How ENT Doctors Treat Loss of Smell: Anosmia Treatment Explained

Introduction

Have you ever poured a fresh cup of coffee, eagerly anticipating its rich aroma, only to find the scent completely absent? This sudden inability to smell—known medically as anosmia—can feel disorienting and frustrating. Though it might seem like a minor inconvenience, losing your sense of smell can have significant consequences on your appetite, enjoyment of daily meals, and even your personal safety at home. For instance, being unable to detect smoke, gas leaks, or spoiled food poses real dangers.

In recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many more people worldwide have experienced anosmia. This surge has drawn much-needed attention to this condition, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment options.

If you or a loved one is struggling with loss of smell, you likely have questions about what causes anosmia, how ENT doctors evaluate it, and, most importantly, what treatments are available. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—offering hope, clarity, and practical guidance for navigating anosmia treatment.

Understanding Anosmia: Symptoms and Causes

What is Anosmia?

Anosmia refers to the partial or complete loss of the sense of smell. While some people may notice a mild reduction in their ability to detect odors—known as hyposmia—others lose their sense of smell entirely. Although anosmia might seem less critical than vision or hearing loss, it deeply affects taste, emotional well-being, and memory. Smell is closely tied to our brain’s limbic system, which governs emotions and memories, which is why certain scents often evoke vivid recollections.

Patients with anosmia often report decreased enjoyment of food, leading to a reduced appetite and nutritional concerns. Emanuel Carter, an ENT specialist, notes,

“Patients frequently tell me that meals lose their appeal because they can’t taste as they used to. This impacts their quality of life beyond just the loss of smell.”

Additionally, anosmia can contribute to social withdrawal when people feel disconnected from sensory experiences others enjoy.

Common Symptoms of Anosmia

The most obvious symptom of anosmia is being unable to perceive smells that were once familiar—whether it’s the scent of freshly baked bread, blooming jasmine, or even the smell of rain on pavement. Alongside smell loss, patients often experience a dulled sense of taste, since flavor perception depends strongly on smell. Many notice a loss of appetite, unintended weight changes, and even depression or anxiety due to diminished sensory input.

Safety concerns are a critical issue. For example, an anosmic patient might not notice a gas leak or smoke from a fire, placing them at serious risk. This is why many doctors emphasize the importance of installing working smoke alarms and gas detectors—especially electronic ones—to protect those affected by smell loss.

Causes of Anosmia

Anosmia can result from various causes, often grouped into temporary or permanent categories. Common causes include:

• Nasal congestion and sinus infections: When nasal passages are blocked by congestion, colds, or chronic sinusitis, smells cannot reach the olfactory receptors properly, causing a temporary reduction in smell.
• Viral infections: Viruses like the common cold, influenza, and especially COVID-19 are now well-established culprits in causing anosmia. In fact, studies estimate that up to 60% of COVID-19 patients experience some form of smell loss during their illness.
• Head trauma: Injuries to the head can damage the olfactory nerves or brain regions responsible for processing odors.
• Neurological conditions: Diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s may impair the olfactory system over time as part of broader neurological decline.
• Structural issues: Physical blockages like nasal polyps, tumors, or a deviated septum can prevent odor molecules from reaching smell receptors.
• Medication side effects: Certain drugs—including some antibiotics and antihistamines—might interfere with smell perception. These effects are uncommon and usually reversible when medications are adjusted.

Identifying the root cause is essential, as it directly influences the treatment approach and likely outcome.

How ENT Doctors Diagnose Anosmia

A thorough evaluation by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist is crucial for diagnosing anosmia accurately. The process typically begins with a detailed medical history. Your doctor will ask about the onset and duration of symptoms, any recent or chronic illnesses, trauma to the head or face, current medications, and any associated neurological symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, or weakness. Sudden loss of smell along with neurological signs warrants urgent evaluation.

Next comes a physical examination of the nasal passages, often using nasal endoscopy—a procedure where a thin, flexible camera is gently inserted into your nose to check for blockages like polyps, swelling, or unusual growths.

To objectively measure your sense of smell, ENT doctors use smell identification tests. These might involve scratch-and-sniff cards or devices presenting a series of scents, where you identify or differentiate odors. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) is a widely used example. These tests help quantify the severity of smell loss.

When structural or neurological causes are suspected, imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI may be ordered. These provide detailed views of your nasal anatomy and brain regions involved in smell.

Dr. Lisa Nguyen, an otolaryngologist, explains,

“Accurate diagnosis is the foundation for effective treatment. By pinpointing the cause—whether inflammation, blockage, or nerve damage—we can tailor therapies to maximize recovery chances.”

Anosmia Treatment Options: What to Expect

Olfactory Training (Smell Retraining Therapy)

One of the most widely recommended initial therapies is olfactory training, also called smell retraining therapy. It’s a non-invasive, drug-free approach that leverages neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself.

In olfactory training, patients sniff specific scents twice daily, typically using essential oils representing four categories: floral (rose), fruity (lemon), spicy (clove), and resinous (eucalyptus). The idea is to stimulate olfactory nerve pathways and help “wake up” the sense of smell.

Patients are encouraged to practice consistently for at least 12 weeks, with some improvements reported even after several months. A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of patients with post-infectious anosmia experience noticeable improvement after smell training, though results can vary widely from person to person.

While olfactory training works best for smell loss caused by viral infections or inflammation, it may be less effective when there is nerve damage. However, because it’s safe, inexpensive, and easy to do at home, doctors often recommend it as a first-line therapy.

