Table of contents:
- How does the nose detect odors?
- Possible causes of anosmia
- 1. Problems in the lining of the nose
- 2. Blockage of the nose
- 3. Damage to the brain or nerves
The nose is part of the respiratory system as well as to detect odors around you. In addition, the nose coordinates with the tongue to detect various flavors of food. However, under certain conditions your nose's ability to smell can be impaired, so you won't be able to smell anything. This condition is known in the medical term anosmia. What are the causes of anosmia?
How does the nose detect odors?
When you are in a flower shop, you will be delighted that the scent of flowers can spoil your nose. How does your nose actually detect floral scents and other odors?
Flowers release a "fragrance" molecule in the air. When you breathe in, the air mixed with the molecules from the flowers will be inhaled into your nose. These molecules will stimulate special nerve cells in the nose called olfactory cells to send information to the brain.
Then, the brain will specifically interpret the information as the scent of levender flowers or other flowers. Now, anything that interferes with the olfactory process can affect the nose's ability to smell.
Possible causes of anosmia
Anosmia is very common, usually resolves quickly. Unless, the cause is severe enough that it takes a long time for the recovery process.
When you experience anosmia, your sense of taste will also decrease. The nose coordinates with the tongue to detect smells and recognize taste. As a result, you lose your appetite and have the potential to cause weight loss. In long-term cases, anosmia can lead to malnutrition and depression.
There are various things that can interfere with your ability to smell normally, from blockages and nerve damage to changes in brain function. More clearly, the causes of anosmia that may occur to you include:
1. Problems in the lining of the nose
Problems with the lining of the nose are the most common cause of ansomia. Various diseases that cause irritation of the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the nose, include:
- Acute sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
- Cold
- Allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis
- Flu
2. Blockage of the nose
The presence of blockage can block the flow of air into the nose and can cause anosmia. Conditions and diseases that can cause nasal congestion, such as:
- Nasal polyps (growth of tissue on the lining of the nose)
- The growth of a tumor in the nose
- Has an inner nasal bone deformity
3. Damage to the brain or nerves
The cause of anosmia may occur due to damage to the nerves that lead to the odor detection center in the brain. Conditions and diseases that cause nerve damage in the brain include:
- Aging
- Alzheimer's disease (inflammation of the brain)
- Brain aneurysm (lump in a brain artery that can rupture at any time)
- Brain tumor
- Diabetes
- Huntington's disease (damage to brain nerve cells)
- Rare diseases such as Kallmann syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Malnutrition
- Niemann-Pick type dementia
- Progressive disorders of the nervous system (multiple system atrophy)
- Parkinson's disease
- Schizophrenia
- Sjogren's Syndrome (inflammation that makes the eyes and mouth dry)
- Paget's disease of bones
- Underwent radiation therapy to the head or neck
- Experiencing an injury to the brain
- Use of certain drugs, such as drugs for hypertension
- Korsakoff's psychosis (a brain disorder due to thiamin deficiency)
- Being exposed to chemicals, such as insecticides, solvents, or sprays containing zinc
