Losing your sense of smell can have significant consequences for your health, according to recent research on anosmia, a common condition that affects nearly one in four people.
What’s Anosmia?
Anosmia is the complete or partial loss of the sense of smell. An individual can be born with anosmia or develop it later on, such as in the case of COVID patients. Evidence shows that 60% of people diagnosed with COVID are prone to experiencing anosmia as a side effect.
The good news? Most gained all or some of their sense of smell back over time.
One Study’s Findings
In a new study published in Nature Communications in October 2024, 52 volunteers—comprised of a mix of people born with anosmia and those with a normal sense of smell—had their breathing monitored over 24 hours. An analysis of the data showed that those with a normal sense of smell had small inhalations, or sniffs, during each breath, while those with anosmia did not.
These little inhalations are known as the sniff response, which tells the brain about good and bad smells. For example, if you go into a bakery, the sniff response helps your brain sense that it is a nice-smelling place and will prompt you to take a deeper breath.
The findings are important because they allow doctors to “identify lifelong anosmia just based on the respiratory pattern,” said Lior Gorodisky, the study’s lead author.
Anosmia’s Impact on Overall Health
In addition to discovering that anosmia causes different breath patterns, the study’s authors noted that prior research has linked anosmia to negative outcomes, such as dulled emotions, depression and shortened lifespans.
A study published in August 2024 also revealed another downside of anosmia. It found that individuals who lost their sense of smell due to COVID experienced functional, behavioral and structural brain changes.2
The bottom line? A well-functioning sense of smell is crucial for a good quality of life.
If you’re struggling with breathing issues of any kind, request an appointment with one of our providers today!