Smell and taste disorders
Anosmia and ageusia treatment
At The Harley Street Nose Clinic, we understand that disturbances to your sense of smell (anosmia) or taste (ageusia) can have a serious impact on your enjoyment of everyday life. Our specialist Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeons can help our patients restore and manage these vital senses, regaining the ability to fully enjoy flavours and scents once more.
“I came to see Dr Roberts on the advice of a friend. Dr Roberts instantly made me feel comfortable and relaxed. He examined my nose and felt that injectable fillers would be the best way to treat my case. He was so right. With just a small amount of filler he balanced my nose and made a huge difference. I am so, so pleased with the results. It has given me my confidence back. I wish I had found Dr Roberts earlier. I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
Mrs L NichollsWhat causes a loss of smell?
Loss of a sense of smell can occur because of nasal blockage, sinusitis or other conditions that prevent odorants (smell particles) from reaching the sensitive nerve endings that detect smell in the roof of the nose. This is called conductive anosmia.
Loss of smell can also occur due to head injuries or complications from a severe cold or viral infection or, in some cases, a previous surgery. The delicate nerve endings of the olfactory (smell) nerves are quite prone to damage (causing sensorineural anosmia). Fortunately, these olfactory nerve cells have the potential ability to repair themselves.
Loss of taste
Loss of smell can also affect taste. Although the tongue is responsible for the perception of five broad tastes (salt, sweet, bitter, sour and umami), the nuances of flavour are very much dependent on a good sense of smell.
How is anosmia diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, careful examination of the nose and sometimes CT or MRI imaging.
Accurate diagnosis enables tailored treatment and avoids ineffective approaches such as multiple courses of antibiotics. Appropriate medical treatment can often restore the sense of smell, but sometimes endoscopic sinus surgery is required to achieve the best results.
Treatments for anosmia
While spontaneous recovery can occur, early treatment may improve recovery rates. Treatments may include the use of topical nasal steroids, trace element supplementation and smell retraining.
Surgery has a role in correcting nasal obstruction to improve airflow and reduce inflammatory conditions such as nasal polyps.
Loss of Taste and Smell after Covid-19
Viruses such as Covid-19 can damage your olfactory sensory neurons – the nerves which help you to smell. While most people will regain their sense of smell and taste after around 60 days, there are some treatments that can help.
At The Harley Street Nose Clinic, we can help you if you’ve lost your sense of taste and smell and suspect it may be Covid-19 related. We start by ruling out other causes, as there are various conditions that can mimic these symptoms.
Non-surgical medical interventions for loss of taste and smell that can be helpful include smell retaining, Omega-3 and Zinc supplements.
How We Can Help
Our team of experienced ENT specialists at The Harley Street Nose Clinic offers a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating anosmia and ageusia. From initial consultation to advanced diagnostic imaging and personalised treatment plans, we are committed to helping you regain your senses of smell and taste, enhancing your quality of life. If you are experiencing any issues with your sense of smell or taste, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Clinics Across London
We work from a range of London based locations, including Harley Street, Marylebone, and The Shard at London Bridge.