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Title page - Fascinating Facts - Links - Community - Smell Directory
Community Page
The results of the vote so far are as follows. (Last updated 28th January 2000.)Reader Feedback
I lost my smell 33.9% I've never smelled 21.0% Someone I know never smelled 14.5% Another reason 9.7% Healthcare professional 8.1% Someone I know lost their smell 8.0% I forgot how to spell amnesia 3.2% I'm a researcher 1.6% What use the above is, I'm not sure!
This page would be a good place to post a message and see if people respond. The comments form is right at the bottom.
I'm suspicious about the choice of primary tastes. Where have "hot" tastes gone?? That is surely a sensation in the mouth, not the nose.
Jungwon Kim, Korea - 28 Dec 99
Lost my sense of smell after years of using Vicks Sinex because of constant stuffiness of nasal passages. Seen three consultants but not one can suggest preperation/ operation to cure nasal breathing difficulties, except all agree that I should stop using Sinex and that it possibly caused loss of sense of smell. The only trouble is that if I stop using Sinex, I can't breathe!! I also tried Chinese Herbal medicine, but to no avail, except because I can't smell, my sense of taste is much less than it was, so the disgusting herbs you have to boil into tea didn't taste too bad!! Anyone else ever suffered the Vicks Sinex paradox??? Chris
chris@stjames100.freeserve.co.uk, UK - 1 Feb 2000
My sister lost her sense of smell several years ago. I'm concerned that she might someday have a natural gas leak in her home and not be aware of it. Are there any devices on the market that can detect natural gas, and signal with either a visual or audio alarm?
DTMEvents@aol.com, USA - 26 Feb 2000
Yes - I have a natural gas alarm which I bought from my local gas appliance store. It looks like a smoke alarm except that it has to be plugged in to the electricity. And it sounds like a smoke alarm, too!
Max Christian, UK - 26 Feb 2000
someone please resond , you know anything about a cure, or the latest technological advances about anos mia, i'm starting to really get pissed off..Yury, Age 20, NY
affyone@aol.com, USA - 21 Mar 2000
My husband has anosmia from an injury where his nose was broken. At first, with the swelling, not much was thought about it. The doctor who had reset his broken nose after the injury, said that he (my husband) should have a sense of smell after the swelling, packing, ect. But it never came back. My husband explained the complete abesence of smell and the larger portion of his taste. I feel so sorry for him, as he has always loved to cook. Cooking for my husband was his favorite hobby, past time, and he had hoped to open a resturant one day. Now he does not even like cooking much less, the idea he had dreamed of, opening his own resturant. The injury took place at a very large store chain and this companies attorneys have taken a small portion of the blame, only to turn around and try to blame other things for this injury. It is so sad to see this happening all for the sake of a big company's hold on the smaller ones, the people who suffer due to negulance. This large company only admitted after being in court to a small precentage of this injury, after all, how can you know if someone is telling the truth about not being able to smell. Talk about adding insult to injury. Its really a shock to he to have lost one sense totally and another almost gone. But to have to explain what happen to him, and what this new lose is and how it affects him. In short he and witnesses were said to be lairs. And that the case was for money gains for my husband. That is so far from the truth. My husband has been to a specialist in Chicago Ill. and after hours and hours of test he come up with the result of anosmia due to head truma, as my husband had explained his related injury. We have never heard or known anyone with this before, but we feel for all of you. I myself do not have this, but see how hard it is, and how much it affects his life daily, I can not explain ho
IHorseshoe@aol.com, usa - 20 Mar 2000
The site has really given me the info I've been asking my doctor about.Thank you and everyone on this site.I loss my sense of smell about 7years ago.I believe it came from ahead injury about 3 years proir.Ive been to doctors who have never mention anosmia.They would give me steriods for a week which restore my smell for about a week after use.Ive stopped going to doctors and just adepted to living without smell.But recently,Ive moved into a brand new home and i really would like to smell the fresh paint. [smile] I think I'll go get me some steriods today. Again, thank you all for this info, take care and God bless.....
john jndlock@aol.com, usa - 20 Apr 2000
Please send more facts on anosmia. Thank you.
ardano@hotmail.com, usa - 24 Apr 2000
I have had no sense of smell since birth. I'm just now trying to find out why and if anything can be done about this. I would like to know of other sites that contain additional information. I'm also trying to find a 3D picture of the brain that is labeled with functions.
Real kool kat 4 @aol.com, Canada - 7 May 2000
Medication can help certain types of anosmia by reducing inflammation of nerves; the condition may also respond to allergy treatments or to surgery. For most sufferers there is as yet no cure. I found these facts out by going to the Harold Washington Library in Chcago. If you have this you should do as much research as you can.
Jacqueline Alcantar, USA - 17 Apr 2000
I have lost my sense of smell & taste due to an brain injury. What I am experiencing now is this terrible smell & taste. It smells like the shavings of a pencil sharpener.(took me a while to figure that out). Has anyone had this problem & what can I do to make it stop? It gives me headaches & makes me nauseaus.
cjskid3@aol.com, USA - 17 Apr 2000
To all of the Anosmia Sufferers out there. I too have had it since birth. I am presently 41 yrs old now. I figured I would finally find out more about it. I called Monell-Jefferson Taste and Smell Center, in Philadelphia, PA. They performed research studies on Anosmia. They told me that the research studies are not being conducted anymore Due to the past studies proved no cure is available. In fact the testing is done to rule out other possible abnormalties first. Then once they verify that, they test to determine if the Olfactory nerve is receiving signals..etc... They did however send me a big package in the mail with studies and conclusions to the studies. I learned alot about Anosmia. In fact, some of the E-mails I read from others at this site may not have enough knowledge to come to a conclusion. May I suggest either you E-mail the Center in Philadelphia to find out more. I am also interested in hearing from anybody with Anosmia.Signed, Fellow sufferer.
SS40333@AOL.COM, US - 1 Jun 2000
One month ago I had a bad head cold, but not as bad as others I have had. However, now, I have a very very diminished sense of smell. I can taste food okay, but just not smell very well. I always had a very keen sense of smell. Is this something that will return? I recently babysat my granddaughters for a week and couldn't smell their diaper needs. (Well actually, that was the bright spot in all this. Changing those pants was a breeze.) I would appreciate any feedback.
kg5381@aol.com, karen - 1 Aug 2000
My 16 year old daughter can't smell and has realized it since gym teachers recommended deoderant to all of her age group and she would ask me to smell her clothes to see if they needed washing because she couldn't tell. She can't smell perfume, and doesn't smell smoke and worries whether or not she has bad breath or body odor. She went to an ear, nose, throat doctor who is seeing her in two weeks and gave her a nose spray to try, called nasacort, twice a day( any one know of any side effects from nasacort). Since she has had no head injury and we believe she hasn't been able to smell most of her life, we would like to avoid taking the prescription pills medrol dose pack(does anyone know what that is and if there are any side effects). Thanks for giving her not smelling a name, sincerely sladon999@aol.com
sladon999@aol.com, USA - 19 Jul 2000
about 4 years ago..i suddenly realized that i had lost my sense of smell....even picking up dog ( droppings ) in yard there is no smell..so i get the job now...i could find no reason for this to happen..no accident..no head injries, no medical problems that could cause this and when i mention it to my Dr..a number of times..he doesnt think anything of it as there is never a reply to that from him..would like to chat with some one that has had this happen or might have a suggestion as to why..????
