Rapidly progressive loss of smell
If your ability to smell deteriorates significantly within weeks or months, this may indicate a progressive disease such as a brain tumor, neurological degeneration, or chronic sinusitis, which requires timely diagnosis.
Why your sense of smell can signal poor health
The olfactory nerve is unique because it is in constant contact with the environment and is directly connected to the brain. Damage to it can reflect not only local problems in the nose, but also deeper systemic or neurological diseases. In the elderly or seriously ill, the loss of smell may coincide with the way the body conserves energy for vital functions, suggesting impaired sensory perception.
When to seek immediate medical attention
You should consult a doctor with caution if the loss of smell is:
Sudden and unexplained
Associated with neurological changes
Accompanied by severe headache, vision problems, or balance problems
Rapidly progressive without improvement
