Anosmia is typically defined as an absence in the ability to smell, which can either be temporary or permanent. Those who have temporary or sudden onset anosmia typically have it worse off than those with congenital anosmia (people who were born without the sense, like me). Those with sudden onset often exhibit symptoms of depression and a loss of appetite.

Congenital anosmiacs for the most part feel normal, as they have nothing else to compare it to; however, in either case anosmia can be very dangerous as anosmiacs cannot smell body odors, fire, gas, or spoiled food. As for assistance with this disability, anosmiacs can find comfort in smoke and special gas detectors; however, there’s really not much to help with detecting body odor or spoiled foods, and deodorants and expiration dates can only get you so far.

And as far as anosmia goes, that’s about all I know about it. Over the life of this blog, I plan to continue my research in anosmia and share my questions, findings, favorite links, etc. to anyone who wants the info.

If you know anything I don’t, or have found a mistake in what I’ve described above, please feel free to correct me in the comments or send me an email.