

Serious treatment for elimination problem

If the sense of smell is persistently absent for some time, you should consult a doctor. After examining, questioning and examining, he explains what to do if the nose does not smell all or some of the smells and tastes, than to treat the underlying cause.

With timely treatment, you can restore the functions of the nasal mucosa and protect your sense of smell from deterioration.

The specialist to whom you should contact is an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT). To study the state of the patient's olfactory organs, he uses olfactometry. For inspiration, several formulations are provided:

valerian;
ammonia;
undiluted wine alcohol;
half-percent solution of acetic acid.

With this kit, it is possible to assess the degree of olfactory loss. In addition, the ENT gives patients a referral for the study of the sinuses using X-rays or rhinoscopy. In many cases, they resort to computed tomography of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, as well as the brain.

Additionally, the patient may need the help of a neurologist or neurosurgeon. These specialists, if necessary, carry out a neurological examination.

Exists wide range drugs intended for the treatment of olfactory problems. We are talking about both people's decisions and the means official medicine. At the same time, it is not recommended to prescribe folk remedies on your own without consulting a doctor.

Treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause. In the case of allergies are used. Polyps are removed through surgery.

Forecasts in most cases are favorable, the main thing is not to start the problem.

It makes sense to use folk remedies if anosmia was the result of a runny nose, but not a more serious violation.

A radical, sometimes effective, but also dangerous solution is to smell something strongly smelling, in particular, garlic, horseradish, mustard, tobacco. Previously, such a tool was recommended by doctors. However, while it may help, often the strong smell makes the swelling worse.

A few safer recipes:

Dried flowers of May lily of the valley and chamomile, cumin seeds, peppermint and marjoram leaves are ground into powder and mixed in equal proportions. We inhale the resulting powder or make a solution of this mixture and inhale.
Pour one glass of hot water into the pan, drip two drops of mint, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus or fir essential oil and 10-12 drops of lemon juice. We inhale with a solution for three to five minutes, alternately inhaling with each half of the nose, even if only one nostril does not feel the aroma.
We burn onion or garlic husks or dried wormwood and inhale the resulting smoke for five to seven minutes two to three times daily.
A piece of mummy, the size of which does not exceed the volume of rice grains, is dissolved in one teaspoon of lamb fat. We soak cotton swabs with this composition, which we place in the nose twice a day, in the morning and in the evening for half an hour. Well proven use.
The sensitivity of the nose is improved with menthol and camphor oil. These substances can be dripped into the nose, either individually or as a mixture in the amount of three to five drops per day.
Balm " Golden Star» heat in the sun for several hours. Next, the heated composition is rubbed into the middle part of the forehead and back of the nose. We perform this procedure for seven to ten days.
In 50 milliliters of milk brought to a boil, add a small spoonful of ginger powder. The solution is cooled to room temperature, filtered and washed with it. nasal cavity three times a day until the desired effect is achieved.
In a glass of water, add half a teaspoon of salt, both table and sea, and one or two drops of iodine. Rinse the nasal cavity with this solution.
Pour one hundred grams of birch tar with half a liter of boiled water and insist all night, getting tar water. In the morning, add a small spoonful of castor oil and one hundred milliliters of beetroot juice. Next, shake the composition, heat it to a temperature of 36-37 degrees and moisten two folded pieces of gauze in it. We squeeze it and put it on the forehead. It is necessary to ensure that the composition does not get into the eyes. We put compression paper on top of the gauze.
We keep our hands in the bath, the temperature of which is increasing all the time. The procedure lasts 10 minutes, while adding warmer water to the bath all the time, raising its temperature from the initial 35 to 42 degrees.
We make an infusion of sage by pouring one tablespoon of grass with two glasses of boiling water and insisting for an hour. We filter the composition and drink three times a day for half a glass.
We chew spicy cloves for five minutes five or six times a day. You can't swallow a clove!

If the nose has ceased to smell loved ones or any smells, there is no need to worry - stress will not improve the situation, unlike timely visits to the doctor and treatment.

https://website/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Natalia Vrublevskaya Natalia Vrublevskaya https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cbf8a4c8147e50b6c1be7d1c5a9c41ef?s=96&d=blank&r=g 01.02.2013 16.02.2016

“Why is the power of smells so strong over us? Why can't a memory stir up an experience with such force as a familiar smell associated with it? Maybe the point is its uniqueness, because the smell cannot be remembered separately from itself, so to speak, repeated by the imagination. And when it is repeated naturally, it pours out with pristine freshness everything that was connected with it.

F. Iskander "Constellation Kozlotur"

How pleasant it is to feel the fragrance of flowers, the smell of freshness after the rain, the aroma of delicious food! However, many people who suffer from partial or complete loss of smell are deprived of this simple pleasure. Olfactory dysfunctions greatly complicate their lives. What are the causes of olfactory disorders and can they be cured?

The meaning of smell

The sense of smell, being one of the most important sources of information, undoubtedly has a huge impact on our lives. Those ten percent of the smells that we are able to perceive make our perception of the world incomparably richer. Smellsaffect the vital activity of the organism, the general psychophysiological state. The sense of smell plays important role in the regulation of human behavior. The olfactory impulse reaches the brain faster than the pain impulse and guides us very effectively, whether conscious or not.

Smells can change the functioning of various body systems. The most obvious example is the increased production of saliva and digestive juices from food odors. Harsh and unpleasant odors (such as ammonia) increase blood pressure and speed up the heartbeat, while pleasant odors, on the contrary, lower blood pressure, slow down the pulse and cause an increase in skin temperature, which relaxes and calms the person.

Physiological scientists have proven that smells affect the rhythm of our breathing, muscle excitability, brain function and the entire nervous system. The sense of smell affects the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls hunger, feelings of aggression, sexual emotions, and other "animal" human feelings. The sense of smell is closely related to emotions. Some smells are etched into the memory for a long time, leaving their invisible mark there forever. Sometimes it is thanks to the inhalation of familiar aromas that a person experiences those emotions that he once experienced. It is no coincidence that the sense of smell is often called the sense of memory: indeed, the smell can remind you of a very old event. For one, it is enough to inhale the smell of hay, for another - the surf, so that the long-forgotten pictures of the past clearly and clearly resurface in memory. And this happens regardless of what shade they are painted in: negative or positive.

The sense of smell is a kind of protective mechanism that helps a person not only enjoy life, but also save it, because sometimes it is preciselyodors (eg.gas leak, smoke, toxic fumes, or spoiled food).

For some people, the ability to distinguish smells well is a professional necessity. These include chefs, culinary specialists, winemakers, perfumers, tasters. In the old days, the subtle sense of smell was considered one of the important tools good doctor helping him make the right diagnosis.

How do we smell

In order to understand the causes of olfactory dysfunctions, it is necessary to understand how we perceive odors.

The olfactory system in our body is represented by several structures that are links in one chain. The first olfactory organ is sensitive cells (receptors), which are located in the mucous membrane of the upper parts of the nasal cavity, very close to the cranial cavity, where the processes of these cells penetrate. When inhaled, molecules of odorous substances rush from the air into the nasal cavity, fall on the surface of the receptors, pass from the vapor phase into the secret and cause irritation of these receptors.

The second structure is the olfactory nerves, through which odor receptors transmit information about it to certain areas of the brain. The last link in the olfactory system is the olfactory bulbs, the subcortical and, finally, the cortical olfactory center of the brain, where the analysis and decoding of the received information about the smell takes place.

Any obstacle that arises along the way can cause an olfactory disorder. Depending on which of the structures is damaged, the type of olfactory disorder is determined and, accordingly, its treatment.

Odor-sensing cells occupy an area of approximately 5 square centimeters in the region of the upper nasal passages, 2.5 centimeters in each nasal passage, and are also located in a small hole 15-20 mm from the edge of the nostril.The surface is small, but in general this human organ has amazing sensitivity.Our sense of smell allows us to distinguish up to 10,000 individual aromas, and the brain is able to remember them all, sometimes the first time.We can detect the smell of vanillin in a room when there is only 1/100,000,000,000 of a gram per liter of air.

The sense of smell directly depends on the gender of the person. It has been scientifically proven that women, in general, have a sharper sense of smell than men, which persists into older age. It is even more exacerbated during pregnancy and ovulation. And at the beginning of the cycle, women often develop temporary hyposmia - a decrease in sensitivity to odors. This is not observed when taking hormonal contraceptives that maintain a constant hormonal background in the body. As we age, our sense of smell usually becomes dull. This is due to the atrophy of the olfactory fibers contained in the olfactory nerve.

Types of olfactory disorders

Olfactory dysfunctions include:

* hyposmia- reduced ability to smell;

*anosmia(from Greek an - absence and osme - smell) - complete loss of smell;

* hyperosmia - increased sensitivity to odors;

*dysosmia (cacosmia or parosmia)- perverted perception of smells, i.e. a sensation of an unpleasant smell, when in reality there is a pleasant aroma, or a sensation of smells that are actually absent.

In people with hypersensitivity to smells, that is, hyperosmia, irritability and even olfactory hallucinations appear, in which non-existent unpleasant odors are felt. Hyperosmia can be observed with fasting, nausea and obesity.

Cacosmia indicates the presence of a tumor along the entire olfactory pathway: from the nasal cavity to the central nervous system.

Since hyperosmia and dysosmia are rare, I will focus only on such olfactory disorders as hyposmia and anosmia.

Reduced and complete lack of odor perception (hyposmia and anosmia) is a serious problem for many people, since the sense of smell often warns of danger, and with its loss, a person finds himself helpless and defenseless in many situations that threaten his health and life. Loss of smell leads to severe depression various forms behavior.

With anosmia, taste sensations are sharply reduced, since the sense of smell takes a large part in the sensation of taste, so the loss of smell can lead to a loss of interest in food, which ultimately turns into exhaustion, vitamin deficiency or depression.

With the loss of the ability to distinguish between smells, a person's quality of life deteriorates significantly, it becomes more difficult for him to communicate with people, and even sexual desire is weakened. It is known that smells play an important role in choosing a partner. If a person loses the ability to perceive odors, sexual attraction may also disappear.

Smell disorders are common. According to a study conducted in the United States, 1.4% of the population of the country have problems with the perception of smells. Latest Research in Germany and Sweden showed that up to 5% of people suffer from anosmia. Similar data for Russia does not exist, but these figures probably do not differ much.

Causes of olfactory disorders

Hyposmia and anosmiacan be completely called different reasons and are symptoms of various lesions of tissues and organs.

Depending on the cause, anosmia can be temporary or permanent, irreversible. The decrease in smell can be bilateral or unilateral, extending to all or only some odors.

Most often, a decrease in smell is caused by diseases in which the inhaled air containing odorous substances simply cannot reach the olfactory zone, encountering only mechanical interference inside the nasal cavity.

This is due to swelling of the nasal mucosa in chronic and allergic rhinitis, acute respiratory infections, influenza and chronic inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis), as well as prolonged inhalation of toxic substances (vapors of various acids, paint, products oil refining, tobacco smoke).

Another fairly common cause of anosmia isprolonged use of certain drugs. Naphthyzine, naphazoline, reserpine, phenothiazines and estrogen should not be abused, since all of them can cause swelling of the nasal mucosa.

Parents should be aware that very often the cause of a decrease in the sense of smell in young children is unsupervised use vasoconstrictor drops to relieve the symptoms of the common cold.

