FreeMD® Altered Smell Sense: Definition

Altered Smell Sense

Definition

Definition

Common names:

Altered Smell Sense
Anosmia
Change in Sense of Smell
Inability to Smell
Loss of Sense of Smell
Loss of Smell
Poor Sense of Smell
Sense of Smell is Poor
Smell Disturbance
Unable to Smell

A person with altered sense of smell has difficulty identifying, or distinguishing, odors. Nasal allergies or infections are the most common causes of altered the sense of smell.

Related Topics:

Allergic rhinitis
Temporal lobe epilepsy
More...

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Last Updated: Dec 22, 2007 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

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References:

Busenbark, K.L., Huber, S.I., Greer, G., Pahwa, R. & Koller, W.C. Olfactory function in essential tremor. Neurology 42:1631-1632, 1992.
Deems, D.A., Doty, R.L., Settle, R.G., Moore-Gillon, V., Shaman, P., Mester, A.F., Kimmelman, C.P. Brightman, V.J. & Snow, J.B., Jr. Smell and taste disorders: A study of 750 patients from the University of Pennsylvania Smell and Taste Center (1981-1986). Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery 117:519-528, 1991.