Smell Disturbances and How a Loss of Smell Clinic Can Help

What Are Smell Disturbances 

A smell disturbance occurs when your ability to detect or recognise odours changes. This can mean a weaker sense of smell, a stronger sense of smell, distorted smells or a complete loss. 

The most common types include: 

These symptoms can develop slowly or appear suddenly which is why understanding the cause is important. 

Why Your Sense of Smell Might Change 

There are many possible reasons why someone experiences smell loss. Some causes are temporary and related to inflammation. Others involve structural or neurological changes. 

Common causes include: 

⁍ Viral infections such as colds, flu and COVID 

⁍ Sinus problems including allergies, sinusitis and nasal polyps 

⁍ Head injuries 

⁍ Neurological conditions including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease 

⁍ Certain medications or exposure to chemicals 

⁍ Ageing and smoking 

Any condition that affects the smell receptors in the upper part of the nose or the nerves that carry information to the brain can lead to smell loss. 

Smell Loss After COVID 

Loss of smell became widely recognised during the COVID pandemic. Many people recovered quickly although others had symptoms that lingered for weeks or months. COVID can temporarily damage the smell nerves and for some people this led to parosmia or phantosmia which can be particularly distressing. A loss of smell clinic can help assess these changes and guide appropriate management. 

How Specialists Assess Smell Problem 

A specialist will take a detailed history of your symptoms and examine your nose and sinuses. This may include using a small camera to look for inflammation, obstruction or anything more concerning. 

Other assessments may include: 

⁍ Smell tests to measure how well you detect and recognise odours 

⁍ CT or MRI scans when structural or nerve causes need to be ruled out

This process helps identify why the change happened and what treatment may help. 

Treatment Options for Smell Loss 

Treatment depends on the cause. Many people experience natural improvement as the lining of the nose heals. Others benefit from targeted treatment. 

Options may include: 

PRP Therapy for Smell Loss 

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an emerging and still experimental treatment. It uses a small amount of your own blood which is processed to concentrate the platelets. This solution is injected into the upper nasal area near the smell nerves under local anaesthetic. 

Early studies suggest PRP may support nerve recovery after viral infections although more research is needed. It should only be carried out by trained ENT specialists. 

Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment

Check your eligibility

If you’re experiencing smell loss or distortion, our quick quiz can help you understand if PRP treatment might be suitable for you.

Check here

When to See a Doctor 

Seek medical advice if you: 

⁍ Suddenly lose your sense of smell 

⁍ Do not recover after several weeks 

⁍ Experience distorted or phantom smells 

⁍ Develop headaches, sinus pressure, blockage on one side, bleeding or facial numbness, weakness or visual changes 

These symptoms may not be serious but should not be ignored. 

Protecting Your Sense of Smell 

You can take steps to protect and support your sense of smell: 

⁍ Treat colds, allergies and sinus infections promptly 

⁍ Avoid smoking and harsh chemicals 

⁍ Use safety equipment to reduce head injury risk 

⁍ Keep up to date with vaccinations 

Supporting Your Smell Recovery Journey

Smell disturbances are common and many people improve with time, smell training or targeted treatment. A loss of smell clinic can offer structured assessment and tailored support when symptoms persist. If your sense of smell does not return or changes in a way that concerns you seek advice from an ENT specialist.