Learn about Anosmia Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Anosmia and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Anosmia

Anosmia, the complete loss of the sense of smell, is not a procedure but a medical condition diagnosed and managed by an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist. The diagnostic process involves a comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying cause, which can range from nasal obstructions like polyps or sinusitis to post-viral damage, head trauma, or neurological disorders. The ENT specialist will perform a detailed medical history, a physical examination of the nasal passages, and specialized smell identification tests. Treatment is entirely dependent on the diagnosed cause and may include medications, surgery to remove obstructions, or smell training therapy. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate management strategy and improving the patient's quality of life.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (for diagnosis) or 1-2 days (if surgery is required)
  • checked 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.

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.

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Manipal Hospital Dwarka

  • IconDelhi, India
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2478+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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1837+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salem

  • IconSalem, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
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98+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

  • IconBangalore, India
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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12320+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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185+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
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872+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Millers Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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418+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
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418+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
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156+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
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181+ Rating

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Muthu kumar s
  • 16 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Gayatri Pandit
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Diptarka Bhattacharyya
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. J Jayabaskar
  • 9 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shalina Ray
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anitha Kumari AM
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vijay Rangachari
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Alok Banka
  • 18 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. EV Raman
  • 43 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Girish Rai
  • 38 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Bathi Reddy
  • 36 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Anitha Kumari AM
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Satish Nair
  • 29 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Parvinderjit Singh Kohli
  • 20 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. Vishal Sharma
  • 10 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. Praveen Kumar R
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

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Dr. Dathathri HA
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

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Dr. Arun Raykar N Raykar
  • 19 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Shalini Bansal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. Shanthala MN
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated