Quick read
Key points
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Loss or change of smell (anosmia or parosmia) can be caused by a range of things, including colds, sinus congestion, nasal polyps, ageing, certain medications, or viral infections. It can also occasionally be linked to head injury or, less commonly, certain neurological conditions.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Loss of smell persists beyond a couple of weeks after a cold or congestion clears
01 · Know
What is Lost or Changed Sense of Smell?
Loss or change of smell (anosmia or parosmia) can be caused by a range of things, including colds, sinus congestion, nasal polyps, ageing, certain medications, or viral infections. It can also occasionally be linked to head injury or, less commonly, certain neurological conditions.
Many cases related to colds or congestion are temporary and improve once the underlying cause resolves, though persistent loss or distorted smell (where things smell different or unpleasant) is worth discussing with a doctor.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Smell training can help some people recover their sense of smell
For persistent loss of smell, a structured technique called smell training — regularly and deliberately sniffing a set of distinct scents — has some evidence of helping the sense of smell recover over time for certain causes.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1Loss of smell persists beyond a couple of weeks after a cold or congestion clears
- 2You notice smells seem distorted or unpleasant (parosmia)
- 3Loss of smell follows a head injury
- 4You have other symptoms alongside the change in smell that concern you
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Loss of Smell Can Affect Safety Around Gas and Spoiled Food
If you've lost your sense of smell, take extra care with gas appliances (consider a gas detector) and check food expiry dates carefully, since you may not be able to smell warning signs like gas leaks or spoiled food.
- 1Try smell training if loss persists.Regularly sniffing a set of distinct, strong scents (like lemon, rose, clove, and eucalyptus) may help recovery for some causes.
- 2Manage any underlying nasal congestion.Treating colds, allergies, or sinus issues can help smell return if these are the underlying cause.
- 3Take safety precautions.Consider a gas detector and pay extra attention to food expiry dates while your sense of smell is affected.
- 4See a doctor for persistent or unexplained changes.This helps identify the cause and discuss appropriate treatment or management.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Lost or changed sense of smell ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Loss or change of smell has many causes, and while often temporary, persistent changes are worth discussing with a doctor.
Taking safety precautions around gas and food is important while your sense of smell is affected, given its role in detecting warning signs.