What, in addition to being infected with Covid-19, can the loss of smell (and taste) indicate when it can be dangerous, and when it is impossible to postpone the visit to a doctor.
Loss of smell (anosmia) is perhaps one of the most popular phenomena today. This is because it is considered the initial sign of coronavirus infection .Pabout this feature today they determine that it is Covid-19.
There is anosmia, a complete loss of smell, and hyposmia, a partial loss. Those who have this symptom often complain not only about the inability to smell, but also about the difficulty in distinguishing between tastes, because in fact it is not associated with taste buds, but with smells.
The loss of the ability to smell is accompanied not only by the coronavirus, but also by several other diseases - from mild to very dangerous.
1. Cold or flu
The common cold, in contrast to coronavirus infection, in most cases is accompanied by swelling of the nasal mucosa and discharge. Infection with coronavirus can pass without edema, especially in the early days, but the sense of smell still disappears (but maybe with edema and a runny nose).
2. Chronic sinusitis
It is accompanied by a persistent runny nose.
3. Polyps in the nose
They can only be found on examination.
4. Acute allergies
The reason is the same severe swelling of the mucous membrane. Most often, the symptom occurs at a certain time of the year. (in spring, during flowering ) or when exposed to an irritant.
5. Head injury
Fall on the back of the head, traumatic brain injury.
6. Taking medication or being exposed to chemicals
Most often, anosmia is caused by exposure to cadmium, acrylate, magnesium. Among the drugs dangerous for the sense of smell: amphetamines, phenothiazines, enalaprin, estrogen, naphazalin, long-term use of decongestants.
7. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease
Additional signs are confusion and memory loss. Most often they occur at an older age.
8. Neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis)
The symptom often occurs in conjunction with dysfunctions of the nervous system (loss of memory, problems with vision, speech, weakness).
9. A brain tumor
Median or volumetric formations of the anterior cranial fossa. , Anosmia is accompanied by headache , disorders of the nervous system.
Also, the symptom may appear after brain surgery, after a heart attack.
In case of serious diseases, anosmia may appear several years before their severe manifestations.
When to see a doctor
- If the symptom appears suddenly.
- If it is accompanied by problems with vision, speech, swallowing, loss of balance, general weakness.
- If you have had head injuries in the past.
How to treat
- nasal spray ;
- inhalation;
- a course of antibiotics;
- radiation therapy course;
- surgical intervention.
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