Definition of Smell, inability to Smell, inability to: No sense
of smell is called anosmia. It can be due to loss of the sense
of smell or failure for it to develop. Loss of the sense of
smell can be due to a number of things including swelling within
the nose that prevents odors from gaining access to the
olfactory (smell) area. The swelling may be from a cold or
allergy. Head trauma is also a cause of anosmia. Failure of the
sense of smell to develop is a key feature of a disorder called
Kallmann syndrome (Kallmannn syndrome = anosmia + hypogonadism).
Most people with anosmia have normal perception of salty, sweet,
sour, and bitter substances but they lack flavor discrimination,
which is largely dependent on olfaction (smell). Therefore, they
often complain of losing the sense of taste (ageusia). Treatment
of any bacterial or allergic cause of rhinitis and sinusitis and
removal of nasal polyps usually results in recovery of the sense
of smell.Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary Last Editorial
Review: 6/14/