The sense of smell can also decrease with pronounced anatomical changes in the nasal cavity (curvature of the nasal septum, hypertrophy of the turbinates, adenoids, polyps, tumors of the nose).

The causes of hyposmia are scarlet fever, measles and mumps transferred in childhood. Diseases can cause anosmia ears, eyes and teeth. However, the most common causes of anosmia are viral infections.

Anosmia is somewhat less common, in which the inhaled air containing odorous substances enters the olfactory zone, but information about them is not transmitted due to brain damage or rupture of nerve fibers that transmit a signal from olfactory receptors to the brain. This occurs as a result of traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, various serious diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure etc.), ionizing radiation, rhinoplasty, zinc deficiency in the body, as well as inflammatory changes in the olfactory nerve caused by infectious diseases or poisoning with toxic chemicals (insecticides, solvents, lead, cadmium).

Various surgical interventions can cause temporary anosmia. And permanent (irreversible) anosmia can be the result of damage to the mucous membranes of the nose or the olfactory nerve during radiation therapy.

Very rarely, congenital anosmia is observed, due to underdevelopment or lack of olfactory pathways and, as a rule, combined with anomalies in the development of the facial skull and nose.

Diagnostics of olfactory disorders

Realizing that you have stopped smelling, do not rush to use recipes traditional medicine, firstit is important to determine the cause of the appearance of such a symptom, because it may indicate a serious health disorder. Only qualified health care contributes to the maximum restoration of the nasal mucosa and the preservation of the sense of smell in the future.

Anosmia can be just a temporary harmless nuisance, or the only external sign of a deadly disease, so making the right diagnosis is very important.

To determine the exact cause of the loss of smell, you should consult an otolaryngologist. The doctor analyzes the information received from the patient about the development of the disease, examines the nasopharynx, and examines the sense of smell using a set of strongly smelling substances. Since anosmia is often accompanied by a runny nose, the doctor may refer to rhinoscopy, ultrasound or x-ray examination sinuses. Often, computed tomography of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and brain is prescribed for the diagnosis of anosmia. Sometimes a neurological examination and consultation with a neurologist and/or neurosurgeon may be required.

You can check the state of your sense of smell yourself. Smell any soap. With a normal sense of smell, the smell should be clearly felt. The ability to detect only strong odors, such as tincture of valerian or vinegar, is indicative of hyposmia. If you are unable to recognize the smell of even one strong-smelling substance, then this means that you have anosmia.If you suspect a deterioration in the sense of smell, you should definitely consult a doctorso as not to miss the time to provide effective assistance.

Treatment of olfactory disorders

Treatment of anosmia is an extremely difficult problem, often it does not give a positive result. However, a doctor's consultation in this condition is mandatory, if only in order to understand the causes of anosmia and exclude formidable complications.

The choice of means and the effectiveness of procedures in the treatment of olfactory disorders directly depend on the causes of the disease.

In the treatment of hyposmia, to restore nasal breathing, as necessary, the nasal cavity is sanitized and the treatment of diseases of the paranasal sinuses is prescribed. To do this, depending on the severity of the disease, they are used as medications, and sparing surgical intervention in the nasal cavity and sinuses. For example, with respiratory anosmia, it is necessary to surgically or conservatively eliminate mechanical obstacles in the nasal cavity that prevent the penetration of air into the olfactory region.

Often, the loss of smell is cured only after the patient gets rid of the underlying disease. If, for example, a violation of the sense of smell is caused by chronic sinusitis or atrophic rhinitis, then the main emphasis is on combating these ailments. If the cause of anosmia is an allergy, then it is her adequate treatment that will help restore the sense of smell. With polyps good result can only be achieved through surgery.

With anosmia, the cause of which is an organic lesion of the central nervous system (tumor process, impaired cerebral circulation, previous meningitis and arachnoiditis, others similar diseases) or trauma (including domestic, surgical and any other) nasopharyngeal cavities, thermal and chemical burns nasopharynx, viral diseases (flu), childhood infections, the prognosis depends on the underlying disease and is often unfavorable.

Traumatic anosmia, as a rule, is persistent: the sense of smell improves or normalizes only in 10% of patients.

In some cases, anosmia is irreversible, for example, with age-related atrophy of the nasal mucosa. Does not exist effective ways return the sense of smell and damage to the olfactory nerves. Sometimes there may be a spontaneous improvement in function, but this process cannot be predicted.

How to improve your sense of smell with folk remedies

There are many ways to restore the sense of smell with a slight decrease in it. Here are some of them that are convenient to use at home. They are addressed mainly to those who haveAnosmia is caused by a chronic runny nose and blockage of passages in the nose with thick mucus.

Some time ago, doctors recommended that those suffering from hypo- and anosmia sniff tobacco, mustard, horseradish, garlic, vinegar vapor poured into a hot pan. However, this must be done with extreme caution, because a pungent odor can increase swelling. Now, from folk remedies, it is advised to use more moderate ones, obviously not capable of causing harm.

* Pulverize dried flowers chamomile, garden marjoram leaves, May lily of the valley flowers, common cumin seeds, peppermint herb, take one part of each of the above ingredients, mix and smell this powder several times a day. This fee can also be used for inhalation: 2 tbsp. collection spoons pour 2 tbsp. boiling water, boil for 10 minutes, breathe steam for 15 minutes.

* In an enamel pan, pour 1 tbsp. hot water, add 10-12 drops of lemon juice and 2 drops of lavender or mint essential oil. Breathe over the steam for 3-5 minutes with each nostril, taking forced breaths. The course of treatment is 10 procedures daily or every other day. No less effective are inhalations with essential oils of fir, eucalyptus and / or rosemary. Add to 1 tbsp. hot water, 2 drops of one of the oils or 1 drop of each of them.

* With a prolonged runny nose, inhaling the aroma of basil essential oil helps to restore the sense of smell. You can put it on a napkin and keep it next to you or put it in your breast pocket.