yelowrat99@aol.com, usa - 19 Jul 2000
I am a women in my early fifties, who has gradually realised that her sense of smell has dimminished since hitting menopause. Is this a coincidence or are there hormonal links.I used to enjoy Aromatherapy and now I can barely smell the oils. It wold be interesting to know whether Aromatherapy ' works' even when you can not smell what you are inhaling.Liz
UK, crone2crone@aol.com - 22 Jul 2000
I can't remember how I lost my sense of smell (whether it was instant or gradual). I am 36 years old. My taste was fine until recently. I still have vague taste buds. I did go to an ENT about 4 years ago. He was worthless; just suggested I take zinc. I have the opposite effect from losing my sense of smell (and now taste as well). I have actually gained about 25 pounds! I guess my body doesn't tell me when I am full anymore. I stay with foods I knew I really liked. I even still go into Bath and Body Works and purchase the scents I used to love. Any suggestions on doing any more testing, etc.? It gets really frustrating. Yeah, skunks and baby diapers aren't fun scents, but fresh flowers and italian foods are really missed.....I would take all the bad for just a few good....
tnalleycat@aol.com, USA - 23 Jul 2000
I SUFFERED A HEAD CONCUSSION JUST 3 WEEKS AGO.I NOTICED JUST A FEW HOURS AFTER LEAVING THE HOSPITAL THAT I COULD NOT TASTE ANYTHING.I THOUGHT IT WAS THE PAIN MEDICATION UNTIL I REALIZED THE NEXT MORNING THAT I COULD NOT SMELL. I CALLED MY DR IMMEDIATELY THAT SUGGESTED I SEE A ENT THAT MORNING.I HAD A CT SCAN AND MRI THAT READ NORMAL.I'M 35 YRS OF AGE AND THIS BREAKS MY HEART. MY DOCTOR SAYS HE BELIEVES THAT AFTER THE SWELLING FROM THE ACCIDENT THAT I SHOULD REGAIN BOTH SENSES..THIS IS REALLY SAD.IS THERE A CURE?DO PEOPLE EVER RECOVER?I WASN'T BORN THIS WAY. I WAS BLESSED WITH THE SENSE TO SMELL AND TASTE AND NOW IT HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY.I WANT TO THINK POSITIVE ,BUT I'M HUMAN.I CAN'T HELP BUT BE AFRAID AND WONDER...ANY ADVICE.PLEASE E-MAIL ME ASAP...THANKS, SHARON
SHARON HOUSTON@GATEWAY.NET, USA - 27 Jul 2000
Please, help!! Our 19 year old daughter lost her sense of smell due to an accident. She has completely recovered except for this. She'll be going back to school in the fall and I'm worried sick. There has to be a place that sells specical detectors for those who cannot smell gas in their home or car. If you have any information I would really appreciate it. AMY
USA, willyamy1234@aol.com - 27 Jul 2000
I have never had a sense of smell. My parents tell me they are not sure when they realized it, but they always took me seriously. My friends and I joke about because they love to shop at Bath and Body Works and I always ask what things smell like. My parents tell the story that in elementary school we went on a field trip to the landfill and took our lunches. After the tour, I was the only one still able to eat. This page has made me feel so much better because I too had always thought that I was the only one who couldn't smell. Thanks!
Izzy, USA - 31 Jul 2000
On a morning in April 1999, I went to a bakery/coffee shop and when it was my turn to order, I was assaulted in the face with a chemical cleaning solution. My nose and eyes burned so bad that I thought I was going to pass out. It continued to burn all that day and the next day I was so nauseated I couldn't go to work. I haven't been able to smell or taste since that day. This is a dangerous disability. My wife has to interpret smells for me. For example, recently I walked into our porch and the pilot light was off. I walked right through to the kitchen not knowing propane fumes were so strong that it made my wife gag. Another time my wife had to get me out of the house quickly because the electicity went out and our pellet stove's smoke filled the house with toxic oders and smoke. This is scary because not being able to smell can be hazardous to my well-being. I really miss my ability to smell and taste. I used to love to cook and now, since I can't taste anything, I have no interest in the wonders of cooking. Everything tastes the same. My ENT specialist called and told me recently that he has no hope of me ever recovering my sense of smell or taste again. All the CT, MRI, X-rays, surgery, testings cannot bring back these two precious senses to me. Joe
jandppowell@citlink.net, USA - 27 Jun 2000
I have never been able to smell. It never really bothered me until I got to college, and everyone I revealed my anosmia to started to freak out. I have always been interested by people who were once able to smell, but cannot anymore. I wish I knew what the big deal was about smelling. Most people treat my anosmia like a cool party trick. Some friends of mine got a really rotten carton of milk out the fridge and had me stick my nose in it. My friends are really dumb. Last night I was watching a show on my favorite T.V. channel (The Discovery Channel.) It had a lot to do with how the sense of smell hightens sex, and how everyone emits a different odor. Am I really missing out on somethig here? Would my sex be better if I could smell my boyfriend? I'm very curious about if I am being robbed of something. If there is anyone out there who had a sense of smell and then lost it could answer my question, I would appreciate it. Thanks
kholmqu1@bigred.unl.edu, USA - 2 Jul 2000
I had bronchitis and a sinus infection 4 months ago. I have lost my sense of smell and taste (except for the 4 usuals, bitter, salt, sour and sweet. I am scheduled for an MRI. Someone told me that sometimes taking zinc helps. Also, I am taking B6 to help the absorbtion of the zinc. Sometimes I think I smell a smell. It is always the same....kind of a chemical smell like bugspray or something. Does anyone have any stories of zinc cures?
nb@iappnet.org, USA - 2 Jul 2000
A wonderfull world of information. After a bout of sinus, first time in my 51years, I have lost my taste and smell.I couldn't understand why my favourite dishes seemed so bland. I can trace it back to 6 weeks ago when eating Chinese food. Perhaps it had something to do with all the Eucalyptus I was using to clear my nose. I can't smell that now, even with the bottle under my nose. Lets hope someone somewhere comes up with a cure.
Anne, New Zealand - 11 Jul 2000
I woke up last saturday 7/20/00 to the smell of ammonia. I thought I spilt cleaning supplies on me because everywhere I went I smelled it. It wore off yesterday, but now I cannot smell anything and everything has the same taste. Today at lunch I fainted after I realized I could not taste the pizza. It was probably a panic attack. My doctor just thinks it funny and said that it isn't such a bad thing. (of course he made a couple of farting jokes). I am too worried to think of any funny sides to this. Can anybody tell me a name of a doctor who will take this seriously. Or is it serious? Is there a possibility this is just temporary like a cold?Thanks in advance
bpines@eastcoastentertainment.com, usa - 20 Jul 2000
I haven't been able to smell for over a year now. I went to my family doctor who told me to take decongestants and antihistamines, I tried them but found that if I didn't take them I wouldn't be able to smell. I do not like taking any medication unless absolutely necessary. I went back to the same doctor who referred me to an ear nose throat specialist. He prescribed more medication which I took for 2 days. When my sense of smell returned I stopped taking the medication. Of course as soon as I stopped taking the medication I could once again no longer smell. I wonder if it has anything to do with an injury or maybe using cleaning agents for the home.Please help if you can..
Frankie, Canada - 9 Aug 2000
i feel like i am gradually losing my sense of smell. I dont know what is causing it.
pyro@wtn.co.za, south africa - 10 Aug 2000
dickert6@netcom.ca, Canada - 11 Aug 2000
Sorry, hit the wrong button on the previous entry. I am scheduled next week for my 2nd surgery to try and restore my sense of smell, which was perfectly normal until 8 years ago. I have been seeing an ENT in London, Ontario for about 4 years trying to solve this puzzle. Twice a year he puts me on steroids for 10 days and my smell comes back immediately. Unfortunately, as soon as I stop taking the pills it goes again. No one can explain to me why it doesn't stay permanently as obviously it is not permanently impaired, but merely blocked by something. I also feel a lot of pressure in my face and the top of my teeth ache sometimes. I am a teacher and have worked in a portable classroom for the last 8 years. Portable classrooms are prone to mold and I have been trying to find out if there is any link between mold exposure and my loss of smell. If anyone has any information I would love to hear about it. I did hear that a study was published by the Mayo Clinic linking mold and the loss of smell, but my ENT dismissed it saying it was just speculation. I will keep checking this page to see if anyone has a similar experience to mine.
dickert6@netcom.ca, Canada - 11 Aug 2000
I had my tonsils and adenoids removed when I was six years old. I have not been able to smell ever since then. I am now 32 years old, and have dealt with the fact that I will probably never be able to smell again, but I still hate the fact that I don't know what my own two small children smell like. It helps to have a wonderful husband who will describe, in great detail, different scents and odors. This is a great site, and it helps to know that there are people like me out there.
jfarlow@email.com, usa - 31 Aug 2000
I lost my sense of smell during a bout of flu or cold in July this year. It has not come back. I do have allergies to mold and dust and take Zyrtec (was taking Claritin at the time of the cold). Also used Flonase, Serevent. No congestion now but no smell, difficult to cook properly and kinda scary not smelling some things. No skunks, no gas, no smoke. My taste is ok- not very strong- but I am beginning to get concerned this is permanent.
mhildr@aol.com, USA - 17 Sep 2000
I have never been able to smell anything. This has posed multiple problems as I raise my five children. Not being able to smell a dirty diaper, smell food to see if it has spoiled, or recognize a gas leak are just a few of the challenges I have faced. I have a sense of taste, whether it is the same as it is for other people I can't say, but it is satisfying to me. However, I have always detested cooking because I have burned so many foods. I envy my children, who all have normal senses of smell, when they tell me that the cake smells like it is almost done! I cope by using timers when cooking, throwing out food after a few days in the fridge, asking others to smell things for me etc. I always have plenty of deodorant, febreeze, and such on hand. I have never worn perfumes or owned indoor pets. I find it best to just tell people I associate with that I am anosmic and they usually understand and assist me when needed. I would love to think there could be a cure for this disorder; but when I hear others moan when they smell a horrid odor I feel some comfort.
bmullins@lds.net, USA - 4 Nov 2000
I have not been able to smell as long as I remember. I remember being in grade school and pretending that I could smell the berry or licorice scented pens like the other kids. My Father didn't believe me when I told him I couldn't smell. People never expect me to be able to taste either. I think I have a great sense of taste though. Anyway 2 questions and a suggestion. 1. I can sense ammonia, rubbing alcohol, menthol and the like (Common Chemical Sense), does this mean my sense of smell could be restored? 2. I had my adnoids and tonsils removed when I was 6. Can this cause a loss of smell? Are Adnoids at all connected with smell? 3. It would be useful to have a list from those with sniffers of how long normal houshold items last before they can be detected as bad with sense of smell. Thanks, and of course it's been amazing to find out I am not the freak I imagined. Or at least I have a freak family. =) Solidarity between the snifferless!
bekah4545@hotmail.com, US - 19 Nov 2000
This website is great! I've never met anyone else with anosmia and found so many stories I could relate to. And how many times have people asked us "So if I farted right now, you wouldn't know?!" Sorry. But what I find most fascinating about having anosmia is the reactions I get from people when I (rarely) decide to tell them, Some are shocked and intrigued, while some don't think it's strange at all. Others are simply cruel, saying things like, "I'm so sorry. I can't believe you've never smelled ____, It smells so good." As if they'd tell a blind person they were really missing out for never having witnessed a sunset. I have learned not to be sensitive about it, and have concluded that my family really will never believe me, since I spent the greater portion of my childhood faking it. I have never seen a specialist but it seems there is no cure. Would anyone recommend I tell a doctor anyway? I wonder when I get out of college and into my own place how I will protect myself from leaking gas or other hazards which can only be detected via smell. And women, how do you choose perfume?!
amostue2@wellesley.edu, usa - 19 Nov 2000
[This comment has been deleted because the email address was fraudulent.]
pimpsta_69@ hotmail.com, Canada - 17 Nov 2000
hey, "pimpsta", that was kinda harsh. can you smell? cuz if you can, you have no right to bash this site. I have congenital anosmia, and this site is how i realized it. go to a doctor if you need to find info about the nose, or find another site.
Kate, U.S - 18 Nov 2000
I think "pimpsta's" only nose problem is that it gets bent out of shape over the most trivial things.
Terry, USA - 20 Nov 2000
I just found out a few weeks ago what my problem is. I found out in a psychology class in college. I never even new they had name for this thing. I love to eat food but for some reason I have never been able to taste or smell food. I went to the doctor in the past week and he told me that because I had had a truamatic brain injury when I was an infant. My mom Dropped me on my head when she was drunk and high. Well anyway I am 20 years old and I go to Berry College. Kids here are really mean. They make fun of me b/c I eat just about anything that is in front of me. They always point and say look at him he will eat anything. I do that b/c I cannot smell it. I also have a weight problem. Sometines I go for days without a shower b/c I cannot smell myself. My roomate hates me b/c he says I smell like sweaty dog balls. People do not like me just because I am different. I am sure glad to see that there are a few people like myself. This site means a lot to me. If you ever want a man to talk to feel free to call me. My # is 706-238-7288 just ask for BIG Jon. Yeah thats right
Jon Conner (Berry College), USA - 3 Dec 2000
I AM 54 YEARS OLD & ALWAYS HAD A VERY SENSITIVE SENSE OF SMELL. AFTER HAVING THE FLU, I REALIZED I COULD BREATHE THROUGH MY NOSE AGAIN, BUT COULD NOT DETECT ODORS. I HAVE BEEN TO DOCTORS, BUT THEY SEEM AT A LOSS TO HELP ME. I WAS UNAWARE THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN TO SOMEONE. AFTER READING YOUR COMMENTS, THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE MUCH HOPE FOR US. THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH ME. DEC 3, 2000
USA, JANE - 3 Dec 2000
I TO HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO SMELL. A LOT OF THESE STORIES I AM READING ON THIS SITE ARE VERY FAMILIAR TO ME. THE THING I DISLIKE THE MOST IS THE FACT THAT NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU TELL PEOPLE THAT YOU CANT SMELL THEY STILL ASK YOU IF YOU SMELL THIS OR THAT. THEN WHEN YOU REMIND THEM THAT YOU CANT SMELL THEY ALWAYS SAY THATS RIGHT I FORGOT. ANYWAY I FINALLY ADMITTED TO MYSELF THAT I COULDNT SMELL AT ABOUT 12. I TOO ALWAYS JUST WENT ALONG WITH PEOPLE WHO SAID DOES'NT THAT SMELL GOOD. I THINK THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SMELL IF THERE WAS A WAY THAT I COULD. I HAVENT BEEN TO THE DOCTOR BUT IT IS SOMETHING THAT I AM GOING TO HAVE CHECKED OUT EVENTUALLY. I AM IN NO HURRY THOUGH, I MEAN I HAVE BEEN THIS WAY FOR 25 YEARS!
