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KOMPAS.com – Recent data conducted by Office for National Statistics (ONS) researchers shows that the most common symptoms of Covid-19 are anosmia.
Reported Healthline, anosmia is partial or complete loss of the sense of smell.
This loss may be temporary or permanent.
Usually, common conditions that irritate the lining of the nose, such as allergies or colds, can cause temporary anosmia.
Meanwhile, more serious conditions that affect the brain or nerves, such as brain tumors or head trauma, can also cause permanent loss of smell. Old age sometimes causes anosmia.
Also read: The Most Common Symptom of Covid-19 Is Not Dry Cough, But Anosmia
Anosmia usually not serious, but can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life.
People with anosmia may not be able to fully taste food and may lose interest in eating. Not surprisingly, people who experience anosmia are at risk of experiencing weight loss or malnutrition.
Anosmia can also cause depression because it can interfere with a person’s ability to smell or taste delicious food.
What causes anosmia?
Anosmia is often caused by a swelling or blockage in the nose that prevents bad odors from reaching the top of the nose.
Anosmia is sometimes caused by problems with the system that sends signals from the nose to the brain.
Below are the main causes of anosmia:
1. Irritation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose
This condition can result from:
- Sinus infection
- The common cold
- Smoke
- Flu or influence
- Allergies (allergic rhinitis)
- Chronic congestion not related to allergies (nonallergic rhinitis)
Colds are the most common cause of partial and temporary loss of smell. In this case, the anosmia will go away on its own.
2. Blockage of the nasal passages
Loss of smell can occur when there is something physically blocking the passage of air to the nose. This may include:
- Tumor
- Nasal polyps
- Deformities of the bones inside the nose or nasal septum
3. Damage to the brain or nerves
There are receptors in the nose that transmit information via nerves to the brain. Anosmia can occur if one part of these pathways is damaged.
There are many conditions that can cause this damage, including:
- Old age
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain tumor
- Huntington’s disease
- Hormonal problems
- Less active thyroid
- Medications, including some antibiotics and high blood pressure medications
- Sklerosis ganda
- Parkinson’s disease
- Schizophrenia
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Exposure to chemicals that burn the inside of your nose
- Head or brain injury
- Brain surgery
- Malnutrition and vitamin deficiency
- Radiation therapy
- Long-term alcohol consumption
- Stroke
In rare cases, people are born without their sense of smell due to genetic conditions. This is called congenital anosmia.
Also read: Scientists Reveal Why Corona Virus Cause Loss of Smell and Taste
Diagnosis anosmia
Odor loss is difficult to measure. Your doctor may ask some questions about current symptoms, examine your nose, do a complete physical exam, and ask about your medical history.
The doctor may ask about when the problem started, whether all or only certain types of odors were affected, and whether or not you could taste the food.
Depending on your answer, your doctor may also order one or more of the following tests:
- CT scan, which uses X-rays to create detailed brain images
- MRI scan, which uses radio waves and magnets to look at the brain
- X-ray of the skull
- Nasal endoscopy to look inside your nose
Anosmia complications
People with anosmia may lose interest in food and eating, leading to malnutrition and weight loss.
People with anosmia must ensure a working smoke alarm in their home at all times. They should also be careful with food storage and natural gas use as they may have difficulty detecting spoiled food and gas leaks.
Recommended precautions include:
- Correctly label foods with expiration dates
- Read labels on chemicals such as kitchen cleaners and insecticides
- Using electrical equipment
Anosmia treatment
Treatment of anosmia depends on the cause.
If the loss of smell is due to the flu, allergies, or sinus infection, it usually goes away on its own within a few days. You should consult a doctor if anosmia does not go away after flu or allergy symptoms subside.
Treatments that can help treat anosmia caused by nasal irritation include:
- Dekongestan
- Antihistamines
- Steroid nasal spray
- Antibiotics, for bacterial infections
- Reduces exposure to nasal irritants and allergens
- Stop smoking
Odor loss caused by nasal congestion can be treated by removing whatever is blocking your nasal passages. This removal may involve procedures to remove nasal polyps, straighten the nasal septum, or clear the sinuses.
Also read: Corona Virus Infecting the Mouth So Cause Loss of Taste
Older people are more prone to permanently losing their sense of smell.
There is currently no available treatment for people with congenital anosmia. People who have lost some of their sense of smell can add concentrated flavoring to food to increase their enjoyment.
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