Gourt > Health > Senses > Smell and Taste > Anosmia
Anosmia is the lack of olfaction, or a loss of the sense of smell. It can be either temporary or permanent. A related term, hyposmia refers to a decrease in the ability to smell. Some people may be anosmic for one particular odor. This is called "specific anosmia" and may be genetically based. Anosmia can be diagnosed by doctors by using scratch-n-sniff odor tests or by using commonly available odors such as coffee, lemon, and cinnamon.
It should be emphasized that there are no more than 5 distinctive tastes: salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami. The 10,000 different scents which humans usually recognize as 'tastes' are often lost or severely diminished with the loss of olfaction.
While termed as a disability, anosmia is often viewed in the medical field as a trivial problem. This is not always the case - esthesioneuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor originating in or near the olfactory nerve. This is a serious condition - if you suspect that you have lost your sense of smell, see an Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat doctor) immediately.
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Anosmia from Intranasal Zinc Administration - Discusses evidence that new homeopathic nasal congestion remedies containing zinc compounds such as oxymetazoline are associated with a risk of permanent loss of the sense of smell in adults.
Meta Description: [ Preventing anosmia from intranasal zinc administration by nasal irrigation. ]
Anosmia Pages - Anosmia information and personal experiences of having no sense of smell from birth (congenital anosmia).
Meta Description: [ Congenital anosmia information and personal accounts written by visitors. ]
Delphi: Anosmia - Anosmia discussion group.
Dr. Wuensch's Anosmia Links - List of links to information on the topic of anosmia.
Meta Description: [ Links to various internet resources of use to persons who suffer from anosmia. ]
Yahoo Groups: Anosmia - Active discussion group covering all anosmia topics.
Meta Description: [ anosmia: Mailing list and resources for people lacking the sense of smell. This list replaces the former Anosmia Resource Center. ]
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