How to Treat Anosmia

Anosmia is a rare disorder in which patients lose their sense of smell and can then lose their sense of taste. Loss of smell and taste is serious, because these senses warn people of danger from smoke, spoiled food or harmful chemicals. Several treatments are available depending on the root of the problem.

Instructions

• 1

  Although anosmia may be caused by more severe conditions, sinus infections that block the sense of smell. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and the sinuses, if bacteria is the cause of the infection. Virus infections have no cure, so supportive care like lozenges and nose spray are used to clear the nostrils and relieve blockage.

• 2

  Ask your doctor about removal of polyps. Polyps located in the sinuses permanently block olfactory senses if they remain. Polyps are growths in the sinuses that block smell, which can be removed through surgery.

• 3

  Use a histamine blocker nasal spray for allergies. Allergies cause histamine to induce inflammation and block sinuses. Blocking these chemicals in the nose help reduce the level of fluids. Antihistamine medications are available over-the-counter.

• 4

  Undergo bone and cartilage repair surgery. Surgery is a last resort for relief for some anosmia patients. Two types of surgery straighten the aligning of the nose, improving senses by removing blockage from cartilage and bone. Ask your doctor about septoplasty and rhinoplasty.