[The problem of anosmia]

Olfactory problems have deleterious consequences to systemic health, nutritional status and quality of life. Olfactory disorders are not as rare as generally assumed. Chemosensory dysfunction is most often secondary to one of only a few causes: nasal/sinus disease, viral infection, toxic chemical exposure, head trauma, as well as medication-related and idiopathic conditions. Many olfactory disorders are secondary to a wide variety of diseases, e.g. Alzheimer's disease. The patient's history may provide clues to these and other problems (e.g. toxin exposure, congenital dysosmia). Therapy should not begin until a standardized test has been established the impairment of the sense of smell. Treatment of the underlying diseases may restore chemosensory function. The only truly reversible cause is inflammation, which is confirmed when smell returns after administration of corticosteroids. Reference is made to the need for adequate psychologic guidance of patients with chemosensorial problems. If restoration of their sense of smell is unlikely, patients should be educated to ensure safety in regard to such dangers as gas leaks, smoke, and spoiled foods.