Direct answer
Viral illness, allergy, sinus disease, polyps, head injury, ageing or neurological disease can reduce smell.
Key symptoms
- Loss may be partial or complete
- Reduced smell affects food and gas/smoke safety
- Recovery varies with the cause
Assessment and treatment
- Nasal and neurological history/examination
- Selected smell testing, endoscopy or imaging
- Cause-based treatment and smell training
Related ENT services
Nose and sinus conditionsAssessment of nasal blockage, a deviated septum, nasal polyps, recurrent or chronic sinus symptoms and enlarged turbinates.→For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment. Seek emergency care for red-flag symptoms.