Call your health care provider if the loss of smell continues, is getting worse, or if you have other unexplained symptoms.

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and current symptoms. Questions may include:

• Time pattern
  • When did this problem develop?
  • Have you always had problems with your sense of smell?
  • Is the problem getting worse?
• Quality
  • Are all odors affected or only certain types?
  • Can you taste food?
• Aggravating factors
  • Do you have a cold or other upper respiratory infection?
  • Do you have allergies?
  • Do you have chronic sinusitis?
  • What medications do you take?
• Other
  • What other symptoms do you have?

The doctor will look at your nose and surrounding structures. Tests that may be performed include:

• CT scan
• MRI scan
• Nasal endoscopy
• Olfactory nerve testing
• X-rays of the skull

In some cases, surgery (biopsy) to remove a piece of the cells responsible for smell (olfactory epithelium) may be needed to make a diagnosis.

If the loss of sense of smell is caused by a stuffy nose (nasal congestion), decongestants or antihistamines may be prescribed.

A vaporizer or humidifier may prevent mucus from drying and improve nasal discharge.

Steroid nasal sprays or pills may be recommended.

Vitamin A may be given by mouth or with a shot (injection).