* Effective action in case of loss of smell with a runny nose, it inhales the smoke of burnt dried herb wormwood, as well as garlic and onion peels through the nose. It is recommended to perform this procedure 2-3 times a day for 5-7 minutes. You can also inhale strong odors, such as Vishnevsky's ointment or coffee beans.

* Pound 1 teaspoon of propolis in 50 g of butter, put in a water bath for 2 hours, strain. Put oil turundas in the nostrils in the morning and evening for 30 minutes.

* Dissolve a piece of mummy the size of a grain of rice in 1 teaspoon of lamb fat. Moisten cotton swabs with this mixture and place in the nose in the morning and evening for 30 minutes.

* Bury menthol oil (3-5 drops) in your nose, lubricate your forehead, temples and nose with it. You can also use menthol and camphor oil mixed in equal parts.

* Place a closed jar of Golden Star balm for several hours in the sun, then rubit in the back of the nose and in the middle of the forehead. The course of treatment is 7-10 daily procedures.

* 1 teaspoon of ginger powder, pour 50 ml of boiling milk, let cool to room temperature, strain and rinse your nose 3 times a day untilsmell recovery.

* Rinse your nose with a solution of sea or table salt (0.5 teaspoon of salt per 1 tablespoon of water), to which you need to add 1-2 drops of iodine.

* Good for improving the sense of smelland the procedure of drawing warm salted water into the nose, practiced by yogis.Pour salt on the tip of a knife into a glass of warm boiled water, stir. Closing one nostril with your finger, slowly draw water in with the other until it is in the throat. Then spit out the water. Do the same with the other nostril.You can release water not through your mouth, but through your nose, the main thing is to use it all. The course of treatment is at least 10 procedures.

* Prepare tar water: in the evening, 100 g of birch tar, pour 0.5 l of boiled cold water and insist during the night. In the morning, add 100 ml of beetroot juice and 1 teaspoon to it. castor oil. Shake the mixture well, heat it to body temperature, soak 2 pieces of gauze in it, folded in 6 layers, wring out and apply a compress for 1.5 hours on the forehead (to the eyebrows and from the temple to the temple), nose, maxillary sinuses, the area under the eyes. Do the compress carefully so that the mixture does not get into your eyes. Put compress paper on top and insulate. Place turundas soaked in the prepared medicinal mixture in the nostrils.

* Hot hand baths with increasing temperature help to improve the sense of smell. This is done as follows: the temperature rises from + 35 ° to + 42 ° for 10 minutes by pouring hot water.

* Chew 5-6 times a day for 5 minutes. spicy cloves (do not swallow!). It is also useful to chew watercress leaves 5-7 times a day for 5 minutes.

How to prevent loss of smell

Often the loss of smell can be avoided. To prevent the development of anosmia,

– timely and correctly treat colds,do not leave untreated diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses;

- washing regularly ite nose with plain warm water or infusions (decoctions) medicinal plants, which have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects: infusion of chamomile flowers, decoction of medicinal sage herb, infusion of peppermint herb, decoction of eucalyptus leaves, infusion of calendula officinalis flowers;

- don't smoke becausetosmoking leads to damage to the tissues of the body responsible for the perception of smell and taste;

- if you suffer from allergies, try to avoid exposure to allergens in order to minimize the risk of a runny nose that causes swelling of the nasal mucosa;

- strengthen the immune system by following the principles of a healthy diet and including food in your diet, rich in vitamins, macro- and microelements, fresh vegetables and fruits to help your body resist infections. The fewer infections, the better your sense of smell will be;

- if your work involves industrial chemicals, pesticides or other unsafe substances, try to limit the time of direct contact with them, use respirators or other protective devices;

- when you get into the car, fasten your seat belt; When riding a bicycle, motorcycle or rollerblading, wear a helmet to avoid head injury.

Tips for every day for a person suffering from anosmia

Install a fire alarm in the apartment, do not abuse perfumes and colognes, take a shower more often, use deodorants and pay attention to the expiration dates of food products.

Lost sense of smell: what to do?

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Particularly susceptible to this condition are people who suffer from chronic rhinitis, sinusitis and frontal sinusitis. Adenoids, polyps, allergies, nasal septal defects and neoplasms in the nasal cavity significantly worsen the situation.

Viral infection

Allocations envelop the walls of the nose, preventing air from entering them.
Some viruses block the work of receptors.

Sinusitis

The microorganisms that cause sinusitis destroy the epithelium, so the signals of taste and smell simply stop coming to the brain. This is what causes the loss of smell.

Overdose of nasal drops

With prolonged and frequent use of vasoconstrictor drugs, the muscular layer of the nasal vessels ceases to function independently, the nutrition of the vessel wall is disrupted.

It is also possible to overdry the nasal mucosa by the irrational use of astringent drops - Collargol and Protargol.

Allergy

If the sense of smell disappeared due to allergies, then first of all you need to get rid of it with the help of antihistamines and hormonal drugs.

Hormonal disorders

Anatomical changes in the nasal cavity

The reason for the loss of smell can be changes in the nasal cavity, accompanied by secretions:

polyps;
adenoids;
large curvature of the nasal septum;
tumors;
turbinate hypertrophy.

To restore the sense of smell, you need to get rid of the listed anatomical defects. It is possible that this is only possible with the help of an operation.

Poisons and chemicals

In addition, active and passive smokers also often complain that they have lost their sense of smell. Receptors can die completely, and it can be almost impossible to restore their original functions.

Treatment

To get rid of this scourge, you need to eliminate the runny nose and establish an outflow of mucus from the nasal cavity.

First of all, you need to limit yourself to the use of nasal drops. Instead, it is better to resemble physiotherapy, for example, electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UV radiation of the nose and throat, bioptron. In case of an urgent need to improve breathing, you need to accustom yourself to using saline solutions, which help well to eliminate the symptoms and causes of the disease. The minerals included in their composition, natural components significantly improve the functioning of the nasal mucosa.

You need to do gymnastics every day - ten minutes to tense and relax the muscles of the nose. Keep your nose tense for at least a minute.
Massage the wings of the nose.
If the sense of smell is lost, and there is a loss of taste, you need to do warming up. It is recommended to warm the nose with a blue lamp; in its absence, you can use an ordinary student lamp. Heating is carried out at a distance of 25 cm, heat for 10 minutes, once a day for a week.
Rinse the nose daily with pharmaceutical saline solutions - Delphi, Aquamaris, Humer.
You can drip oil drops Pinosol into your nose.

Attention! For treatment, it is forbidden to use vasoconstrictor drops, sprays and combined drops containing a vasoconstrictor component (Polydex, Vibrocil).

Folk ways

It is necessary to do steam inhalations over water with the addition of lemon juice, lavender and mint oils. Do them daily, the number of procedures is 10. For inhalation, you can prepare a decoction of sage, calendula, nettle or mint, with the addition of fresh garlic juice. You need to cover your head with a blanket and breathe over the steam for 15 minutes.
Insert cotton swabs moistened with honey into the nose for 20 minutes.
If the sense of smell is gone, you can breathe over the smoke from burning wormwood, garlic or onion husks.
To return the taste will help inhalation of pungent odors: horseradish, onion, mustard.
It is useful to inhale vapors of menthol oil or Zvezda balm.
Make hot foot baths with the addition of mustard, eucalyptus, pepper. They improve blood circulation, effectively cope with a runny nose and congestion, drive away a cold, especially if you take hot baths before bedtime.

Prevention

So that you do not lose your sense of smell and taste, you need to take care of your health and follow the following recommendations:

do not delay the treatment of a runny nose and colds;
during an epidemic of viral diseases, rinse the nose with saline solutions, decoctions of chamomile, calendula;
avoid contact with allergens if an allergy is diagnosed;
take care of strengthening the immune system;
when working with harmful substances, use protective masks and respirators;
observe safety rules when playing sports.

Sinusitis (32)
Nasal congestion (18)
Medicines (32)
Treatment (9)
Folk remedies (13)
Runny nose (41)
Other (18)
Rhinosinusitis (2)
Sinusitis (11)
Snot (26)
Frontit (4)

What to do if the nose does not smell?

Don't worry ahead of time. To begin with, it is necessary to understand the principle of operation of this respiratory organ and the reasons that could have led to its failure, to continue functioning normally.

The work of the olfactory organ

Anosmia (loss of smell) can be absolute or partial. In fact, this olfactory organ has a very complex structure, which is why, even at this moment, it remains not fully understood.

Special receptors work on the recognition of aromas, to which the smallest molecules of odorous substances enter through the nasal passages. The received information becomes an electrical signal and enters the part of the brain, where the final output takes place, which we recognize as "smell".

Types of olfactory disorders

If the nose has stopped smelling, then there can be a huge number of reasons for this. Due to the complex structure, its stable operation directly depends on even minor details, and the loss of smell is caused by any violations of air penetration into the nasal passage.

Among other things, the sense of smell worsens with age, and with hunger, and its severity even depends on the time of day, for example, at night, the brain practically does not recognize smells. In individual situations, the inability to recognize the aroma is a congenital pathology.

There are several basic concepts that describe the loss of smell:

complete;
partial (the ability to identify some odors);
specific (without the ability to determine any particular smell);
absolute hyposmia (decrease in the sharpness of smell);
partial hyposmia (decrease in the sense of smell of some specific odors);
dysosmia (wrong perception of smells).

Causes of loss of smell

The most common cause of loss of smell remains the blockage of access of microscopic odor particles directly to the mucous membrane. This can happen for various reasons:

inflammatory processes.
Polyps.
Deviation of the nasal septum.
Physical trauma.
Neoplasms.
Immersion of the olfactory hairs in the secret.

Rhinitis is the main and most common reason for the impossibility of access of odor molecules to the mucous membrane. The body secretes additional mucus to fight microbes, which causes swelling in the area where the receptors are located.

Among other things, the loss of smell may remain after the runny nose has been cured. Often this is due to the long-term use of special drops, which should relieve puffiness, but in the end, when abused, they themselves provoke it.

Normally, the nose should regain its ability to perceive odors within 7 days. What to do if a week has passed and the smells are still not felt? You need to see a doctor as soon as possible, because there is a high risk of damage to the olfactory nerves.

In addition to rhinitis, the mucous membrane can also swell with:

It is categorically impossible to engage in self-medication, because this can lead to irreversible negative health consequences, up to a complete loss of smell.

In cases where the nose breathes but does not smell, often the problem lies in malfunctions or even damage to the cells that perceive the smell. The reason for this may be the following factors:

neoplasms;
viral type infections;
chemical poisoning;
radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer;
tumor in the brain;
harmful chemical fumes.

There are times when the loss of the ability to smell is irreversible. Often this occurs due to physical trauma to the skull and damage to the recognition of the center of smell. Most often, such injuries occur during an accident.

Absolute loss of smell can be in other cases:

Kallman's syndrome;
cancer tumor;
congenital diseases;
neurosurgical operations and therapy;
use of neurotoxic drugs.

How to return the sense of smell?

If for a long time, for no apparent reason, there is no sense of smell, you need to contact an otolaryngologist (ENT) as soon as possible. Only a qualified specialist will be able to maintain the stable operation of the body.

An otolaryngologist using special techniques will be able to determine the true cause of the malfunction of the olfactory organ, after which he will prescribe a special treatment. The approach should be complex: surgery, physiotherapy, special preparations.

