What could be the problem if one cannot smell anything through the nose all year round?
Dec 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Persistent loss of smell may be caused by nasal diseases, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, or other conditions. In addition to the above-mentioned causes, chronic rhinitis, intranasal tumors, and sinusitis can also lead to long-term anosmia. It is important to maintain nasal hygiene in daily life; rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution can help reduce nasal secretions.
The nose being unable to smell for a prolonged period may be caused by conditions such as allergic rhinitis or nasal polyps.
1. Allergic rhinitis: Patients have an allergic reaction to allergens, resulting in symptoms including excessive clear nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Upon examination, edema of the nasal mucosa can be observed, which prevents air from reaching the olfactory region. Under medical guidance, patients may take ketotifen tablets and use topical treatments such as ketotifen nasal drops or Fluticasone (Fusongliang) nasal spray to relieve symptoms.
2. Nasal polyps: Chronic nasal obstruction causes gradual atrophy of the olfactory nerves in the nasal cavity, leading to reduced sense of smell or anosmia. If caused by nasal polyps, surgical intervention is required, as untreated polyps may undergo malignant transformation. After surgery, rinsing the nose with saline solution can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, which also benefits the recovery of olfactory function.
Besides the above-mentioned causes, persistent loss of smell might also result from chronic rhinitis, intranasal tumors, or sinusitis, all of which require prompt treatment. In daily life, maintaining nasal hygiene is important; using normal saline to rinse the nasal passages helps reduce nasal secretions.
