Smell is one of our most fundamental of senses. A portion of the nasal tissue is made up of special nerves that are nasal on one side and brain on the other and these connect to the first cranial nerve. The interaction of air with these nerves creates not only our sense of smell but also one of our greatest memory triggers. These nerves are very delicate though and if they are attacked or injured, the damage may be irrevocable.
Any sustained change or progression of decreased in one’s sense of smell are indicative of the need for a thorough exam of the nasal cavity. It’s common sense that a week or two of decreased sense of smell from a cold or allergies are not a reason for concern; however, but it is best to be aggressive if this persists. There are numerous other causes that might not be so obvious like a misaligned septum or polyps that restrict airflow, or tumors or trauma that have damaged the brain.
It’s obvious that a week or two of decrease in one’s sense of smell from a cold or allergies is not a cause for concern; however, if this persists for any extended period time it wise to be aggressive in seeking medical attention. There are numerous other causes like a misaligned septum, polyps that restrict airflow, or tumors or trauma that have damaged the brain. At Wagner ENT we are committed to helping identify and treat these sorts of conditions and we encourage anyone experiencing difficulties like this to contact us to arrange for a thorough exam of the nasal cavity.