About Anosmia
Key Highlights
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Accurate diagnosis of the root cause of smell loss.Non-invasive initial evaluation with smell identification tests.Personalized treatment plan based on the specific etiology.Potential to restore smell function, depending on the cause.Improvement in quality of life, safety (e.g., detecting gas leaks, spoiled food), and enjoyment of flavors.
Who is this surgery for?
- Complete or partial loss of smell (anosmia or hyposmia).
- Persistent nasal congestion or obstruction.
- History of recent upper respiratory infection (post-viral anosmia).
- Previous head trauma or sinus surgery.
- Suspected nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis.
- Neurological symptoms accompanying smell loss.
- Concern about safety due to inability to detect smoke or gas.
How to prepare
- Compile a detailed medical history, including onset, duration, and any associated events like infections or injuries.
- List all current medications, supplements, and allergies.
- Avoid using nasal decongestant sprays for 24-48 hours before the appointment if possible.
- Refrain from smoking or using strong perfumes on the day of the evaluation.
- Be prepared to discuss any changes in taste, as smell and taste are closely linked.
Risks & possible complications
- Diagnostic procedures like nasal endoscopy are generally low-risk but may cause minor discomfort or brief nosebleeds.
- If surgery (e.g., polyp removal) is recommended, risks include bleeding, infection, recurrence, or very rarely, changes in nasal shape or cerebrospinal fluid leak.
- Some causes of anosmia, such as nerve damage, may have limited treatment options, leading to permanent loss.
- Potential for disappointment if smell does not return despite treatment.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery depends entirely on the treatment provided. For diagnostic evaluation only, there is no downtime.
- After nasal surgery, expect nasal packing, congestion, and mild discomfort for a few days. Full healing may take several weeks.
- Post-operative care includes saline nasal rinses, avoiding strenuous activity, and taking prescribed medications.
- Smell training therapy, if prescribed, requires daily, consistent practice over months.
- Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and treatment response.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (for diagnosis) or 1-2 days (if surgery is required)
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Expected recovery time: Varies: No recovery for diagnosis; 2-4 weeks for post-surgical healing; months for smell training therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering anosmia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for anosmia in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform anosmia. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for anosmia compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 1.5 Thousand – 150 Thousand | 0 days (for diagnosis) or 1-2 days (if surgery is required) | ~ Varies: No recovery for diagnosis; 2-4 weeks for post-surgical healing; months for smell training therapy | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 5.25 Thousand – 525 Thousand | 0 days (for diagnosis) or 1-2 days (if surgery is required) | ~ Varies: No recovery for diagnosis; 2-4 weeks for post-surgical healing; months for smell training therapy | Know More |
Top hospitals for Anosmia in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing anosmia.
Sarah Malhotra, a 28-year-old pastry chef,...
Sarah Malhotra, a 28-year-old pastry chef, lost her sense of smell completely after a severe bout of COVID-19 six months ago. Her world became flat and colorless; she could no longer taste her creations, a core part of her identity and livelihood. She experienced weight loss and constant anxiety about food safety, nearly burning a pan because she couldn't smell the smoke. Her ENT, Dr. Sharma, recommended a course of olfactory training, a structured, daily practice of sniffing strong essential oils (rose, lemon, clove, eucalyptus) to potentially 'retrain' her brain. For four months, Sarah diligently sniffed the vials each morning and evening, often feeling frustrated and hopeless. Gradually, around month three, she began to get faint, distorted whiffs of lemon. By month five, she could clearly identify rose and clove. While not fully restored, her smell returned to about 60%. She cried the first time she properly tasted her lemon tart again. The emotional journey was from profound loss and career-threatening despair to cautious hope and a regained, deeply cherished connection to her passion.
ENT Specialists for Anosmia
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform anosmia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore