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Anosmia is the medical word for losing your sense of smell. - Because smell and taste are connected, food and drinks may taste bland or have less flavour. - It can be caused by things, such as a head injury, respiratory infections or certain medicines. - Your doctor can diagnose it by examining your nose and mouth and through other tests. - If anosmia is affecting your appetite or wellbeing, talk to your doctor. ## On this page - [What is anosmia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#what-is) - [What are the symptoms of anosmia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#symptoms) - [What causes anosmia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#causes) - [When should I see my doctor?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#doctor) - [How is anosmia diagnosed?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#diagnosed) - [How is anosmia treated?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#treated) - [Living with anosmia](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#living-with) - [What are the complications of anosmia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#complications) - [Can anosmia be prevented?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#prevented) - [Resources and support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#resources) - [Related information on Australian websites](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#searchGeneralResults) ## What is anosmia? Anosmia is the medical word for losing your sense of smell. If you still have some sense of smell, it's called hyposmia. Your sense of smell is connected to your [sense](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sensory-impairments) of taste. If you have anosmia, the taste of food and drinks may be different. ## What are the symptoms of anosmia? If you have anosmia, you can't smell anything. Because smell and taste are connected, food and drinks may taste bland or have less flavour. Other symptoms you may have depend on what is causing your loss of smell. [**CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS** — Use the **Symptom Checker** and find out if you need to seek medical help.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker) ## What causes anosmia? Anosmia and hyposmia can happen for many reasons. For most people, anosmia happens as they [get older](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/seniors-health). Some people are born without a sense of smell. Common causes include: - [head or face injuries](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/head-injuries) - certain infections, such as a [cold](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colds-and-flu), [influenza](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flu) (the flu) or [COVID-19](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19) - exposure to certain chemicals or [medicines](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines) - [drug use](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/drugs-and-alcohol), such as [cocaine](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cocaine) - [smoking](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/quit-smoking-vaping) Health conditions that may cause anosmia include: - brain [tumours](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/brain-cancer) - [nasal or sinus](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nose-and-throat) issues, such as nasal [polyps](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/polyps) or chronic [sinusitis](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sinusitis) - [hay fever](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever) - [kidney failure](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/kidney-failure) - nutritional or [hormonal](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hormonal-system-endocrine) conditions, such as [hypothyroidism](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothyroidism), [diabetes](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diabetes) or [Cushing's syndrome](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cushings-syndrome) - neurodegenerative diseases, such as [Parkinson's disease](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parkinsons-disease) or [Alzheimer's disease](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/alzheimers-disease) ## When should I see my doctor? It's common to lose your sense of smell for a short time when you have an infection, such as a cold. It will usually get better within a few weeks. See your doctor if your sense of smell doesn't come back after a few weeks. It's also a good idea to see your doctor if: - you notice any sudden or unexplained change to your sense of smell - the loss of smell is affecting your [wellbeing](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/good-mental-health) - you are worried about how long it's taking to get better [**FIND A HEALTH SERVICE** — The **Service Finder** can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services) ## How is anosmia diagnosed? To find out what's causing your loss of smell, your doctor may: - ask about your symptoms - [examine](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/physical-examination-by-a-doctor) your nose, mouth and throat - do tests, such as a [blood test](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blood-testing) or a [computed tomography (CT) scan](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ct-scan) to help make the diagnosis - [refer](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-is-a-referral) you to a specialist, called an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist The ENT specialist might look into your nose, mouth and throat with a medical instrument called an endoscope. They may also do a [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri). [**ASK YOUR DOCTOR** — Preparing for an appointment? Use the **Question Builder** for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/question-builder) ## How is anosmia treated? Often, there is no specific treatment for anosmia and the cause may be irreversible. Treatment options may depend on what caused your loss of smell. If there's a blockage or inflammation, treatment may include: - rinsing your nose (nasal douching) - steroid medicines - [antihistamines](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/antihistamines) - [antibiotics](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/antibiotics) - [surgery](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/preparing-for-surgery) If anosmia is caused by something else, your doctor may suggest smell training. This is also called 'repeated scent exposure training' and 'olfactory training'. This means regularly smelling different scents to help your brain learn to