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Smell - Impaired
Alternate Names : Anosmia, Loss of Smell
What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting impaired sense of smell in detail may include:
- time pattern
- When did this problem develop?
- Have you always had problems with your sense of smell?
- Is it getting worse?
- quality
- Are all odors affected or only certain types?
- Can you taste food?
- aggravating factors
- other
- What other symptoms are also present?
The physical examination will include a physical examination of nasal structures.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
Intervention:
If possible, the cause will be treated. If the loss of sense of smell is caused by nasal congestion, local decongestants or antihistamines may be prescribed. A vaporizer or humidifier may be recommended to prevent mucosal drying and improve nasal discharge. Vitamin A may be given orally (or in some cases) by injection. In some cases, a biopsy of the olfactory epithelium (cells responsible for smell) may be required to make a diagnosis.
After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to an impaired sense of smell, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
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Definition Impaired Smell: Overview & Considerations Impaired Smell: Common Causes Impaired Smell: Home Care & Treatment Call your Health Care Provider if What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
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Review Date : 6/4/2002
Reviewed By : Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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