Among other things, the specialist must develop an individual nutrition system to restore the sense of smell. It is especially useful to consume foods that contain vitamin A and zinc:

orange and yellow vegetables;
dairy;
beef;
sunflower or pumpkin seeds;
liver;
chicken eggs;
legumes.

Diabetes mellitus can also be the cause of a violation in the functioning of the olfactory organ. If treatment is not started on time, nerve cells are damaged, which process data on incoming odors.

If you suspect diabetes mellitus, you need to go to the endocrinologist, who will make the appropriate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate procedures. Now knowing which nose does not smell, you can start treatment on time and avoid more serious complications.

Directory of major ENT diseases and their treatment

All information on the site is for informational purposes only and does not claim to be absolutely accurate. medical point vision. Treatment must be carried out by a qualified doctor. By self-medicating, you can harm yourself!

Loss of smell, impaired sensitivity to odors: causes, treatment

The loss of smell, complete or partial, can be caused by a number of reasons, ranging from a common cold to malignant tissue degeneration. A slight loss of the ability to smell is not an alarming symptom, but with associated complications and deterioration, a detailed diagnosis is necessary. If the patient has no visible reasons the sense of smell is gone, then the best solution would be to see a doctor.

Causes and mechanisms of the development of the disease

In chronic or acute rhinitis, the loss of smell is temporary and is caused by the accumulation of mucus, which makes it difficult for the aromatic substance to reach the nerve endings. As a result, an incomplete or blurred signal reaches the odor perception centers in the brain.

Ozena or a fetid runny nose causes a sharp loss of smell. The epithelium of the nasal mucosa thickens, releasing a thick and foul-smelling secret. It dries up in the form of crusts that interfere with the olfactory function of the nose. The complete loss of mucosal function becomes a result of atrophy of the epithelium, which is possible with an advanced disease and is difficult to correct.

In allergic rhinitis, there is often also a decrease in the ability to perceive odors (hyposmia). The reason is also in shielding the nerve endings of the nasal mucosa with constant secretions. Hyposmia with allergies is not pronounced, but it can cause significant concern to the patient.

Congenital or acquired anomalies in childhood and adulthood lead to anosmia (complete loss of smell) or hyposmia. Professor Palchun V.T. in his work "Otolaryngology" notes: "Practically any mechanical violation of the penetration of air into the olfactory gap causes a violation of smell." If the patient does not feel smells from birth, then treatment is usually prescribed after puberty, however, it is better not to delay the consultation of an ENT.

Syphilis or tuberculosis localized in the nose can lead to an essential (irreversible) disorder. Such cases are quite rare, but in areas with a high incidence of these ailments, you need to keep them in mind.

Long-term use of certain intranasal drugs (eg, vasoconstrictor drops) and exposure to certain poisons can lead to loss of smell. The same can be said about thermal burns, especially steam. After exposure to such factors, patients note that their sense of smell immediately disappeared or decreased.

Oncological processes of the upper parts of the nose often lead to a violation of this kind. This is one of the leading symptoms of the preliminary diagnosis of such diseases.

In children, the loss of smell can be caused by the presence of foreign bodies in the nasal passages. If the operation is carried out carelessly, it is possible to leave the remains of cotton swabs and gauze in the cavity. Also in medical practice, there are cases when, with excessive intranasal use of powder medicines, a lump was formed from them, hardening over time (rhinolitis - nasal stone).

In rare cases, a tooth can grow into the nasal cavity, which is also an obstacle to a normal sense of smell. It can be an incisor or canine, which are localized in the lower or middle section of the passages.

Polypous changes in the mucous membrane can be the result of a number of diseases or develop independently. It almost always leads to a change in smell. Patients note that they gradually begin to feel bad smells. An increase in the symptom indicates the growth of the polyp.

If the patient has simultaneously ceased to smell and taste, then perhaps we are talking about diseases that are not directly related to the ENT organs. To identify them, it is necessary complex diagnostics organism. This symptom gives reason to suspect diabetes mellitus, a brain tumor in the temporal lobe, hypertension, neurological disorders.

The sense of smell may worsen during physiological changes: pregnancy, menopause, aging of the body. In such cases, any medical or surgical treatment is usually not prescribed.

Diagnosis of anosmia and hyposmia

Establishing the degree of decrease in smell is built according to the following scheme:

Sensitivity study using various scents.
Measurement of olfactory acuity using olfactometry. The device used contains cylinders with the exact amount of odorous substances that are fed into the nasal cavity of the patient.
Rhinoscopy. A thorough examination of the nasal cavity, septum and the state of the mucosa is a prerequisite for examination in violation of the sense of smell.
Analysis of the liquid secretion separated by the epithelium of the nasal passages. In some cases, an infection that caused a runny nose (for example, with lakes) may be behind the violation of the sense of smell, so an accurate definition of the pathogen may be necessary.

Treatment of apparent olfactory disorders

Therapy of the disease is based on the elimination of its main cause, as well as pathological consequences(hypertrophy and atrophy of the mucosa, etc.). It is far from always possible to return the sense of smell, but with early diagnosis, surgical intervention is usually very effective. The main difficulties of treatment occur when, as a result of trauma or congenital pathology, the nerve pathways that transmit a signal from the olfactory bulbs to the brain are affected.

Antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs

This type of treatment should accompany other measures when an infectious nature of the disease is detected. This will stop the inflammatory process and prevent further impairment of the sense of smell, and in some cases restore it. Nasal spray preparations can be particularly effective. These include polydex with phenylephrine, fusafungin. Topical application is the safest and allows you to quickly achieve recovery.

Medications may also be indicated plant origin that relieve inflammation. These drugs include pinosol. Sea water and preparations containing it (aquamaris, etc.) have a good anti-inflammatory effect, it moisturizes the mucous membrane and washes away the pathogen.