US, skywind3 - 14 Dec 2000
I lost my sense of smell nearly 20 years ago following a really bad cold type virus. I used sinex almost continually for ages afterwards, as it was the only way I could breathe. 2 operations later I was told that my nose had been almost completely blocked with nasal polyps and that there was a good chance of my sense of smell returning - no such luck! I have had it back fleetingly after the birth of each of my children, and after the 2nd op, but I'm still looking for a solution. Someone suggested zinc supplements so I'm just starting to take them. Any other ideas anyone? Wouldn't it be nice to smell that Christmas dinner cooking!!
clare@cheetham1.demon.co.uk, uk - 17 Dec 2000
I just had surgery for a tumor of the soft palate in my mouth. I've been having problems hearing with my left year and I also have lost all taste and smell. I wonder if this is temporary or is it permanent. Has anyone had that problem ????
COLON_MARGARITA @ HOTMAIL.COM, USA - 18 Dec 2000
You can purchase a combination Natural Gas and CO detector, or each separately, at: http://safehomeproducts.com/SHP/SM/SS_CO_Gas_1.asp Sid
sidbloom@bellatlantic.net, USA - 8 Jan 2001
Has anyone had an improvement in smell by taking Beta Carotene? I was evaluted at the Monell Iinstitute of Smell and Taste, (Philadelphia) and while I have a sense of taste, I have no sense of smell. They suggested Beta Carotene (200K) daily, but I had no improvemnet after a month.
sidbloom@bellatlantic.net, USA - 8 Jan 2001
I have four brothers and none of them have been able to smell since birth.Also three out of four nephews can't smell either. All of the females can smell.My mother said it was a heredity thing with the males. Can you give me anymore information on this?
jcarswell90@hotmail.com, United States - 10 Jan 2001
Lost my sense of smell and taste in an automobile accident, and I am going to settle out of court, and was just wondering, if anyone has similar case and how much they got be interesting to know.
ubrew@telus.net, Canada - 17 Jan 2001
Hey big jon, join the club. I too eat just about anything put in front of me, but only if it tastes good. My friends like to create their own dishes of food from caffeteria leftovers and have contests to see who will eat it. I almost always do; I even eat rotten fruit because I can't smell it and it has a soft texture. I really hate being the only girl in my family that can't smell. I'm 16 yrs. old, and I am begining to wonder if it is my B.O. that freaks guys out or just my intelligence. I'm also doing research for a proj. and if anyone would email me about this topic, it would be greatly appreciated.
Kate - UnicornMalina@aol.com, USA - 20 Jan 2001
I bounced over from Max's website. Have been diag. w/anosmia. Had terrible virus around Christmas time. My sense of smell/taste never returned. Kept hoping I would wake up next day and all would be well, but... so, one Dr. advised me to take zinc supp. Finally saw ENT, just finished Prednisone. Anti-biotic and decongestant did nothing. So, will be having MRI brain scan in few days. Would like to resolve this problem and get on with regular things, but, if no sense of smell - no sense of taste other than slightly salty, 10% sweet, and 10% bitter... no desire to eat or cook. Food tastes like styrofoam/water. Have headache on right side of head over eye and strange food cravings... such as all kinds of nuts.. peanuts, walnuts, salty mixed nuts... Thank you Planters!! and most of all chocolate covered... but, cannot distinguish one from the other... crave sweet foods sometimes. Stopped eating at first, but got really tired, so, wanting to get better and be my old self, tried to eat a balanced diet with vitamin supplements. Finished one bottle of zinc... nothing is happening. Strange to cook for family and not smell or taste any of the food... have to go by memory. I have spent more time in my Studio. Will wait for results of MRI and maybe, just maybe my keen sense of smell will return on its own. If not, will use and be grateful for the senses I have remaining. I will never, ever take those for granted, for sure! Thank you for this web-site, appreciate the histories and advice, take care. Life is a picture, paint it well! Litebird@aol.com (Grandma Ann)
Litebird@aol.com, USA - 26 Feb 2001
I lost my sense of smell after I got a cold but the cause of the Anosmia was perennial rhinitus caused by an allergy. (To house dust mites). I started taking nasonex which did not work but the second nasal spray i tried - flixonase does work. Although my sense of smell (and taste) is not very strong, i can breathe through my nose now and not choke when I eat by trying to breathe at the same time. I have to hoover the house a lot and clean my bedding and hoover my bed and sofa more often than usual but it seems to be working and i do not have to constantly take the nasal spray.
catz747@hotmail.com, England - 7 May 2001
I have lost my sense of smell and taste over the past ten years for short periods of time but when I took antibiotics and a antihistermine it would always come back. This last time (2 weeks ago) I have lost both taste and smell and it isn't getting better. I'm going to see an ENT for the first time this week . I only hope I get these senses back because it's very scary.
rupperth@hotmail.com, usa - 17 Jun 2001
i HAVE HAD A NASTY SMELL OF AMMONIA FOR OVER A WEEK NOW IN MY NOSE. IT IS EVERYWHERE I GO, SO I KNOW I DIDN'T SPILL ANYTHING IN THE HOUSE. DOES ANYONE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM? ANY HELP ON THIS SUBJECT WOULD BE GREAT.
GRIZZYBR@HOTMAIL.COM, USA - 3 Sep 2001
I too have never had a sense of smell. It's interesting telling people because they almost immediately ask me if I can taste. I can, and they can't quite grasp that. I rarely think about it in daily life until somebody comments on a smell. Or asks me to "Smell this!". I don't really mind if my friends forget. They all do at one time or another. I went to a doctor when I was younger after my parents discovered I couldn't smell. It seems to me that the results were inconclusive. Are there cures out there? Or am I doomed to live the rest of my life worrying I smell bad and having people fart on me for laughs?
mattgalvin@onebox.com, USA - 4 Sep 2001
Lost my smell and taste after getting a bad head cold. Nose would not stop running, now I take flonase for that. Have had surgery to straighten cartlage. Went to Alberta this summer and when I came home, after 3 days I began to smell and taste. Lasted a week. I took prednisone for a week about 6 months ago. Taste and smell returned for a few days. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
dowcom@ripnet.com, canada - 10 Sep 2001
I lost my sense of smell, after a bout with the flu, its been about a month and a half, so I am seeing an ENT, I have on occasion had brief senses of smell return, and it was like I have never lost it, but it was short lived. I recently underwent an MRI to see what the possibilites are that is causing this. I have spoken to people that have lost their smell for months and it did return very slowly but completley, so there is alway's hope. BlueKnight @aol.com would appreciate anyone with similar experience. Thank You.
