Hyposmia

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Hyposmia

Hyposmia (/haɪˈpɒzmiə/; from Greek: hypo-, "under" and osmē, "smell") is a reduced ability to smell and to detect odors. A related condition is anosmia, in which no odors can be detected. Some of the causes of hyposmia are aging, prior influenza infection, and being a carrier of the genetic disorder Kallmann syndrome.

Causes

Hyposmia can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the cause. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Aging: The sense of smell gradually decreases with age. In many cases, older adults only become aware of a smell when it is relatively strong.
  • Influenza: Viral infections such as the flu can cause temporary hyposmia.
  • Kallmann syndrome: This genetic disorder can cause hyposmia or anosmia.
  • Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis can cause hyposmia due to inflammation and blockage of the nasal passages.
  • Traumatic brain injury: Damage to the brain can affect the sense of smell.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hyposmia usually involves a physical examination, a review of the person's medical history, and may include a smell test. If the cause of the hyposmia is not obvious, further tests may be needed such as a CT scan or MRI of the brain.

Treatment

Treatment for hyposmia depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is an infection, for example, antibiotics may be prescribed. If the cause is a nasal obstruction, surgery may be required. In some cases, loss of smell may be permanent.

See also

External links

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