Loss of smell can occur as a result of swelling of the nasal mucosa or other causes, which mechanically prevent the smell signal to reach the olfactory zone at the roof of the nasal cavity.
Another reason may be damage of the olfactory nerve, which often happens after an infection or injury, but there are also other possible causes.
Patients who notice this problem should not delay a visit to the ENT specialist, for sometimes immediate treatment is needed.