recognise them again. ## Living with anosmia Living with anosmia may be challenging, but there are things you can do to stay safe and feel better. You might not be able to smell smoke, gas or rotten food. Here are some helpful tips: - Install and check smoke and gas alarms often. - Read food expiry dates and label leftovers with the date. - Check that cookers, barbecues and electrical appliances are turned off properly. - Use cooking timers and safe appliances. Losing your sense of smell may affect [how you feel](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing). Here are tips that may help you: - [Talk to someone](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines) you trust if you're feeling sad or worried. - Join a support group to meet people who understand what it's like. - Consider talking to a [counsellor](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/counsellors-and-counselling). ## What are the complications of anosmia? If you have anosmia, you may notice changes to your daily life: - Food may taste bland, which may affect your appetite. - You may find mealtimes less enjoyable, especially if you usually spend time with family and friends over meals. - You might worry about eating food that has gone bad or not noticing dangerous smells, such as gas or smoke. These changes and worries may affect your [mental health](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing). **If you need to talk to someone about your mental health, call [Beyond Blue](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) on [1300 22 4636](tel:1300224636).** ## Can anosmia be prevented? Here's how you can help protect your sense of smell: - avoid certain chemicals - don't use illicit [drugs](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/party-drugs) - [quit smoking](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/quit-smoking-vaping) Ask your doctor or [pharmacist](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/getting-the-most-out-of-your-pharmacist) if any medicine you take may cause anosmia. ## Resources and support - [Beyond Blue](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) provides support for people coping with the emotional and psychological impacts of sensory loss. - [Headspace](https://headspace.org.au/) provides support for young people coping with the emotional and psychological impacts of sensory loss. You can also call the healthdirect helpline on [1800 022 222](tel:1800022222) (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. #### Sources: BMJ Best Practice *[(Assessment of olfactory loss)](https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/550 "Assessment of olfactory loss")*, Journal of the Neuorlogical Sciences - Mathis S, et al. *[(Olfaction and anosmia: from ancient times to COVID-19)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33848701/ "Olfaction and anosmia: from ancient times to COVID-19")*, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) *[(An approach to olfactory impairments in the general practice setting)](https://www1.racgp.org.au/getattachment/59865e33-3411-41b3-a3df-ea676f0b906a/An-approach-to-olfactory-impairments.aspx "An approach to olfactory impairments in the general practice setting")*, BMJ Medicine - Liu Z.Y., et al. *[(Post-viral olfactory loss and parosmia)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10568123/ "Post-viral olfactory loss and parosmia")* Learn more here about the [development and quality assurance of healthdirect content](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content). Last reviewed: June 2025 [Back To Top](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#backToTop) ## Need more information? These trusted information partners have more on this topic. General search results Results for medical professionals Top results [Anosmia - loss of smell \| Better Health Channel People are less sensitive to smells the older they get, and women tend to have a more acute sense of smell than men. *Read more on Better Health Channel website* ](https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/anosmia-loss-of-smell) Show more Top results Show more ## Disclaimer Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering. 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[beginning of content]() *7-minute read* ## Key facts - Anosmia is the medical word for losing your sense of smell. - Because smell and taste are connected, food and drinks may taste bland or have less flavour. - It can be caused by things, such as a head injury, respiratory infections or certain medicines. - Your doctor can diagnose it by examining your nose and mouth and through other tests. - If anosmia is affecting your appetite or wellbeing, talk to your doctor. ## On this page - [What is anosmia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#what-is) - [What are the symptoms of anosmia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#symptoms) - [What causes anosmia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#causes) - [When should I see my doctor?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#doctor) - [How is anosmia diagnosed?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#diagnosed) - [How is anosmia treated?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#treated) - [Living with anosmia](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#living-with) - [What are the complications of anosmia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#complications) - [Can anosmia be prevented?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#prevented) - [Resources and support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#resources) - [Related information on Australian websites](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anosmia-loss-of-smell#searchGeneralResults) ## What is anosmia? Anosmia is the medical word for losing your sense of smell. If you still have some sense of smell, it's called hyposmia. Your sense of smell is connected to your [sense](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sensory-impairments) of taste. If you have anosmia, the taste of food and drinks may be different. ## What are the symptoms of anosmia? If you have anosmia, you can't smell anything. Because smell and taste are connected, food and drinks may taste bland or have less flavour. Other symptoms you may have depend on what is causing your loss of smell. [**CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS** — Use the **Symptom Checker** and find out if you need to seek medical help.