What is Hyposmia?

Are you aware of the disease Hyposmia? What is the main reason of this? What are the effects of this disease to our body? Is there any chance to cure it? I did a research about Hyposmia on the internet and these are some of the information what I've got.

Hyposmia is the partial loss of the ability to perceive smells. This impairment can result from head trauma, allergies, flu, infections, nasal polyps, or other causes. Hyposmia is the most common of olfactory impairments and sometimes is self-repairing, but much of the time remains permanent. It is of particular relevance to those working in the sensory field as affected individuals have a higher threshold for odor and flavor perception, and may have a poor ability to identify odors or discriminate intensity levels. [Hyposmia]

Hyposmia is often mild, and even more severe hyposmia can be temporary. It can be a serious impediment. It limits your ability to recognize danger signals, such as the smell of smoke. Because the senses of smell and taste are closely related, hyposmia can affect your sense of taste, leading to hypogeusia, or a reduction in the ability to taste flavors. You may want to use herbs and spices to make your food more flavorful. Meals that offer a range of textures and colors are generally more appealing, even when your sense of taste is dulled. Hyposmia can inhibit your ability to recognize smells that signal danger, such as the smell of smoke or the smell of rotten food. If you have hyposmia, you may want to install smoke alarms and be cautious about using natural gas in your home, since you may not be able to smell leaking gas. Be careful with food, since you may not be able to tell if it is still safe to eat.

Hyposmia can contribute to other illnesses. Because the senses of taste and smell are so closely interlinked, hyposmia can contribute to hypogeusia, or a reduction in the ability to taste. This can lead to unhealthy eating habits, since reduced ability to taste can cause you to eat too many sugary and salty foods. These foods have a strong flavor and are easy for the taste impaired to taste, but eating too many of them increases your risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart attack. Hyposmia is often the result of another illness. Nasal congestion, nasal polyps, or more serious conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's can contribute to hyposmia.

You might need to see an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat, to diagnose hyposmia. Those with hyposmia often mistakenly believe that their sense of taste is diminished, because taste and smell are so closely interlinked. If you tell your otolaryngologist that you have suffered a decreased ability to recognize tastes, he may test your sense of smell as well. A scratch-and-sniff test can help your doctor evaluate the extent of the damage to your sense of smell. The doctor may use an olfactometer to release concentrations of scent into your nose.

In order to diagnose your hyposmia, your doctor or otolaryngologist will need to know about your past medical history, especially any head injuries you may have recently sustained or any upper respiratory infections you may have recently had. If you have been exposed to toxic, airborne chemicals recently, tell your doctor. Your doctor will also need to know about head injuries, respiratory infections, sinus disorders, or exposure to toxic chemicals that occurred in the past, even if they happened a long time ago. Tell your doctor about any allergies you may suffer and any prescription drugs you may be taking. [Hyposmia]

Actually, I have hyposmia right now. The cause of this is head trauma. During the super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), my head bumped on the cement. I lost my sense of smell for one month. It comes back after one month but I can't distinguish the different smell. My sense of taste is also affected. The taste of the food is really bad. It was difficult for me at first. I couldn't eat well. Whenever I eat something, I need to cover the right hole of my nose to taste the food. I don't change my perfume because I'm afraid the smell is not good. I have been experiencing hyposmia for 1 year and 6 months now. I hope everything will be okay as soon as possible! I want to enjoy eating different kinds of foods and to smell different things such as perfume, flowers, and to smell my husband (lol!)