Changes in your sense of smell

How your sense of smell works

Our sense of smell is part of a chemical sensing system. Sensory cells called olfactory cells high up in the nose recognise smells. They connect directly to the brain. Our sense of smell is closely linked to the sense of taste. We recognise different flavours mainly through our sense of smell.

If the olfactory cells are damaged, telling the difference between some flavours such as coffee and oranges can be difficult.

Treatments that can change your sense of smell

Some types of surgery and radiotherapy to treat nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers damage the olfactory nerve cells. This can affect the sense of smell.

If you’ve had your nose packed after surgery, you won’t be able to smell anything. Once the pack is removed, it may improve.

It can take up to a few months or longer for your sense of smell to come back. If you had little or no sense of smell before your operation, losing your sense of smell might be permanent.

Radiotherapy to the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses may also affect how well you can smell.

Read more about radiotherapy to the nasal cavity

Coping with changes to your sense of smell

We can take our sense of smell for granted. It often plays a big part in how we experience the world. It can also make us aware of dangers, such as smoke from a fire, leaking gas, or other chemicals.

Food, flowers and perfumes are only a few of many pleasant aromas we enjoy in life.

If cancer or its treatment changes how well you can smell, it can be more difficult to cope with than many people expect.

Loss of smell and taste can sometimes lead to loss of appetite and weight loss because eating is no longer as enjoyable.

You can vary textures within a meal or try spicy foods for a sensation on your tongue. This can help you to enjoy eating again.

Smell retraining can be possible if the organs that detect smells (the olfactory bulbs) have not been surgically removed. Ask your doctor if this would be helpful for your situation.

Read about tips to help with taste changes and loss of appetite

Safety issues

If you have lost your sense of smell it is important to be very safety conscious, especially when using ovens and fires.

Be sure that you have plenty of working smoke alarms throughout your home. Use electricity instead of gas. Always read the labels on bottles of chemicals that you use.

Many strong chemicals require that you use them outside or in a very well ventilated room.