Hyposmia is a decreased sense of smell.
It can be mild or severe and could point to health conditions ranging from allergies and colds to nasal polyps and hormonal imbalances.
It may develop gradually or suddenly.
Patients have difficulty detecting and identifying odors and scents.
Hyposmia is a smell disorder.
Anosmia, which refers to a total loss of sense of smell, and parosmia, which refers to an abnormal sense of smell.
Greater than 12% of the U.S. population has some form of smell dysfunction, about 3% of Americans have hyposmia.
Hyposmia and other types of smell disorders increase with age.
Hyposmia symptoms:
A diminished sense of smell overall.
Trouble detecting certain odors.
Difficulty distinguishing between certain smells.
Up to 80% of taste is due to the sense of smell, so changes to the sense of taste (dysgeusia) in addition to a decreased sense of smell may be present.
The most common cause of hyposmia is inflammation inside the nose.
Also neurological issues can affect the part of the brain responsible for thesense of smell.
Health conditions that may contribute to hyposmia include:
Allergies. Bacterial infections, including rhinosinusitis, or chronic sinus infections. Viral infections, including COVID, flu or the common cold. Nasal polyps. Deviated septum. Hormonal imbalances. Type 1 diabetes. Malnutrition. Dental issues like extensive tooth decay or gum disease.
Environmental factors that can cause hyposmia include:
Smoking. Certain medications, including some antibiotics, antihistamines and antidepressants. Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, like lead and other heavy metals. Head and neck radiation therapy. Using cocaine.
Neurological issues linked to hyposmia include:
Parkinson’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS). Hyposmia and COVID-19
Hyposmia is a common symptom of COVID-19.
Diagnostic tests, include:
Nasal endoscopy
Imaging tests, including CT (computed tomography) scans and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Sense of smell tests.
Treatments may include:
Prescribing medication to treat the underlying cause can also reduce hyposmia symptoms.
Surgery: septoplasty, nasal polypectomy
A decreased sense of smell usually goes away on its own when it results from allergies, colds or infections.