The nose definitely knows unless there is something going on that can keep it from doing its job flawlessly. Doctors refer to partial or total loss of one’s sense of smell as anosmia. There are so many different reasons why a person may have a reduced sense of smell, ranging from an upper respiratory tract infection that tends to go away in a few days to something more serious that involves the nerves or brain.

Below you will come across some of the most common reasons why it seems like your sense of smell is reduced. Don’t forget to share this article on your different social media sites afterwards so that your family and friends may also be able to check out the said reasons.

The Cold or Flu

Having an ongoing infection of the upper respiratory tract such as the common cold or flu can definitely decrease your ability to smell. Such is for the fact that your nose can become clogged up. A clogged nose is also the reason why you lose not only your sense of smell, but also sense of taste. Worry not because your sense of smell will come back unscathed once the infection taking place gets resolved.

Allergies

Do you end up with runny nose and watery eyes after coming into contact with stuff like pollen, dust, mold and pet dander? Then it’s an allergic reaction that may be the reason why you lose your sense of smell partially or completely from time to time. Definitely, it’s a good idea for you to identify allergens that trigger your allergies, and dodge them as well. Seeking the help of an allergist or immunologist is certainly a smart step to take.

Sinusitis

Health authorities say that the bones of your forehead, nose, eyes and cheekbones have tiny air pockets in them called the sinuses. Your sinuses naturally produce mucus, but in some instances they end up manufacturing more due to several different reasons such as a bacterial or viral infection. Sinusitis is the medical term for it, and it can definitely cause a reduction in your sense of smell. However, it’s pain that many sinusitis sufferers worry about more.

Nasal Polyps

If it seems like your nose is always congested, pay an ENT specialist a visit because you may have tiny growths on the mucosal lining of your nasal passages called nasal polyps. Worry not because nasal polyps are benign, which means they are non-cancerous. Some people are simply more susceptible to having nasal polyps than others, doctors say. Your risk of having them is increased if you have recurring sinusitis or allergic rhinitis.

Enlarged Adenoids

Your adenoids are just like your tonsils in that they are parts of your immune system. Unlike your tonsils, however, you cannot see your adenoids in the mirror — they are situated above your tonsils. Just like your tonsils, your adenoids may become swollen from time to time. In some cases, they do not go back to their normal size. The good news is those enlarged adenoids can be controlled by medications, although at times a doctor may recommend surgery.

Neurological Disorders

The olfactory nerves are the ones that are responsible for sending messages picked up by the smell receptors in your nasal cavity to your brain. So in other words, they are the ones tasked at allowing you to smell. Certain neurological disorders can interfere with your ability to smell, however. For instance, doctors say that a change in the sense of smell is one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Remember that the pieces of information above are not meant to be taken as professional advice that only a medical practitioner can provide. If your reduced sense of smell is bothering you, pay a doctor a visit.