The olfactory process is the delivery of odor molecules that are broken down with moisture and heat in the air to the odor area through the nose. After that, it is completed by the cells in the olfactory area and its delivery to the brain. Olfactory impairment can be seen in many people. However, the factors that cause this problem may vary.
Olfactory blindness, defined as anosmia, is the inability to smell at all. However, a bad perception of odors is cacosmia, a decrease in smell is hyposmitis. Hypersensitivity to odor is defined as hyperosmia.
What Are the Factors That Cause Olfactory Disorders?
The problem of olfactory impairment causes a lot of complaints. For example; It plays a life-saving role in factors such as feeling dangerous odors and taking precautions, being informed about fires through odors. In addition, not being able to feel the beautiful smells can lead to psychological problems in the long term.
The causes of olfactory disorders in general are:
- Failure to maintain intranasal airflow in a quality manner due to reasons such as nasal curvatures, septum deviation, etc.
- Advanced age
- Genetic factors
- A number of neurological problems
- Deterioration of the intranasal mucosa structure with problems such as sinusitis
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Poisoning with chemicals
- Hormonal imbalances
- Menopause
- Unsuccessful nose surgeries
What Methods Are Applied in the Treatment of Olfactory Disorder?
In the treatment of olfactory impairment, first of all, the factors that cause the problem should be determined. After that, the elimination of these factors is achieved. Today, many people experience olfactory impairment. First of all, the factors that prevent this sense should be eliminated.
Smell Disorders Surgery
In the treatment of olfactory impairment, the following methods are generally applied:
- treatment with medication
- nasal angle sprays
- surgical interventions
The definitive treatment method for the problem of olfactory impairment, which cannot be treated with medication or sprays, is surgery. However, a detailed diagnosis process is required beforehand. Odor field endoscopy and various odor tests are performed to investigate the factors that cause olfactory impairment.
Smell disorder surgery; eliminates problems that prevent a healthy smell in the nose. In the case of nasal curvature and deviation problems, the relevant surgical procedure is applied. In this way, it is ensured that the intranasal air circulation takes place in a qualified way.
What should be considered after olfactory impairment surgery?
After the surgical intervention in the treatment of olfactory impairment, you need to pay attention to some points. In addition to keeping the immune system strong, the area of application must be protected against any impact. In addition, it is imperative that the patient uses the medicines recommended by the doctor completely. However, it is also important that you follow your doctor’s recommendations in order to complete the healing process quickly and comfortably.
People with olfactory impairment problems have some problems in the long run. In order to avoid these problems, you must resort to treatment methods.
You can contact Op. Dr. Tayfun Demirel by filling out the contact form to get detailed information about operations and treatments.