Antiallergic therapy

When the cause of the common cold is allergic rhinitis, a complex effect on the cause of the disease is necessary. Most effective remedy, which allows you to completely get rid of an unpleasant ailment - this is sensitization of the body. It is a kind of “training” of the immune system to a specific antigen (a substance to which an allergic reaction takes place).

First of all, it is necessary to determine the source of the disease. To do this, the patient must close attention when and in what environment allergy symptoms worsen. Perhaps the reason is the flowering of certain plants, pet hair or dry fish food.

The antigen found in the laboratory is diluted several times, achieving a concentration at which it does not provoke any undesirable reaction. Gradually increase the dosage. As a result, the allergy goes away, and the sense of smell returns. The only disadvantage of this method is its duration, addiction can last up to several months.

Sometimes the opportunity to wait so long is simply not available. Then the treatment is based on the course of taking certain drugs. It can be:

Antiallergic nasal sprays (nasobek, ifiral, etc.);
Tablets and solutions with histamine blockers(prevent the development of an allergic reaction) - zyrtec, fenistil, cetirizine;
Glucocorticosteroids, drugs are used orally or in the form of injections.

Surgical intervention

The operation, as a rule, serves to ensure full access of air to the nasal passages. One of the most common types of such intervention is nasal polypotomy. In modern surgical practice in most cases, a laser is used, since classical loop removal often leads to relapses.

Sometimes, with slight hypertrophy of the mucosa, it is possible to cauterize it with chemicals - lapis, trichloroacetic or chromic acids. Also, in some cases, the use electric current. A special galvanocautery tool is inserted into the nasal cavity and led along its wall for deep destruction of the mucosa.

A more radical method is a vasectomy. It is held under local anesthesia. The doctor makes an incision on the mucosal surface and separates its upper surface, destroying the submucosal tissue.

With the ineffectiveness of all these methods, resection of hypertrophied tissue is used. Using scissors or a loop, the doctor removes the changed areas of the mucosa. The operation is followed by a rather long recovery period, in which the normal epithelium of the nose should gradually grow on the damaged area.

Hygiene of the nasal mucosa to restore the sense of smell during illness

During atrophic and hypertrophic phenomena of the mucosa, often accompanying inflammation and allergies, its functioning is significantly impaired. This can be aggravated by taking certain intranasal agents. Here is what N. E. Boikova, candidate medical sciences, senior researcher: “Taken for various diseases medications as side effects often give subatrophy of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity due to systemic action, which is especially important for representatives of vocal professions in connection with the upcoming changes in the resonator tract.

To normalize the state of the epithelium of the nasal cavity, in most cases, the following measures can be recommended:

Moisturizing the mucosa sea water, softening crusts from frozen secretions with vegetable oils (almond, peach).
Frequent ventilation of the premises.
Maintain sufficient humidity.
Salt inhalations.
Carrying out periodic wet cleaning. This measure will exclude excessive contact of the patient with antigens, primarily with dust, which can cause additional irritation of the mucosa.
Reception of nasal sprays containing beneficial trace elements (magnesium, potassium, copper, iron). These drugs include aquamaris, aqualor, otrivin sea.
Drinking plenty of water will help replenish the moisture that is consumed in rhinitis and prevent dryness of the nose.

Prevention

To prevent anosmia or hyposmia, it is important to exclude colds or allergic diseases. Mechanical and congenital pathologies are difficult to prevent, but they are usually eliminated surgically. Diseases directly related to the mucosa can have a long, sluggish character. Therefore, even after surgery, a relapse (return of previous symptoms) is possible.

One of the important prerequisites for a normal sense of smell and the exclusion of mucosal diseases is a stable state of the immune and nervous systems. To do this, it is important to avoid nervousness, overexertion, frequent changes in daily routines. It is necessary to eat properly and fully, in the spring it is possible to take vitamin complexes by agreement with the doctor.

Even in a healthy state, it is important to take care of the hygiene of the nasal mucosa, maintain sufficient air humidity in home and work areas. When visiting places with a large crowd of people (public transport, meetings, exhibitions), it makes sense to use oxolin ointment, which will protect against airborne infection.

The sense of smell is an important part of human life. In its absence, many patients note that food becomes tasteless, outdoor recreation without the aromas of flowers and needles seems inferior. To preserve this important ability, it is necessary to take care of your body, to prevent the chronicity of infectious diseases.

Why does the nose not smell?

Causes of the disease

If the nose does not smell, then this is enough alarm symptom which cannot be ignored.

The thing is that if the cause of this symptom was a banal runny nose, then after recovery, the sense of smell will certainly recover.

However, if the loss of the ability to sense aromas is the result of congenital or acquired anomalies of the nasopharyngeal organs, then in this case, special treatment is indispensable.

Chronic or acute rhinitis

If the nose does not smell, then the cause may be a runny nose caused by viral, bacterial infections or allergies. The sense of smell returns after the elimination of excess mucous secretion, a large amount of which, with rhinitis, completely or partially blocks the pathways for the penetration of odors to the nerve endings. Constant nasal congestion leads to the fact that the olfactory centers located in the brain do not receive a full signal, which does not allow you to fully feel the inhaled smell. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the nose begins to breathe. To do this, use vasoconstrictor drugs and washing the nasal passages with saline and disinfectant solutions.

Atrophic rhinitis

When atrophic rhinitis (ozen) occurs, the patient abruptly ceases to smell. The disappearance of the sense of smell is most often accompanied by a fetid odor from the nose. The cause of this disease is an inflammatory process that develops on the nasal mucosa, which provokes the appearance of a thick, fetid secret. As the disease progresses, the mucus dries up in the nose, and crusts form that interfere with the normal perception of odors.

