THE LONDON SMELL CLINIC
It’s estimated that over 9 million people in the UK have lost their sense of smell since the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are Smell Disorders?
Smell disorders involve either a reduced sense of smell (hyposmia), complete loss of smell (anosmia), or distorted smells (parosmia or phantosmia). These problems can significantly affect quality of life, appetite, and safety (e.g., detecting smoke or gas leaks).
Common causes of Smell Disorders
- Viral infections (including COVID-19)
- Sinus or nasal problems (e.g., polyps, chronic sinusitis)
- Head injuries
- Neurological conditions
- Certain medications
- Ageing
Symptoms of Smell Disorders
- Decreased or absent smell
- Unpleasant or distorted smells (parosmia)
- Smelling things that aren’t there (phantosmia)
- Hypersensitive to specific smells (olfactory intolerance)
- Reduced taste or enjoyment of food
Diagnosis and Assessment
We perform a thorough evaluation, which includes:
- Review of medical history and medications
- Nasal examination using a small camera (nasendoscopy)
- Smell testing
- Imaging if required (e.g., MRI or CT scan)
- Blood tests
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Managing nasal inflammation (e.g., steroid sprays or rinses)
- Surgery for nasal obstruction (e.g., polyps or deviated septum)
- Smell training – a structured rehabilitation technique
- In select cases, medical therapies targeting smell recovery
When to Seek Help
If you’ve noticed a change or loss in your sense of smell lasting more than a few weeks, especially following an infection or injury, it’s important to get assessed. Early evaluation can improve outcomes.
Your Consultation
We offer specialist assessment for smell disorders with a personalised approach to diagnosis and treatment. Our goal is to identify the cause and help you regain or improve your sense of smell wherever possible.
OUR CONSULTANTS