United States, Blueknight@aol.com - 14 Sep 2001
I lost my sense of taste and smell and taste after a severe sinus infection about 15 months ago. Ive been to two ENT with no results or positive opinions.I've had cat scans,MRI, used nasal sprays with steroids and still haven't had any results . Some times it seems I can detect a smell but can't tell you what it is. Newly cut grass is a bad odor.. One ENT told me this isn't lethal but that isn't very comforting . I would be interested in finding out if anyone has got their smell back after a long period of time . Thank You.
usa, dorig2@juno.com - 30 Sep 2001
I lost my sense of taste and smell and taste after a severe sinus infection about 15 months ago. Ive been to two ENT with no results or positive opinions.I've had cat scans,MRI, used nasal sprays with steroids and still haven't had any results . Some times it seems I can detect a smell but can't tell you what it is. Newly cut grass is a bad odor.. One ENT told me this isn't lethal but that isn't very comforting . I would be interested in finding out if anyone has got their smell back after a long period of time . Thank You.
usa, dorig2@juno.com - 30 Sep 2001
Right now I am 23 years old. Apparently I have not been able to smell things all my life. I didn't really realize it until a few years ago, whenever my grandparents or someone else would ask me to smell something, I couldn't smell anything, my granddad used to bitch at me and tell me I just didn't know what I was smelling. I have one other sibling, a sister, she is 4 years older than me and she was born with no sense of smell either, we both have gone through all sorts of harassment, I had no idea all through school that I had a bad BO problem, and I didn't understand why I was being picked on, now I understand. I just want to know if anyone has heard of a way to get a sense of smell back, my sense of taste is perfectly normal, in school one time they were teaching us how smell affects our sense of taste, they used me as a guinea pig, when they put a clothes pin on my nose and had me eat several different foods, I got it right every time, noone else in the class could, and the teacher was very confused, I guess I kind of proved her wrong unintentionally. if anyone has any advice for me please drop me an e-mail.
chris Chrisbike_99@yahoo.com, U.S.A. - 1 Nov 2001
I AM 34 YEARS OLD I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM BLOCKED NOSES FOR ABOUT 15 YEARS .I HAD A NASAL OPERATION ABOUT 8 YEARS AGO IT HELPED IT SLIGHTY BUT THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN.I HAVE HAD TO USE VICKS SINEX CLEAR THE ANNOYING BLOCKED NOSE BECAUSE THERE ARE NO SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM . I.VE TRIED BECONESES FROM MY G.P BUT NO AVAIL HE TOLD ME I WAS ALLERGIC TO THE DUST MITE PLEASE ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIETED
derek.duncan0@TALK21.COM, SCOTLAND - 2 Nov 2001
I am 43 years old. I lost my sense of smell/taste 4 years ago for no apparent reason. The first two years were pretty bad, with only brief and sporadic remissions. Then I was examined by one ENT specialist who detected polyps in my nose. Another one said the my deviated septum was obstructing the airways, preventing the smelling cells to get properly humidified. I decided to have an operation (decongestion of submucosa and polyp removal). Things improved for a few weeks after op after which the problem returned. Through my personal research I came to the conviction that my problem had more to do with inflammation of the mucosa than air-passage obstructions. So I started pursuing the 'allergy' route (which none of the ENT doctors ever mentioned) by cutting down on foods that might be problematic (nuts, citrus, milk etc) and keeping my place as dust-free as possibile. Also tried acupuncture and Chinese massage, as I learned that stress was a contributory factor. Things started to improve: my smell would return at least 60% of the time, especially after physical exertion (apparently the blood in the nose cavities is 'requested' by other muscles while engaged in sports activity). I also do nasal douches with salt water and bicarbonate of soda. I stay away from corticosteroid-based nasal spray because I read that they are vasoconstrictor. The frustrating thing is that the sense of smell/taste comes and goes without any rhyme or reason, but I am happy with the progress so far. Looking forward to sharing your experiences and to hearing from all fellow sufferers.
paolo pberta@aol.com, UK - 12 Nov 2001
Two months ago I developed a very bad sinus infection. I was on antibiotics for 3 weeks. I still can't taste or smell. I went to an ENT who ordered a Cat Scan, also put me on vitamins with zinc and predisone for 6 days nothing so far has helped. This last week I have been experiencing a fowl smell every once in awhile. I have lost eight pounds and have no desire to eat. Anyone who has been helped, or has had a happy ending? The thought of never tasting or smelling again is so depressing, and no one really understands.
rere@in-gen.net, america - 15 Nov 2001
I can't smell anything at all and most of the time can't taste candy or certain foods. This started about a year ago and I did not have any injuries to cause this. I also have drainage in my throat a lot and have to clear it out. I can't afford to go to the doctor right now, so do you have any idea what might be wrong?
calest@mantech-wva.com, USA - 19 Nov 2001
i am 20 years old and shocked because my whole life i have not had a sense of smell and i always thought i really was a freak. for some reason it never occurred to me to search online and see what i could find until 2 days ago when a friend of mine suggested it. i was shocked to find so many similar stories. has anyone found a successful way to diagnose the cause when there has never been a sense of smell to begin with? i once went to a ear nose and throat doctor and he acted like i was crazy so he was no help, but they did do a catscan and found no polyps, etc so i really don't know why. just wondering if anyone has any ideas, or if anyone in my same situation has ever found a cure, though i think that's highly unlikely. good luck to you all! :)
sideburn123@aol.com, USA - 13 Dec 2001
HA HA! I can smell you and you can't! Nah, I'm just playin, its pretty bad since you will never smell plesant things in life, like skunks....oh well...
fakeaddress@aol.com, USA - 18 Dec 2001
JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW I'M 47 AND I LOST MY TASTE AND SMELL FEB.2001 AND I'VE SEEN SEVERAL DRS. AND THEY TELL ME I PROBABLY WON'T EVER GET IT BACK. I HAD LOTS OF TESTINGS DONE BUT TO NO AVAIL, THEY ARE NORMAL. I GET REALLY DEPRESSED BECAUSE I CAN'T SMELL THE BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS THAT MY GRANDCHILDREN GIVE TO ME AND THEY SAY , SMELL HOW PRETTY GRANDMA. AND AT ONE POINT I LOST MY HEARING ALSO.I COULD NOT HEAR MY GRANDDAUGHTER SING TO ME AND THAT WAS DEVASTATING. I DID GET SOME OFF MY HEARING BACK BUT I HAVE TO SEE ANOTHER DR. I WAS VERY SICK,DR. TOLD ME I HAD THE FLU. I TRIED ZINC,VITAMIN A, NASAL SPRAYS AND WHAT EVER ELSE THE DRS. WOULD GIVE ME. IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU.
USA, LUMZ34@CVZOOM.NET - 4 Jan 2002
I lost my sense of smell in an automobile accident. I didn't think I was hurt because there was no physical evidence at the time. A couple of weeks later I discovered that I couldn't smell anything. It has been 11 months since the accident and I still can't smell. I was not the person at fault in the accident and I am talking to a lawyer about the injury. Has anyone had anything similar happen to them?
gvsingleton@mindspring.com, USA - 5 Jan 2002
Hi, I am 44 years old and lost my sense of smell and taste one year ago...I just completed a 2 month regimine..low dose of prednisone..and it was terrific..however, I am off the prednisone and can tell that my anosmia is returning...I am starting zinc and drinking carrot juice for the Beta carotene..but I am not sure of how much of eaah to take..and I know that the vitamin A..can be toxic at high levels...I do have a history of allergies..and was taking Benedryl in the evenings.....I am wondering if it is to drying and can inflame the mucous membranes...has anyone else had a problem possibly from using the Benedryl...I have nasal polyls..although my ENT..has warned that nasal surgery does'nt insure that my sense of smell and taste would return.In fact in my own research..the little secret the ENT's won't tell us is that most nasal surgery..including endoscopic..and image guided...doesn't always work..and can actually lead to "empty nose Syndrome" and cause loss of smell and taste...from scar tissue due to the surgery...I would really love to hear from anyone about any of the above...Thank you so much..