Important! If not started timely treatment, then the development of ozena is dangerous by atrophy of the epithelium.

congenital diseases

If a person from birth completely does not feel smells, then in this case we are talking about congenital developmental anomalies. At the same time, there can be many causes of the pathology, but most often they are associated with abnormalities in the development of the nasopharynx organs and the structure facial department, which cause a violation of the penetration of air into the olfactory gap, which leads to difficulties with the perception of odors. Sometimes the inability to distinguish smells is caused by genetically determined hormonal disorders (Kallmann syndrome). Despite the complexity, most often anosmia is treatable, which is usually carried out after puberty.

Foreign objects in the nasopharynx

Most often, a foreign body (a bead, a small part of a designer, a bone or a pea) stuck in the nasal passage causes loss of smell in children under the age of six. Also foreign objects can interfere with the process of odor perception in the postoperative period, when pieces of cotton swabs or gauze remain in the nasal passages.

Experts also note cases where the use of powder medicines through the nose can cause the formation of lumps that harden over time.

A tooth (incisor, canine) can grow into the nasal cavity (in the lower or middle region). Although this happens extremely rarely, it can also become an obstacle to the entry of odors into the olfactory center.

Other reasons

Prolonged (more than ten days) use of vasoconstrictor drugs to treat the common cold can cause a temporary loss of smell.
Diseases such as syphilis and tuberculosis, localized in the nasal cavity, can cause the development of anosmia, which is not treatable. However, such cases are quite rare.
The loss of the ability to smell can disappear when the body is poisoned with certain poisons, with thermal burns of the nasal cavity. So, for example, after inhaling hot steam, the patient claimed that he inhaled the smells of various smelling substances, but did not feel them.
Oncological diseases of the nasopharynx are often accompanied by hyposmia. In this case, odors are not felt and the ability to distinguish aromas returns only after the cause has been eliminated. unpleasant symptom.

Disease of various organs and systems

If the patient does not taste and smell at the same time, then it is likely that the cause of these symptoms was a disease of organs not associated with the nasopharynx. In this case, you should complete diagnostics to find out the reason why there is no smell and no taste. Among the most common diseases with similar symptoms are diabetes mellitus, a tumor in the temporal lobe of the brain, high blood pressure, neurological disorders.

Important! The ability to perceive odors can be significantly reduced during pregnancy, menopause, puberty. AT similar situations It is not necessary to treat the symptom with either medical or surgical methods.

Diagnostics

In order for the attending physician to be able to establish the cause of the disease, it is necessary to carry out a series of diagnostic procedures. Most often, several standard procedures are required, such as anamnesis, visual examination, and general blood and urine tests. In addition to the standard diagnostic methods, you can determine the degree of smell reduction as follows:

Investigate the sensitivity of olfactory receptors by inhaling an odorous solution.
Determination of the acuteness of odor perception using the olfactometry method. As part of this diagnostic procedure, a special device is used that contains a certain amount of smelling substances that enter the patient's nasal cavity.
A detailed examination of the nasal cavity can be carried out using a procedure such as rhinoscopy. The study of the cavity is carried out using special mirrors, and allows you to determine the condition of the tissues and mucous membrane of the nasopharynx.
Also, before starting treatment, the doctor must take a liquid secret from the nasal cavity for analysis. The thing is that often problems with smell can be associated with exposure pathogenic microorganisms such as in atrophic rhinitis. This analysis will help determine the type of infection and prescribe the correct treatment.

Treatment

The choice of the right methods of therapy for a disorder in the ability to perceive odors should be based on the fight against the cause of an unpleasant symptom. The ultimate goal of treatment should be the complete restoration of the olfactory ability. However, as practice shows, it is not always possible to return the sense of smell completely. Especially in situations where trauma or congenital anomaly affects the nerve pathways, the function of which is to transmit a signal to the olfactory center of the brain.

Therapy with antibacterial drugs

This treatment is usually used when the loss of smell is caused by a bacterial infection. The use of systemic antibiotics (Sumamed, Azithromycin, Augmentin) eliminates inflammation and stops the development of the disease. Also positive effect renders the use of local antibacterial agents in the form of nasal sprays (Fusafungin, Polydex with phenylephrine).

Also in the complex therapy of bacterial infections of the nasopharynx, you can use herbal preparations that help reduce the severity of the inflammatory process (Pinosol).

Washing and moisturizing the nasal cavity with saline solutions (Aquamaris, Nosol), has an anti-inflammatory effect, washing away pathogenic microorganisms.

Therapy for allergic reactions

If the cause of a runny nose and loss of smell is allergic rhinitis, then in this case you should:

eliminate the cause of an unpleasant symptom;
use local treatment with the use of antiallergic nasal sprays (Nasobek, Ifiral);
take an antihistamine in the form of drops or tablets (Suprastin, Zodak, Loratadin);
in severe situations, inject glucocorticoid drugs (Prednisolone).

The most common cause of allergies is the inhalation of pungent odors, dusty air, plant pollen or pet hair.

With frequent allergic reactions, the most effective treatment is sensitization of the body. In this case, there is a gradual (over several months) accustoming the immune system to the allergen.

Surgical treatments

Surgical intervention is resorted to in extreme cases, when air access to the nasal passages is completely absent, and conservative methods do not bring the desired effect.

The most popular methods of surgical treatment today are laser therapy. To restore the olfactory function of the nose, nasal polypotomy is used. With this procedure, polyps are removed.
Also, quite often, with a slight hypertrophy of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavities, the procedure of cauterization of the mucous membrane with various chemicals (trichloroacetic acid, lapis), electric current is carried out.
In more severe cases, a vasectomy is used to restore the olfactory ability. This operation is performed under local anesthesia.

The ability to distinguish odors is an important function human body. In order to preserve the sense of smell and the ability to distinguish between smells and tastes, it is necessary to take care of the state of the body, preventing the occurrence of serious complications and chronic diseases.