Real Answers for a Life That’s Missing Something

You’re not imagining it. Food tastes flat. Favorite scents—coffee, rain, your partner’s cologne—have faded or disappeared. Maybe it happened after a sinus infection or COVID-19. Maybe it crept up over time, and now you’re realizing how much you miss the details that used to color your day. You’ve Googled. You’ve waited. Maybe someone told you there’s nothing to be done.

This page isn’t going to give you false hope. But it will explain what anosmia actually is, what causes it, and how our team at LAENT approaches it differently. We believe your sense of smell—and your quality of life—are worth fighting for. Whether your smell loss is gradual or sudden, we’ll help you explore treatment options and understand what recovery might realistically look like.

What Is Anosmia?

Anosmia means a reduced ability—or complete loss—of your sense of smell. Sometimes it's total. Other times it's partial or distorted, where pleasant smells are replaced by unpleasant odors, or you can't detect odors at all. This isn’t just about missing out on perfume or food—it can affect safety, memory, and emotional health. In rare cases, anosmia can also come with taste disorders, making eating a chore rather than a pleasure.

For many people in Los Angeles and beyond, anosmia is more than frustrating—it’s life-altering. That’s why we treat it like the serious condition it is, not a mild inconvenience.

What Causes Anosmia?

Anosmia has multiple causes, and treatment depends entirely on the root cause. In most cases, it comes down to one of three things: blocked nasal passages, damage to the olfactory nerves, or changes in how the brain processes smell.

Some common triggers include:

• Viral illnesses (like COVID-19 or the flu)
• Chronic sinus infection or inflammation
• Nasal polyps obstructing airflow
• Head trauma
• Certain medications or exposure to certain chemicals
• Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer’s
• Congenital anosmia (born without smell)

Smoking can also make things worse by damaging the nasal cavity and nerves. If you’re a smoker, a smoking cessation program may be part of your long-term treatment strategy.

What Are the Symptoms of Anosmia?

Most people notice a gradual or sudden loss of smell. Others describe a distorted sense—scents smell different, wrong, or not at all. That said, symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause.

Here’s what patients often report:

• Reduced ability to detect odors or recognize pleasant smells
• Distorted smells or phantom scents
• Changes in how food tastes (often bland or metallic)
• Trouble identifying gas leaks, smoke, or spoiled food
• Emotional dullness or detachment

If your smell and taste have changed, don’t ignore it. It’s your body’s way of signaling that something may be off.

How Is Anosmia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a conversation. We’ll ask about your medical history, recent illnesses, exposures to certain medications or chemicals, and how long your symptoms have lasted. Then, we build a plan from there.

You might receive:

• A physical exam focused on your nasal cavity and sinuses
• Nasal endoscopy to examine the nasal passages and look for obstruction or inflammation
• Olfactory function testing to assess how your brain interprets smell
• Imaging like a CT scan or MRI to rule out structural or neurological issues

We also review your patient’s prescription list and health history to spot any contributing factors.

How Is Anosmia Treated?

The best anosmia treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause, which is why we build a curated plan for each patient instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal is to restore or improve your sense of smell using the right combination of therapies tailored to your unique situation.

Common treatment options include:

• Olfactory training — structured smell therapy using familiar scents to stimulate the olfactory nerves
• Nasal corticosteroids — sprays or pills to reduce inflammation
• Antibiotics or antifungals — for infections in the nasal passages
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy — regenerative treatment using your own growth factors to encourage olfactory nerve healing
• Endoscopic sinus surgery — to remove nasal polyps or other blockages and restore normal airflow
• Lifestyle changes — such as smoking cessation, allergy control, or adjustments to your home environment

In some cases, anosmia is linked to broader smell or taste disorders that benefit from a collaborative care plan involving ENT specialists, neurologists, and ongoing monitoring.

Anosmia Treatment Benefits

Getting treated isn’t just about regaining your sense of smell—it’s about regaining a part of yourself. Even partial improvement can make a huge difference in how you move through the world.

With effective treatment, patients often experience:

• Better detection of both unpleasant odors and pleasant smells
• Renewed enjoyment of food and drinks
• Decreased risk from hazards like gas leaks or smoke
• Improved mental health and emotional clarity
• Stronger connection to memory, place, and people

This isn’t cosmetic—it’s essential. And yes, anosmia qualifies for support under the Americans with Disabilities Act in certain cases.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Anosmia Treatment?

If you’ve experienced a loss of smell—gradual or sudden—there’s a good chance we can help. You don’t need to wait for it to “go away on its own.”

Candidates often include people with:

• Post-viral or post-traumatic smell disorders
• Blockages like nasal polyps
• History of chronic sinus infections
• Neurological conditions affecting smell and taste

Age, overall health, and your ability to stick with therapy all play a role, but they’re not disqualifiers. We customize disorder treatment to your body, your lifestyle, and your goals.

What to Expect: Consultation and Preparation

Your consultation is the starting point. We’ll explore your symptoms, walk through your medical history, and do a physical exam. Based on your case, we may recommend olfactory testing or imaging the same day.

We may ask you to pause certain medications or sprays beforehand, but otherwise, no prep is needed. Bring your questions. We’ll bring options.

Your Procedure or Treatment Experience

Depending on the root cause, your treatment could be as simple as smell therapy at home, or it might involve medications or minor in-office procedures. If surgery is needed to restore airflow, it’s usually done with minimally invasive techniques like endoscopic sinus surgery.

We’ll monitor your progress with regular follow-ups and adapt as needed. No guesswork, no rushing—just responsive care.

Why Choose LAENT?

LAENT is a trusted name in Los Angeles for treating smell disorders, taste disorders, and complex ENT conditions. We don’t just follow the research—we contribute to it. Our providers work closely with leaders in the field, including collaborators from Stanford.

Here, you’ll find:

• Providers who know how to treat rare cases and common frustrations alike
• Full diagnostic and treatment support in one location
• Flexible care that adapts to your response, not a rigid protocol
• A team that listens, tracks progress, and adjusts with you

We treat the condition and the person living with it.

Learn More About Treating Anosmia in Los Angeles at LAENT

Smell is personal. So is our care. If you’ve lost your sense of smell, even if others have dismissed it, we’re here to help.

Call LAENT today to schedule your consultation for anosmia Los Angeles treatment.

Serving patients across Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

FAQ

How effective is Anosmia treatment? 

It depends on the cause. Many patients see improvement, especially with consistent therapy.

How long is the Anosmia treatment process? 

Some people see change in a few weeks; others take longer. Patience and follow-up are key.

Is Anosmia treatment safe? 

Yes. Most options are non-invasive or low-risk when supervised by a specialist.

Is Anosmia treatment covered by insurance? 

Usually. Diagnostic tests and therapy are often covered. Our team can verify your plan.

What should I do if I lost my sense of smell after a cold or COVID?

Start with a specialist evaluation. Post-viral anosmia can often improve with early treatment, like smell training or anti-inflammatory meds.

Can smell loss from sinus problems be reversed?

Yes, if the cause is structural—like polyps or chronic sinusitis—treating the blockage often restores smell.

How long after losing my sense of smell should I seek treatment?

Ideally, within a few weeks, but even long-term anosmia can improve. Don’t assume it’s too late.

What’s the most effective treatment for Anosmia?

Olfactory training is often the first step, but the best option depends on the cause—sometimes meds or surgery are needed.

Can anosmia affect mental health?

Yes. Many people experience anxiety, depression, or isolation. Regaining smell often improves emotional well-being.

Does insurance cover treatment for smell loss?

Most plans cover medically necessary diagnosis and therapy. We can help confirm what’s included.

Is there a cure for permanent anosmia?

It depends on the cause. Some cases resolve fully; others improve with time and therapy. A full evaluation is key.