ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

THE DIFFERENT DISEASES OF THE SENSE

The sense of smell, also known as olfaction, is one of the five basic senses that humans possess. It is the
ability to detect and distinguish different odors and scents in the environment. The olfactory system is
located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, where specialized receptor cells are located. These receptor
cells are stimulated by different chemicals in the air, which triggers electrical signals to be sent to the
brain. The brain then interprets these signals to identify and recognize different smells.

The sense of smell is incredibly important in our daily lives, as it can trigger memories, affect our mood,
and even influence our behavior. For example, certain smells can trigger feelings of nostalgia or
happiness, while others can make us feel nauseous or repelled. Smell can also play a role in detecting
danger, such as the smell of smoke or gas. However, the sense of smell can be affected by various
factors, such as age, illness, medication, and environmental factors. Certain conditions, such as anosmia
(loss of smell) or hyposmia (reduced sense of smell), can significantly affect a person's quality of life, as it
can affect their ability to detect odors and taste food.

Research has shown that the sense of smell is closely linked to the brain, and olfactory dysfunction has
been associated with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Therefore,
maintaining a healthy sense of smell is important for both physical and mental well-being.

There are many different diseases that can affect the sense of smell, also known as olfactory function.
Some of the most common include:

ANOSMIA: This is the complete loss of the sense of smell. It can be permanent or temporary depending
on the cause. It can be caused by a number of factors, including infections, head injuries, exposure to
certain chemicals, poor air quality, allergy and cold. Common symptom is the loss of the sense of smell
gradually or suddenly. Treatments include nasal sprays and steroid pills, antihistamines, antibiotics or
operation-to remove nasal polyps.

HYPOSMIA: This is a partial loss of to smell and to detect odors. It can be cause by nasal blockage,
include allergies, infections such as flu or fluid. It also cause by chronic sinus problems, smoking, a
hormonal imbalance, head injury and dental problems the symptoms are decreased or absent sense of
smell, decreased sense of taste, nasal blockage or congestion, nasal inflammation and/or respiratory
infection. Treatments are Medication, surgery, and any necessary therapy for an underlying condition.

PAROSMIA: This is a distortion of the sense of smell. It can cause people to perceive odors that are not
actually present or to perceive odors differently than they normally would. Parosmia is not always
related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by smoking exposure to chemicals, solvents, side
effect of treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. Parosmia can be treated in some, but not all,
cases. If parosmia is caused by environmental factors, medication, cancer treatment, or smoking, your
sense of smell may return to normal once those triggers are removed. Sometimes surgery is required to
resolve parosmia. Nasal obstructions, such as polyps or tumors, may need to be removed. Treatments
for parosmia include zinc, vitamin A and antibiotics.

PHANTOSMIA: is the perceived sensation of smell in the absence of the odor and it can occur in one
nostril or both. The odors are usually unpleasant, such as burned, foul, spoiled, rotten, or disgusting.
Some people may experience a feeling of the impending sensation. Phantosmia can be caused by
various medical or neurological conditions, such as nasal infections, nasal polyps, dental problems, body
tremors, mood swings, agitation, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, temporal lobe seizures, migraines,
head injuries, strokes, Parkinson's disease, or brain tumors. Phantosmia can affect the quality of life and
make it difficult to eat or drink.

AGEUSIA: This is the loss of the sense of taste, which can affect the sense of smell as well since the two
senses are closely interconnected..

PARKINSON'S DISEASE: A neurodegenerative disorder that can affect a person’s sense of smell and the
parts of the body controlled by the nerves. People with Parkinson's disease often experience a loss of
the sense of smell since parkinson’s process may start in the olfactory bulb- this part of the brain
controls the sense of smell. This disease can occur years before other symptoms of the disease appear.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: Like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease can also cause a loss of the sense of
smell, which can occur years before other symptoms appear. It is a neurological condition in which the
death of brain cells causes a decline in thinking skills and memory. The symptoms are memory loss,
language problems, cognitive deficits, problems with recognition, problem with spatial awareness, and
personality or behavior changes. There is currently no cure, but there aare ways to support a person
through medication and other strategies.

SINUS INFECTIONS: Infections of the sinuses can cause inflammation and swelling that can interfere with
the sense of smell. It happens when fluid buildup in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses). This fluid
buildup allows germs to grow. Viruses cause most sinus infections, but bacteria also can cause some of
the infections.

ALLERGIES: Allergies can cause inflammation in the nasal passages, which can interfere with the sense
of smell. Temporary loss of the sense of smell is common with colds and nasal allergies, such as hay
fever (allergic rhinitis). Loss of smell due to allergies is very common, and thankfully, it can be treated
with the help of a professional allergist who has a proven tract record of sinus treatments.

COVID-19: It is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus that can cause loss of smell and taste as
a common symptoms.

NASAL POLYPS: Nasal polyps are growths that can develop in the nasal passages, which can block the
nasal passages and affect the sense of smell. Nasal polyps are painless, noncancerous growths on the
lining of your nasal passages or sinus. They hang down like teardrops or grapes. They result from chronic
inflammation and are associated with asthma, recurring infection, allergies drug sensitivity or certain
immune disorder. People who suffer from nasal polyps often complain of chronic congestion, a “swollen
nose” and nasal obstructions. Other symptoms include a runny nose and post nasal drip, complete lose
of sense of smell and taste. In more severe cases, sufferers may experience nose bleeds, facial pain,
headaches, vision problems and obstructive sleep apnea.

Overall, the sense of smell plays an important role in our daily lives and can have significant impacts on
our health and well-being. Therefore, we should take good care of the senses we have as much as
possible in order for us to have a happy lifestyle.