Loss of sense of smell or reduced sense of smell can be associated with rhinitis, sinusitis or nasal polyps.

It can also be caused by degeneration of the sensitive cells for the reception of smell in the nose after a severe ‘cold’ or influenza. Smell can also be affected by a head injury, certain medications and medical conditions.

Very rarely a tumour of the nerve for smell (olfactory nerve) can affect the sense of smell.

Loss of sense of smell will require assessment and investigations as appropriate.