Anosmia Awareness Day Sheds Light on Loss of Sense of Smell
February 27 marks Anosmia Awareness Day, a day dedicated to educating and raising awareness about the causes of the loss of the sense of smell and its impact on individuals, known as Anosmia. This day also aims to support the research, development, and application of treatments for this disorder.
The origin of Anosmia Awareness Day dates back to 2012, thanks to the initiative of Daniel Schein, an American man with olfactory dysfunction. Schein created an event page on Facebook to establish the date of celebration of this anniversary, as well as promote the practice of wearing red clothing to show support for this cause.
Various charities, such as Fifth Sense in the United Kingdom, and smell and taste centers like The Monell Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have shown their support for Anosmia Awareness Day by organizing international awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts.
Anosmia is the total or partial loss of the sense of smell, whether it is temporary or permanent. Some of the main causes of anosmia include respiratory infections, chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and brain damage. The consequences and impact of anosmia on individuals range from affecting natural alert mechanisms to causing social isolation, decreased pleasure, and even depression.
Prevention measures to avoid the loss of smell include avoiding prolonged exposure to toxic products, staying hydrated, and applying antiviral vaccines like the flu and Covid vaccines. While there is no specific treatment for anosmia, consulting a specialist doctor, such as an internist or otorhinolaryngologist, can help in treating the underlying causes to partially or totally recover the ability to smell.
Some interesting facts about anosmia and the sense of smell include the estimate that 1 in 8 people may experience some loss of smell, and the importance of the interaction between the senses of taste and smell in appreciating the flavor of food. Additionally, studies have shown that a significant number of patients with Covid-19 experience changes in smell, with the majority recovering their sense of smell spontaneously.
On Anosmia Awareness Day, let us continue to spread awareness and support those affected by this disorder, while also advocating for research and treatments to improve the quality of life for individuals living with Anosmia.