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker) ## What causes anosmia? Anosmia and hyposmia can happen for many reasons. For most people, anosmia happens as they [get older](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/seniors-health). Some people are born without a sense of smell. Common causes include: - [head or face injuries](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/head-injuries) - certain infections, such as a [cold](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colds-and-flu), [influenza](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flu) (the flu) or [COVID-19](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19) - exposure to certain chemicals or [medicines](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines) - [drug use](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/drugs-and-alcohol), such as [cocaine](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cocaine) - [smoking](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/quit-smoking-vaping) Health conditions that may cause anosmia include: - brain [tumours](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/brain-cancer) - [nasal or sinus](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nose-and-throat) issues, such as nasal [polyps](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/polyps) or chronic [sinusitis](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sinusitis) - [hay fever](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever) - [kidney failure](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/kidney-failure) - nutritional or [hormonal](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hormonal-system-endocrine) conditions, such as [hypothyroidism](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothyroidism), [diabetes](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diabetes) or [Cushing's syndrome](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cushings-syndrome) - neurodegenerative diseases, such as [Parkinson's disease](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parkinsons-disease) or [Alzheimer's disease](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/alzheimers-disease) ## When should I see my doctor? It's common to lose your sense of smell for a short time when you have an infection, such as a cold. It will usually get better within a few weeks. See your doctor if your sense of smell doesn't come back after a few weeks. It's also a good idea to see your doctor if: - you notice any sudden or unexplained change to your sense of smell - the loss of smell is affecting your [wellbeing](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/good-mental-health) - you are worried about how long it's taking to get better [**FIND A HEALTH SERVICE** — The **Service Finder** can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services) ## How is anosmia diagnosed? To find out what's causing your loss of smell, your doctor may: - ask about your symptoms - [examine](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/physical-examination-by-a-doctor) your nose, mouth and throat - do tests, such as a [blood test](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blood-testing) or a [computed tomography (CT) scan](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ct-scan) to help make the diagnosis - [refer](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-is-a-referral) you to a specialist, called an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist The ENT specialist might look into your nose, mouth and throat with a medical instrument called an endoscope. They may also do a [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri). [**ASK YOUR DOCTOR** — Preparing for an appointment? Use the **Question Builder** for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/question-builder) ## How is anosmia treated? Often, there is no specific treatment for anosmia and the cause may be irreversible. Treatment options may depend on what caused your loss of smell. If there's a blockage or inflammation, treatment may include: - rinsing your nose (nasal douching) - steroid medicines - [antihistamines](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/antihistamines) - [antibiotics](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/antibiotics) - [surgery](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/preparing-for-surgery) If anosmia is caused by something else, your doctor may suggest smell training. This is also called 'repeated scent exposure training' and 'olfactory training'. This means regularly smelling different scents to help your brain learn to recognise them again. ## Living with anosmia Living with anosmia may be challenging, but there are things you can do to stay safe and feel better. You might not be able to smell smoke, gas or rotten food. Here are some helpful tips: - Install and check smoke and gas alarms often. - Read food expiry dates and label leftovers with the date. - Check that cookers, barbecues and electrical appliances are turned off properly. - Use cooking timers and safe appliances. Losing your sense of smell may affect [how you feel](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing). Here are tips that may help you: - [Talk to someone](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines) you trust if you're feeling sad or worried. - Join a support group to meet people who understand what it's like. - Consider talking to a [counsellor](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/counsellors-and-counselling). ## What are the complications of anosmia? If you have anosmia, you may notice changes to your daily life: - Food may taste bland, which may affect your appetite. - You may find mealtimes less enjoyable, especially if you usually spend time with family and friends over meals. - You might worry about eating food that has gone bad or not noticing dangerous smells, such as gas or smoke. These changes and worries may affect your [mental health](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing). ## Can anosmia be prevented? Here's how you can help protect your sense of smell: - avoid certain chemicals - don't use illicit [drugs](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/party-drugs) - [quit smoking](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/quit-smoking-vaping) Ask your doctor or [pharmacist](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/getting-the-most-out-of-your-pharmacist) if any medicine you take may cause anosmia. ## Resources and support - [Beyond Blue](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/) provides support for people coping with the emotional and psychological impacts of sensory loss. - [Headspace](https://headspace.org.au/) provides support for young people coping with the emotional and psychological impacts of sensory loss. You can also call the healthdirect helpline on [1800 022 222](tel:1800022222) (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more here about the [development and quality assurance of healthdirect content](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content). Last reviewed: June 2025 ## Need more information? 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