Medication Management

When inflammation or infection underlies anosmia, medications can be effective adjuncts. For example:

• Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial sinus infections contributing to nasal obstruction.
• Corticosteroids can reduce swelling in nasal tissues and sinuses, often improving airflow and smell—either as oral pills or nasal sprays.
• For patients with allergies or chronic sinusitis, nasal steroid sprays are common and can help reduce inflammation over time.

If anosmia is suspected to be caused by medication side effects, your ENT doctor may suggest adjusting the dose or switching to an alternative drug. It is essential that medication use is carefully supervised by your healthcare provider to balance benefits against potential side effects.

Surgical Interventions

If structural issues are causing anosmia, surgery might be necessary. Examples include:

• Polypectomy: Removing nasal polyps that block the nasal airway.
• Septoplasty: Correcting a deviated septum to improve airflow.
• Tumor removal: In rare cases, tumors obstructing the nasal cavity or sinuses need surgical resection.

Many patients report improved nasal airflow and some improvement in odor detection after surgery, although outcomes vary depending on the underlying cause. Surgery is generally considered when medical treatment has not resolved the problem and a clear anatomical obstruction is present.

Experimental and Emerging Therapies

As research into anosmia advances, new therapies are emerging on the horizon. One promising treatment is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into the olfactory area. PRP, derived from the patient’s own blood, contains growth factors that may promote nerve repair. Early small-scale trials among patients with long-term COVID-related anosmia suggest that PRP injections may lead to smell improvement in some individuals, though larger studies are needed to confirm effectiveness.

Other innovative approaches under study include stem cell therapies aimed at regenerating damaged olfactory neurons and viral vector therapies designed to deliver genes that repair olfactory tissue.

ENT specialists closely follow this research and may offer access to clinical trials for eligible patients. As Dr. Nguyen puts it,

“These emerging treatments give us new hope for patients with persistent anosmia who previously had few options.”

Lifestyle Tips and Support for Managing Anosmia

Sudden loss of smell can be stressful, but practical steps can improve your safety and quality of life:

• Safety first: Install smoke and both gas and electronic leak detectors in your home, and check food expiration dates carefully. Since you can’t rely on smell to detect spoiled food, visual cues and labeling become crucial.
• Nutrition matters: Loss of smell often dulls taste, which may reduce appetite or lead to poor dietary choices. To compensate, focus on appealing textures—like crunchy or creamy foods—or stronger flavors using herbs and spices. Including colorful fruits and vegetables helps maintain meal interest and nutritional balance.
• Emotional support: Anosmia can negatively affect mental health. Connecting with support groups—either online or in person—and seeking counseling can help you cope with feelings of frustration or isolation.
• Routine and reminders: Develop lifestyle habits to manage day-to-day safety, such as setting timers to check on cooking appliances and conducting regular inspections of household devices.

Remember: you are not alone. Many find comfort and practical strategies by sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can anosmia be permanent?

While many cases of anosmia improve or resolve with treatment—especially when the cause is reversible such as infections—some conditions, like nerve injury or advanced neurodegenerative disease, can cause long-lasting or permanent smell loss.

How soon should I see an ENT doctor if I notice smell loss?

Prompt evaluation is recommended, particularly if you experience sudden anosmia or it lasts more than two weeks. Also, seek immediate care if smell loss is accompanied by neurological symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, or weakness. Early consultation helps uncover treatable causes and improves outcomes.

Is smell training effective for all types of anosmia?

Smell retraining therapy is most effective for post-infectious anosmia, including COVID-19-related cases. It tends to be less effective for anosmia caused by direct nerve injury or advanced neurological diseases. Nonetheless, evaluation by an ENT remains important for all cases.

Are there any side effects of anosmia treatments?

Most therapies, such as smell training, are safe with minimal risk. Medications like steroids can have side effects—your ENT will help weigh benefits against potential risks.

How does COVID-19 cause anosmia, and can it recover naturally?

COVID-19 impacts olfactory sensory neurons and supporting cells, sometimes causing prolonged loss of smell. Many patients recover smell within weeks to months, sometimes without intervention. Smell training has been shown to aid recovery as part of a comprehensive approach.

When is surgery necessary for anosmia?

Surgery is typically reserved for cases where an anatomical blockage—such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum—is identified as the primary cause of smell loss and when medical treatments have not been sufficient.

When to See an ENT Specialist

If you’re experiencing persistent or sudden changes in your sense of smell, don’t delay a consultation with an ENT specialist. Early evaluation increases the chances of successful diagnosis and tailored treatment. Typically, your first visit will include a detailed examination and specialized testing, setting the foundation for a personalized anosmia treatment plan.

Taking prompt action not only optimizes recovery chances but may also help identify underlying conditions requiring urgent attention.

Conclusion

Our sense of smell is far more than a sensory luxury—it plays vital roles in safety, health, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life. For anyone facing anosmia, the good news is that ENT doctors offer a comprehensive toolbox of diagnostic methods and treatment options.

From smell retraining therapy and medication management to surgical corrections and cutting-edge experimental therapies like PRP injections, there is growing hope that many can improve or even restore their sense of smell.

If you or a loved one is affected by anosmia, don’t hesitate to seek professional evaluation. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes. And with exciting new treatments on the horizon, the future looks brighter for those who’ve lost this important sense.

Ready to take the next step?
Book an appointment with an ENT specialist today and start your personalized journey toward recovery.

References & Further Reading

• Cleveland Clinic; Anosmia (Loss of Sense of Smell): Causes & Treatment, 2025
• Stanford Health Care; Anosmia Treatments, 2025
• WebMD; Anosmia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments, 2025
• Yale Medicine; Loss of Smell (Anosmia), 2025
• Columbia Doctors; Developing New Treatments for Smell Loss
• Additional research and patient support resources

If you’re searching for answers about anosmia treatment, remember: help is available, and the road to recovery may be closer than you think.

Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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