What causes loss of smell?

There are a number of causes of loss of smell.

It is very commonly seen when one has an infection or inflammation of the upper airways, excessive mucus or catarrh, or sinus problems.

The reason for this is that as tissues at the top of the nose (where you pick up the sense of smell) become inflamed, they swell, and this swelling prevents the ‘smell’ molecules we sense from reaching the nerve endings which allow us to smell.

Of course, there are other causes and some of these may be associated with more serious health conditions – so if you have not already done so, speak to your doctor to get to the cause of your symptom.