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Loss of Smell (Anosmia), Treated Fast

Food tastes flat, or your sense of smell faded after a cold, COVID, or a sinus problem? Loss of smell often has a treatable cause, and the sooner it’s checked, the better. Get same-day, ENT-focused care for smell loss, in person or by video.

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Virtual ENT Options

What Is Anosmia?

Anosmia is the complete loss of smell; a partial loss is called hyposmia. Because smell and taste work together, losing your sense of smell usually dulls flavor too. Smell loss often comes from something blocking airflow to the smell area of the nose, like nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, or heavy congestion. It can also follow a viral infection, including COVID, or a head injury that affects the smell nerves. Some smell loss is temporary; some lasts longer and benefits from treatment.

Loss of Smell Symptoms

Reasons to have nosebleeds checked include:

A reduced or missing sense of smell
Food tasting bland or flat
Smells seeming distorted or wrong (parosmia)
Smell loss that started after a cold, COVID, or sinus infection
Gradual loss of smell along with constant congestion
Trouble noticing strong odors like smoke, gas, or spoiled food

Not sure why your smell faded?

An ENT-focused visit can identify the cause.

Book Same-Day ENT Care

Schedule care right away if you have:

  • Smell loss that hasn't returned weeks after a cold or infection
  • A sudden, unexplained loss of smell
  • Smell loss along with nasal congestion or known polyps
  • Distorted smells that don't go away
  • Loss of smell affecting your safety, like not noticing smoke or gas
  • Smell changes paired with repeated sinus infections
Get Anosmia Care

Same-day appointments available. Most insurance accepted.

  • Same-day appointments
  • Experienced ENT specialists
  • Virtual or in-person care
  • Insurance friendly
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How ENT Urgent Care helps

Smell loss can come from a blockage in the nose or from the smell nerves themselves, and the treatment is different for each. An ENT-focused exam sorts out which is at work.

During your visit, your ENT provider may look inside the nose with a small scope, review your history and any recent illness, and recommend a plan based on what they find.

Treatment may include:

  • Treatment for chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps when they're blocking the smell area
  • Nasal steroid sprays to reduce swelling and inflammation
  • Treatment for allergies that contribute to congestion
  • Smell training, a guided routine to help retrain the sense of smell
  • In-office sinus imaging when a closer look is needed
  • Referral for further evaluation when smell loss is sudden, severe, or unexplained

Virtual or In-Person care?

Choose the care option that fits your symptoms and schedule.
Virtual ENT Care

Virtual ENT care can help with reviewing your symptoms, recent illness, and history, and starting a plan, including smell training guidance.

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In-Person Visit

An in-person visit is often needed to look inside the nose for a blockage, evaluate the sinuses, or order imaging when the cause isn't clear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Anosmia.

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If you need help deciding whether virtual care is right for you, our team is here to assist.

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Will my sense of smell come back?
Often it does, especially when smell loss follows a cold or virus and the nose is otherwise healthy. Recovery can take weeks to months and varies from person to person. When loss is caused by polyps or chronic sinusitis, treating the blockage can help. An ENT evaluation gives you a clearer sense of what to expect and what can speed recovery.
Yes. Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and heavy congestion can block air from reaching the smell area at the top of the nose, which dulls or removes your sense of smell. Treating the underlying sinus or nasal problem often improves smell, which is why an exam to find the cause matters.
Smell training is a simple routine of regularly sniffing a set of distinct scents to help the brain and smell nerves recover. It's commonly used after viral smell loss. Your ENT provider can explain how to do it and whether it fits your situation, often alongside treatment for any nasal cause.
A brief loss during a cold is usually nothing to worry about. See an ENT if smell loss lasts more than a few weeks, comes on suddenly without a clear reason, or comes with other symptoms. A sudden loss with a severe headache, confusion, or after a head injury needs prompt medical attention.

Still have questions?

If you need help deciding whether virtual care is right for you, our team is here to assist.

Call for Assistance

Get Care for Loss of Smell Today

Smell loss has many causes, and several are treatable once you know which one is at work. ENT Urgent Care helps patients find the cause and start a plan to recover, often the same day you book.

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