Anosmia When olfactory cells do not work

With smelling training back to the world of fragrances and flavors

06/11/2014

The scent of cooked coffee or fresh bread, the scent of flowers, the smell of freshly mown meadows - who can no longer smell, loses much quality of life. In addition, the smell of fire and mold warn people with an intact sense of smell of dangers. Around five percent of Germans suffer from an anosmia in which those affected no longer smell. A weaker sense of smell, doctors speak of hyposmia, after all, have about 20 percent of the German population. However, sufferers can choose from a variety of treatment options, including targeted smelling training that will help them get their bearings back.

„To properly treat anosmia, it is important to clarify why the odor loss occurs“, explains Dr. Uso Walter, Duisburg ENT doctor and CEO of HNOnet NRW. Malignant infections and inflammation of the paranasal sinuses destroy olfactory cells, crooked nasal septa, polyps or swollen mucous membranes from an allergy can also block the sense of smell. Chemical substances, such as drugs, sometimes paralyze the nose as well as smoking. Accidents or operations can also be considered triggers.

In the search for the cause, ENT specialists first perform a nasal reflection. This allows them to detect whether the nasal mucosa has changed and has inflammations, injuries or disturbing polyps. In addition, ENT doctors use odor tests to determine the strength of the olfactory disorder. „Using fragrance pencils, the patient must recognize various odors such as onion, coffee, vanilla, cinnamon or peppermint oil“, explains Dr. Walter the procedure. „In addition, ENT doctors examine the concentration of fragrances the patient still perceives.“ Whether sensory impressions still arrive in the brain, clarifies a brainwave current measurement. If these examinations do not yield any results, the doctors will use imaging techniques. This can be used to determine if the cause is in the brain. In some cases, however, they are not triggers, because even diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's and aging processes in the body affect the sense of smell. For many people, sensory impressions gradually worsen from the age of 65. About every second person over 80 years suffers from odor or taste disorders.

Based on the examination results, the therapy takes place. For example, polyps or constrictions in the nose often require surgery. Sinusitis or flu infections are treated by ENT doctors with medication. „Who smells little or nothing, can also help with a specific scent training“, explains Dr. Walter. „Typically, such training is on the nose, with patients smelling mornings and evenings for five to ten seconds of fragrances such as rose, lemon, clove or eucalyptus. Such strongly scented substances stimulate olfactory cells to regenerate faster.“ Usually, they renew every four to six weeks. However, the older the affected, the longer these processes take. The duration of the disturbance also influences the chances of success: if olfactory problems last more than two years, the chances of recovering the odor are greatly reduced. (Pm)