ScienceToday

Smoking

Besides being a very unhealthy habit, smoking can also contribute to anosmia. The more you are exposed to pollution and tobacco smoke, the more chances you have of losing your sense of smell. Smoking affects your ability to sense certain smells and lessens your sense of taste.

According to Dr. Teitelbaum, studies have proven that smoking can attack and destroy the neurons responsible for the smell. However, on a more positive note, the loss of smell isn’t permanent, but you have to quit smoking. There’s no other way around.

Dr. Teitelbaum continued saying that nerves will start to repair themselves within 48 hours. Nevertheless, it will take up to three months until the sense of smell will be fully back and you’ll have full function within twelve months. You have to be patient and say bye-bye to cigarettes forever.

Chemicals

Your sense of smell could also be affected by strong chemicals like pesticides and solvents because they could burn the inside of your nose. The bad news, the damage could be permanent, Dr. Teitelbaum said.

“There is much we do not know yet about how nerves regenerate. Research into figuring out these pathways and how to stimulate regrowth is ongoing. For now, we know enough to tell people to protect themselves against harmful odorants,” he added.

Dr. Teitelbaum also suggested checking the labels before using any type of chemical sprays or products. To avoid the risk of losing your sense of smell forever, make sure to use a protective mask that covers your nose when working with such products.