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Sensory System

Smell

What is anosmia?

Anosmia is a partial or complete loss of smell, either on a temporary basis or permanently. It may result from a variety of factors, including inflammation of the nasal cavity lining due to a respiratory infection, excessive tobacco smoking, or from the use of certain drugs such as cocaine. In young people, the loss of smell is most often linked to a viral infection, while in the elderly, it more commonly follows a head injury.