AFBINC@earthlink.net, USA - 8 Feb 2002
I am 19 years old and for the past two years I have been getting this awful nausiating smell on and off. No matter what I do, blow my nose, brush my teeth, gargle with mouth wash, or hack up whatever I can it doesn't go away until it wants to. It makes everything that I eat smell or drink, taste and smell like crap!!! What is it, please??
jdehus.1@ccad.edu, usa - 23 Feb 2002
I lost my sense of smell when I was 22 ( I'm now 46). I've had chronic rhinitis since age 6 mos and have always had a stuffy/runny nose. My sense of smell left over the space of one summer--I was able to smell only half the day (forget which half)--then it went away totally. (I'd also been bulemic for about a year--has anyone heard of stomach acid affecting the sense of smell?) I suffered this for years--but in the past couple of years my sense of smell has flickered off and on. When I was getting acupuncture I started smelling things but only certain things, one at a time. Ironcically, I can often smell subtle close to the nose things like a windowpane, a cracker, water etc but not a skunk ambling by! In the past month or so I've started very faintly smelling again. I've been doing self-acupuressure. May find a new acupuncturist. Also, got hypnotized for this last fall. Think mine might be due to allergies, but not sure.
ostiver@yahoo.com, USA - 8 Mar 2002
p.s. I'm allergic to molds and pollens--so allergic, in fact, the I couldn't even tolerate the shots. (This was 20 years ago--wonder if things have changed since then). Haven't been recently tested for nasal polyps so don't know about that. Really wondering if the 20 year practice of bullemia could be responsible for "frying" the nasal mucosa. (No longer bullemic). At this point, with the smell ever-so-subtly returning (but it's not consistent!) I'm wondering if it's the hypnosis (go to a hypnotist who specializes in Milton Erickson's technique); the fact that I stopped bathing my nasal mucosa in stomach acid (throwing up); acupressure; or some other factor I'm missing. It felt *so nice* to smell something, if only for a moment! Since I smelled absolutely nothing for 20 years but now occasionally get a faint, faint, faint whiff, maybe that means there is hope. Contact me if you have a similar experience. Thanks!
ostiver@yahoo.com, USA - 8 Mar 2002
My teacher DID NOT ever think that it was possible to loose your sense of smell. Is it true that if you loose your sense of smell that you also can't taste? I think that anyone that is or has suffered from this disease has got it really bad. The good thing about it is that you could eat anything you want, and smell everything that no one would ever dream of. Everyone would use it as an advantage. Lots of people have a cure and I hope anyone who hates this will try to find this cure. Actually I am not sure what it is but good luck.
brandie, USA - 15 Apr 2002
I lost my sense of smell at or about the time I ate a cream pastry which was obviously old. I collapsed in a heap, and my wife had to shake me to bring me around. While I didn't have a broken or sore nose, my sense of smell gradually left me (over a few months I think)to the point where I smelled nothing. I still have taste, but probably much reduced I think, and still enjoy my food. I can remember some really lovely smells, such as roses and boronia bushes, and the bouquet of a nice wine, and also the bad smells, like decaying meat or of tomcat urine. I have come to accept my disability, and a specialist doctor told me that there is nothing that can be done, and my sense of smell will never return. I am thankful that I have only lost this sense, as I believe that a loss of the others would be much worse. I have been without my sense of smell for about ten years now (I am now 53 years old), and find that I have to think carefully about body or other odours that I may be responsible for, in order to avoid offending others. While I do use after shave lotion and under-arm anti perspirant, it is for the benefit of others, and their perfumes etc do nothing for me. As Ned Kelly (a famous Australian bushranger) once said "Ah, such is life"
spikewes@ozemail.com.au, Australia - 22 Apr 2002
I lost my sense of smell at or about the time I ate a cream pastry which was obviously old. I collapsed in a heap, and my wife had to shake me to bring me around. While I didn't have a broken or sore nose, my sense of smell gradually left me (over a few months I think)to the point where I smelled nothing. I still have taste, but probably much reduced I think, and still enjoy my food. I can remember some really lovely smells, such as roses and boronia bushes, and the bouquet of a nice wine, and also the bad smells, like decaying meat or of tomcat urine. I have come to accept my disability, and a specialist doctor told me that there is nothing that can be done, and my sense of smell will never return. I am thankful that I have only lost this sense, as I believe that a loss of the others would be much worse. I have been without my sense of smell for about ten years now (I am now 53 years old), and find that I have to think carefully about body or other odours that I may be responsible for, in order to avoid offending others. While I do use after shave lotion and under-arm anti perspirant, it is for the benefit of others, and their perfumes etc do nothing for me. As Ned Kelly (a famous Australian bushranger) once said "Ah, such is life" Sep Westerhuis, Canberra, Australia
spikewes@ozemail.com.au, Australia - 22 Apr 2002
I've never been able to smell. My Dad and I went hunting and he could smell a skunk, he was about 25 yards away from me. He was checking everywhere and he found it, it was right behind me. He was whistling and yelling. I thought he was crazy. The skunk took off. I found out the usual about anosmia, no cure yet. I'm still looking for the perfect job to utilize my lack of smell. Coroners office/waste management. Miller genuine draft had a scratch and sniff game, now how are we supposed to play? Next time I will e-mail and ask. There are plenty of jobs we can't do like Fireman/Forest service/some police departments--does it qualify for a disability? Have a good one.
doncorleone@cox.net, United States - 24 Apr 2002
I'm 14 years old and have never been able to smell. Does anyone know any statistics about how many people have anosmia? Just wondering! And long live the non-smellers!!
shelly, USA - 27 Apr 2002
I am 25 years old. I was in a motorbike accident almost one year ago in India. I suffered from a concussion, a fractured skull (on the lower left bottom), and internal bleeding. I have not seen a proper doctor since I left India. I am no longer suffering from headaches or virtigo, as I was during the first few months. But I did lose my sense of smell, which also altered my sense of taste. I was smelling a sort of rotten chocolate smell at all times. My research shows that this was the smell of dried blood which was draining from my brain as it healed. A good thing, I was healing. Now, my smell is slowly returning, but I am smelling smells that aren't there. For example: I will smell the smell of fresh cut grass when there is a ground full of snow, the smell of popcorn at the cinema while I am in my car on the highway. I am not getting smells confused; I do not put my nose to a rose and smell choclate. I am, I think, remembering smells. I do not know what to expect next. Will my smell return to normal? Will my sence always be weak? Is there possible future difficulties that I could encouter? If anyone has any answers, comments, or questions, please feel free to email! Thanks!
danduxx@yahoo.com, U.S.A. - 29 May 2002
I would be so grateful if someone could help me. I think I'm going nuts sometimes. I keep smelling ammonia, and then sometimes Chocolate. I am ill and have been for awhile. My main 2 problems are Fibromyalgia and Sjogrens Syndrome. I seem to smell the ammonia though all the time. It is really strong when I walk into my Husband room. He is ill also, ( Hepatitis C, Cirrohis and type II Diabetes). I smell it also when I'm laying in bed. I thought it might have something to do with Urine (like with horses) but we are clean people. My husband swears he can't smell it at all. Please help before I pull out what is left of my hair. Feel free to e-mail your response.
