What causes smell disorders?
Smell disorders have many causes, with some more obvious than others. Most people who develop a smell disorder have experienced a recent illness or injury. Common causes of smell disorders are: • Sinus and other upper respiratory infections • Polyps in the nasal cavities • Frontal head injuries • Hormonal disturbances • Dental problems • Exposure to certain chemicals, such as insecticides and solvents • Numerous medications, including some common antibiotics and antihistamines • Radiation associated with the treatment of head and neck cancers • Aging • Other health issues that affect the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers to stop using several popular cold remedies because they could result in the loss of smell. Smoking also can interfere with our sense of smell.
