The sense of smell is the sensation of odorous substances that enter the olfactory area of the nasal mucosa in the medial aspect of the nasal turbinate and its corresponding location with the inhaled airflow, stimulating the olfactory cells to produce nerve impulses, which reach the olfactory center of the cerebral cortex through the olfactory nerve conduction pathway.
When any of the above senses or conduction pathways or olfactory centers become diseased, it can cause olfactory impairment. If the loss of smell is caused by nasal obstruction, the sense of smell can be restored by medication or surgery. For example: nasal septum deviation, or nasal cavity or sinusitis causing blockage of nasal olfactory fissure with purulent secretion, or nasal polyp, or benign tumor obstruction, resulting in loss of olfaction, can be restored by medication or surgery. If the hyposmia or loss of smell is caused by mucosal lesions in the olfactory area, or diseases of the olfactory center and tumors of the olfactory bulb, any approach, will not restore the olfactory function. If hyposmia or loss of smell is caused by psychosomatic factors, the sense of smell will be restored or parts will be restored after the condition is stabilized.
When the sense of smell is lost, you need to visit otorhinolaryngology as soon as possible to clarify the cause of the loss of smell. If it is caused by obstruction, treat it as soon as possible.