Anosmia

Anosmia is the medical term for the loss or inability to smell. This can happen for different reasons, including sinus disease, nasal inflammation, infection, polyps, or blockage inside the nose. Because the sense of smell depends on airflow reaching the smell receptors high inside the nasal cavity, any condition that disrupts that airflow can affect how well a person is able to smell.

For some patients, anosmia may be temporary and related to congestion or active sinus inflammation. In other cases, it can last longer and become a frustrating part of daily life. A reduced sense of smell can also affect taste, appetite, and overall quality of life, since smell plays an important role in how people experience food, detect odors, and sense their environment.

Evaluation of anosmia usually begins with a careful review of symptoms and a detailed examination of the nose and sinuses. This may include looking for swelling, structural blockage, infection, or other conditions that could be interfering with airflow and normal nasal function. When sinus disease is the cause, treatment may help improve breathing through the nose and restore the sense of smell.

For patients concerned about anosmia in Beverly Hills, understanding the underlying cause is an important first step in choosing the right treatment. Dr. Richard Zoumalan carefully evaluates nasal and sinus conditions to determine whether sinus disease or another source of blockage may be contributing to smell loss, with the goal of improving nasal function and helping patients breathe and smell more normally.