Experts are calling for screening to identify people with smell loss after a major new study – but there is one simple life hack you can do to improve your nasal health
Having a bad sense of smell could predict, and even cause, over 130 diseases, scientists say.
Experts are calling for screening to identify people with smell loss arguing that the sense has been ignored by the medical establishment and seen as less important than others such as sight and hearing. A research paper by the University of East Anglia is highlighting how the medical profession “typically receives little or no education on the topic of smell and taste and their related disorders”.
Lead researcher Prof Carl Philpott, of UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “A good sense of smell is vital for physical and mental health, and social wellbeing.
“However, smell remains a ‘Cinderella sense’ which has lagged behind sight and hearing in terms of its perceived importance. Smell health underpins good nutrition, cognitive function, and psychological resilience. But national public health agendas around the world rarely consider smell health.
“Even before the emergence of Covid-19, smell disorders were very common but under-rated, under-researched, and under-treated sensory loss.
“Smell issues occur in at least 139 different neurological, physical, and inherited conditions. Research suggests smell loss may play a causal role because it often appears early and can predict future health issues.
“Increasing evidence has shown that smell loss is an independent risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, increased frailty and reduced longevity.”
Anosmia is the medical term for the absence of the sense of smell, whilst hyposmia refers to a reduced sense of smell.
Some people are born lacking a working sense of smell while others can lose it as a result of chronic conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis or following a viral infection. Smoking can also contribute to smell loss.
In some cases diseases of the nervous system such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s may appear after the onset of a loss of the sense of smell.
The research team, writing in the journal Clinical Otolaryngology, are calling for an education awareness campaign on smell health and targeted public health policies that make it a priority.
Prof Philpott added: Prof Philpott said: “The sense of smell should be promoted as an essential pillar of health, as it enables good nutrition and cognitive and psychological well-being.
“We recommend developing smell health educational programmes and awareness campaigns, introducing smell screening and developing and implementing smell health policies across all sectors of society.
“Inclusive efforts are particularly needed to ensure equity and diversity, particularly given the current demographic as those seeking help are typically not from a diverse cross-section of the community.”
What you can do about it
The charity SmellTaste, for people suffering with loss of smell, recommends sinus rinsing.
This is a simple procedure that requires you to ‘sniff’ clean salt water into your nostrils to remove debris as well as helping to keep the nose and sinuses clean, healthy and moist.
The organisation says it can also help reduce inflammation to make breathing – and potentially smelling – easier.
The SmellTaste website states : “Sinus rinsing is particularly effective for anyone with a sinonasal disorder or allergy as it can help reduce the swelling and inflammation that these conditions cause.
“That said, we recommend it to anyone. Many of us live in polluted towns and cities and spend lots of time in centrally heated or air conditioned homes or offices. The germs, stuffy air and general dirt caused by these environmental factors can cause the nose and sinuses to be bunged up and potentially make breathing difficult, regardless of any loss of smell. Sinus rinsing is a safe, easy and cheap way of combating this.”
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How to do it
“The procedure involves dissolving 1 flat spoon of salt (canning, pickling or sea salt – NOT table salt) and 1 flat spoon of Bicarbonate of Soda into 1 pint of boiled water that has cooled. “Once all the salts have dissolved, then it is time to start douching. Ideally you should use a sinus rinse bottle – an online search will bring up details of how to obtain one of these. The sinus rinse bottle can be squeezed to direct the saline solution up each nostril.
“Alternatively, use a neti pot, the cup of your hand, or a saucer, close one nostril with your hand then sniff the solution up your nose and let it run out. Repeat this sniffing action at least three times up each nostril under your nose feels more comfortable or there is no more debris coming out.
“Try not to swallow the salty solution otherwise you will feel sick! Your pharmacist may be able to provide you with other products that do the same job if you prefer.”
