After the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, some expected that the loss of smell would be due to two reasons only, either to catch a cold or catch a Corona virus infection.

In fact, there are many diseases that can cause a person to lose this sense.

In this report published by the Russian website "Lisa", the writer Yulia Shipleyva said that the loss of the sense of smell is one of the phenomena that receive attention today, as it is considered the primary sign of catching a Coronavirus infection, and on the basis of which the infection is confirmed or not.

In this respect, the complete loss of odors is known as anosmia, while the impairment of smell (partial loss of the sense of smell) is known by the term hyposmia.

Often times, those who suffer from these symptoms complain of the inability to smell odors and the difficulty of distinguishing between the different tastes, since it is not related to the taste buds as much as it is related to smells.

In general, loss of smell is not only associated with the Coronavirus, but also with many other diseases ranging from normal to very serious.

The following are 10 causes of decreased ability to smell:

1- Flu and colds

The common cold in most cases may be accompanied by swelling of the nasal mucosa, in addition to secretions.

Swelling and a runny nose disrupt the sense of smell.

2- Chronic sinusitis

The author reported that when suffering from sinusitis, the sense of smell is disrupted and accompanied by a continuous runny nose.

3- Nasal polyps

Polyps - also known as "polyps" - are nodular swellings on the surface of the mucous membrane.

Nodules are made of parts of the mucous membrane, and may include a nucleus of connective tissue, often several millimeters or larger in size.

The author added that it is difficult to recognize the presence of polyps in the nose without carrying out a series of tests.

4- Sensitivity

An allergy causes swelling of the mucous membrane, as this often occurs in the spring or upon exposure to an irritant.

5- Exposure to a head injury

Falling to the back of the head and injuring the brain can disrupt the sense of smell, the author notes.

6- Taking medications or being exposed to chemicals

Most often, loss of smell is caused by exposure to cadmium (cadmium) and acrylate.

In the same vein, amphetamines, phenothiazines, enalaprin, naphazalin, and long-term use of decongestants are all medications that negatively affect the sense of smell.

7- Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease

In addition to loss of the sense of smell, confusion and memory loss, which often occurs at a later age, are among the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

8- A brain tumor

Brain tumor is associated with loss of sense of smell, headache and nervous system disorders.

The sense of smell can also be affected after the brain undergoes surgery or after a heart attack.

When should I go to a doctor?

When you lose the sense of smell suddenly, as well as problems with vision, speech, swallowing, loss of balance and general weakness, you should immediately go to the doctor or seek emergency services, especially if symptoms develop quickly.