reniee3@yahoo.com, USA - 4 Jul 2002
I can not smell either. When living in Amsterdam I was diagnosed with nasal polyps and given Flixonase ampoules which brought my sense of smell back after 3 days ! Unfortunately this was just before I moved to Australia where this medicine was not available. The specialist said not bad enough for an operation.take cortisone tablets.no thanks so i haven't smelt for a year and waiting till Flexinase becomes available her to try again. It is horrible.Alternately I will get it on my return to Amsterdam
SUZYGIRL12@hotmail.com, Australia - 5 Jul 2002
I have never been able to smell in my whole life.My mom has the same case.It must be hereditary but my mom's parents can smell and my brother and sister can both smell.I can't stand not being able to smell.Its all I think about anymore.Not being able to smell my friends' farts, never knowing if the milk I am about to drink is sour, always acting like I can smell because I get tired of people saying can you smell that "no" then bla bla bla about how I never been able to smell "really".Now i'm constantly asking poeple if I stink or not and what everything smells like to them.
brod_bah_bam@hotmail.com, United States - 4 Oct 2002
Anybody know a helpful online cooking site for people who have lost their sense of smell?
lmolivier@qwest.net, USA - 26 Oct 2002
I think that this was a good idea. You know. Sharing information about anosmia and other stuff like that. It's nice to know someone cares!
Chika, USA - 7 Dec 2002
My name is Jamie. I'm 25, and I have congenital anosmia. I can't smell anything unless it's directly under my nose, and, even then, most of the time there's no identifiable scent. Recently I had some severe allergy/sinus problems and took an herb (in liquid form) for it. The herb is called Butterbur. Remember that name. I took this three times a day, and after about three days I was able to smell a scented candle for the FIRST time in my ENTIRE LIFE! Usually I can't smell anything ~ perfume, body odor, smoke, stinky cat litter, even dead skunk has no affect on me. I was absolutely shocked when I realized I was actually SMELLING something! Now, I'm not a doctor, and I'm not saying that this is going to absolutely work for whomever reads this, but what have you got too lose? Certainly not your sense of smell, you've already lost that! :) I purchased the Butterbur (made by the company "Nature's Apothecary") from my local health food store. It cost $8.00 for a 1 FL. OZ. bottle, and one bottle lasts about one week. I don't know how much the prescriptions for anosmia cost, but I'm guessing it's probably more than eight bucks a week. Plus you don't have to worry about horrible/harmful side effects with this. So, my anosmiac friends, the word of the day is BUTTERBUR. I'm so glad I could share this personal breakthrough with you! We all have the right to a sense of smell. Feel free to e-mail me.
authentic_self@hotmail.com, USA - 16 Jan 2003
i can smell, but for years it has really upset that my boyfriend cannot. he cannot tell me when I stink, tell me the food i am cooking smells good (no one has ever told me that!!) or suprise me with a new perfume. More importantly, I know what he is missing out on. It has made me really sad reading these entries, just this week the smell of the air triggered so many memories for me.... I am going to try this Butterbur stuff, if anyone has any other suggestions, or a doctor that cares, keep the info coming. I find all the doctors we talk to about this don't care. Easy for them, they can smell!
pamelapoulton@hotmail.com, canada - 29 Apr 2003
I am 51 years old and lost my sense of smell last year when I hit menopause. Ran through all the tests and scans and the doctor said it was idiopathic which means they don't know what caused it to happen. I had a keen sense of smell before and I really miss it along with being able to taste herbs and subtle flavors that are odor related. I believe it is related to the onset of menopause but I am not sure. Doctors don't take this very seriously usually but it really can be a problem, especially if there are dangerous odors around like a gas leak. In the meantime, I will continue to volunteer for the chores which are most unpleasant to family members who can still smell(like the litter box duty)
Quanski1@msn.com, USA - 13 Aug 2003
I am 51 years old and lost my sense of smell last year when I hit menopause. Ran through all the tests and scans and the doctor said it was idiopathic which means they don't know what caused it to happen. I had a keen sense of smell before and I really miss it along with being able to taste herbs and subtle flavors that are odor related. I believe it is related to the onset of menopause but I am not sure. Doctors don't take this very seriously usually but it really can be a problem, especially if there are dangerous odors around like a gas leak. In the meantime, I will continue to volunteer for the chores which are most unpleasant to family members who can still smell(like the litter box duty)
Quanski1@msn.com, USA - 13 Aug 2003
I fell and had a head injury 2 months ago. I cannot smell or taste anything since the injury. A Cat Scan revealed no fracture or nerve damage. I was told there was some fluid built up in my head. I had a level 3 concussion. If someone who had a similar injury and loss please e-mail me and let me know if your senses came back.
coburnrh@yahoo.com, USA - 23 Sep 2003
i would love to hear from any of you who have anosmia and have also had adenoids and tonsills removed, my child had this op five years ago and has not smelt since, her surgeon said that no where in this whole wide world ever has it been documented that an adentonsillectomy is a cause of anosmia, basically he is trying to shift any blame from himself. And while he is earning a packet and enjoying his life there is a child who cannot even taste her food properly or smell the delicate fragrance of a simple flower, and his attitude stinks, he is happy for her to stay like this for the rest of her life, so if any one has any info, please please please email me, with thanks mandi
mandijane38@aol.co.uk, England - 30 Sep 2003
I had a stupid bicycle accident, hit my face on the ground, ended up with several fractures. Sense of smell disappeared for 3 days, came back in one nostril. Then I had a major operation to fix the fractures, entailed cutting my scalp from ear to ear and unrolling my face to get access to the fractures. Haven't been able to smell since, tho everything else is fine. I'm pretty sure the doctors knew I'd lose smell, remarks like "even if we were trying to save your smell we probably wouldn't succeed ....". Moral of the story ? always wear head protection whatever you're doing, and avoid drinking when participating in any-activity-that-has-any-risk
paulb@ymx.co.uk, England - 24 Nov 2003
I'm 19 (almost 20) and I've never been able to smell. I never really noticed anything of it. Just over the years, it became more and more curious to me when people would complain of stinks and I wouldn't smell them. The thing that finally tipped me off was, one day when I was determined to figure things out, I held a small bottle of perfume to my nose and took a DEEP wiff at it. It did cause me to choke and gag in reation, but I couldn't smell a thing and I wasn't suffrering any sort of sinus problems at the time. Since then I've had many family members trying to make me smell things, and 90% more times than not people don't belive me when I say I can't smell, or they'll automatically just right it off as me having a sinus problem. It's rare anyone will belive me untill they stick the stinkiest thing they can think of up under my nose and don't even get a flinch...some don't even belive then. The doctors my mom and I talked to didn't seem to care... And it has been quite humiliating, as I've went to smell reeking of my un-nuetered male cat's urine more than once, only knowing it because one of my friends that understood was nice enough to tell me.
panduhkame@hotmail.com, USA - 13 Dec 2003
about 7 years ago a friend of mine fell over and hit the back of his head and has lost his sense of smell ever since
w_scanlon03@yahoo.co.uk, uk - 15 Jan 2004
I am a Psychology student doing a survey on how problems with sense of smell can affect you. Does anyone want to take part in my questionnaire? It will be asking questions about depression and how you are feeling emotionally, particularly in respect to your anosmia or smell disturbance. Thanks, Fiona
ps9fcs@bath.ac.uk, UK - 25 Jan 2004
I'm thirty nine and ive been anosmic as far as i can remember,however about seven years ago as i was washing my hands with fast orange hand cleaner, i experienced about forty seconds of (what im guessing was) the intense smell of orange!then it went away,never to return again.are any anosmics out there having a hard time forming sexual relationships picking up sexual signals(lack of chemistry) and or experiencing lack of arousal when in a sexual situation?i would appreciate any responses regarding this
alexandertegu@aol.com, usa - 8 Mar 2004
I am 27 and i have my sense of smell but it is horrible i can smell normal sometimes but 98% of the time it is bad. i don't know what has caused this and not a doctor can either i am in agony over it and can't handle it anymore and if there is anyone out there that has a suggestion or the same problem please contact me. So much is ruined for me i can't taste right or smell things the real way they smell! Help!!!
shotwe2@aol.com, usa - 8 Mar 2004
i am 34 and have had to use vicks sinex for as long as i can remember i have went to a ent doctor about and all he does is give you a steroid spray which dosent work the dont care because the dont know what it is like now the sinex is haveing little effect and my nose is nearly always blocked driving me mental does anybody know of anything that can help thanks jack
jackb1968@yahoo.co.uk, scotland - 8 Mar 2004
I'm 43 and have had extremely limited sense of smell all my life. Yes, I can taste, but who knows if what I taste is the same as what osmics taste? My bigger concern of course is fire or gas leaks. And like others here, my family doesn't believe me; I used to get yelled at for not smelling fires/perfume. Fortunately friends and colleagues are more receptive. My best metaphor is to consider a sighted person determining color in a darkened room. You might perceive that something's there, that it has color, but you won't be able to accurately determine the color. Smells triggering memories? Frankly, melodies trigger memories for me, with an intensity that I would not give up. From all the above entries I (an over-educated non-medical person) deduce that there are many causes of anosmia; it's just a symptom. For all you who are worried about pheromone detection: that happens in the vomeronasal organ, which (while inside the nose) is entirely separate from the main olfactory system. And processing in the brain is handled completely separately, as well. You'll either detect pheromones or you won't but it's not related to your anosmia.
carman_jessie@hotmail.com, USA - 8 Mar 2004
My Dad hasn't had a sense of smell or taste for over 40 years. He wonders if chemical expose at at a Union Carbide plant in Belleville caused his condition. I wonder if there's anyone else out there who worked at the plant/or similar place who has the same problem?
marvin49@patmedia.net, NJ USA - 10 Mar 2004
My mother went climbing in Nepal and suffered very bad altitude sickness. She was brought down the mountain and when recovered flew back to the UK. She contracted a bad cold when returning and as a result has lost all sense of smell and taste. Her senses are very distorted and this has been the case for about 4 years. Does anyone know if there is anything she can do to bring her senses back? I hate to think that there was some nerve damage and there is nothing that can be done to repair? An alternative therapy would be a preferred approach but all information would be helpful. Thanks.
Juswords, UK - 30 Apr 2004
I had a very bad injury to the back of my head - it required nine staples I have had all kinds of x-rays but I hve still not regained my sense of tast or smell Is there any help for this?
patriciablanton@msn.com, America - 4 Aug 2004
I haven't been able to smell since I was a child. I'm not sure exactly when. Like others I would always pretend to smell, rather than tell people I couldn't. I remember wondering what the fuss was about scratch 'n sniff stickers, but would just play along. My parents finall realized I couldn't smell on a trip home from Los Angeles. There's a stretch on I-5 where the Harris Beef Ranch is located. There are acres and acres of cows. One trip home I was reading, and all of a sudden all the car windows go up. I started yelling that I was hot and my dad asked, "Don't you smell the cows?" I hadn't even realized that we had passed them when my entire family smelled them for about 1/4 mile. My mom tried to get me a gas detector when I was in college and called around. She was told such a thing didn't exist, and when she explained why she needed it they said oh, that could be dangerous. Like others I do get stuck with the "stinky" jobs. Pouring out rotten milk, taking out stinky garbage, walking the dog when she's having stomahc trouble. I took steroids for 2 weeks but it did nothing. My biggest fear is when I have a child, I obviously will not know that he has pooped his pants, and that people will call child protective services on me because I am an "unfit mother" letting her child sit in his mess!
amy.maio@alaska.com, Alaska USA - 26 Oct 2004
i have never smelled anything and would like to hear from anyone who has experienced any emotional/psychological effects due to this condition.....oh and also everyone around me thinks its no big deal which really,and ironically,gets up my nose!
deadlybaxter@hotmail.com, uk - 31 Oct 2004
Another "me too" -- much the same experiences that everyone has written about here. My funny story from being a kid was getting a set of scratch and sniff stickers that smelled like oil and gas which I completely covered my dump truck with, wondering why I wasn't getting the effect. I suppose I'm congenital, although I've never had it really diagnosed. Perhaps strangely, I'm actually a huge lover of different kinds of food and wine. The wine experience, I gather, is a bit difference since I never get the "nose" of the wine, but I have no trouble (or even am better at) detecting the flavors. And in food the only things I have trouble with are spices which might as well be dirt to me. But overall I think the benefits of being anosmic in the city might outweight the frustration. Thanks for this page!
Matt, USA - 23 Nov 2004
Someone asked about "hot" taste - that's not actually a taste, but rather irritation of the taste buds. PS: I am not anosmic and I don't know anyone who is, I'm just interested in anosmia.
Ettina, Canada - 5 Oct 2005
I feel like i'm trapped inside a bubble not being able to smell. It's like I'm afraid to trust anything. Appearances are so often deceiving. Being able to smell a thing is what makes you able to trust it as being good to or for you. This feeling of aleination is very depressing. I withdraw a lot.
osbren@comcast.net, usa - 28 Apr 2006
I've never had a sense of smell, I've always been a picky eater, but I'm 6'2" and weigh ... well a bit too much really LOL. So don't panic about kids not wanting to eat! I was diagnosed as having Kallman's but the list of symptoms I found online once, bore no relation whatsoever to me o.O
lobeliaoverhill@eircom.net, Ireland - 10 Jun 2006
Hi, my name is Ian and I have managed to get most of my taste and smell back after losing it some 3 years ago to a Viral infection and by also having non allergic rhinitis. I was very depressed and would do anything to get my senses back. I tried all the nasal sprays that the doctor gave me but they did not seem to work. I then tried increasing the dose of a nasal spay called “Rhinocourt Aqua” to 2 squirts 3 times a day. The trick to making his work is to sit on your bed, put 2 quick squirts deep up each nostril then immediately lay back with your head and neck over the edge of the bed so that the solution can get right to the upper parts of your nasal passage. Do this in conjunction with taking an Antihistamine 5mg tablet called “Cetrizine”. Then wait between 3 to 7 days for it to work. As soon as you get your senses back, "and you will!" cut back on the nasal spray to 1 x 3 times a day, then cut back again until you reach the point where it stops working. It’s then a matter of finding the right dose to keep your senses working without spaying too much of the stuff into your system.
idonohoeuk@hotmail.com, england - 21 Dec 2006