Loss of Smell

Disorders of the sense of smell are usually a consequence of swelling of the mucous membrane in which the olfactory cells lie as a result of infection by something like a cold virus, or allergic rhinitis. The molecules of the substance we hope to smell can't cross the thickened membrane, so the cells don't detect them. Usually we recover our sense of smell once we're over the infection, but if it's due to prolonged rhinitis sometimes a course of topical steroids may be required.
 
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