Sense of Smell
by Betty Mitchell RN BSN
Parish Nurse, Emmanuel Bethel Church, Royal Oak, Michigan
It is through our sense of smell that we are able to enjoy the things around us, including the delightful fragrance of flowers and the aroma of foods. Sometimes we are alerted to danger with our sense of smell as in the case of a fire, gas leak or spoiled food.
Over time, aging will cause a decrease in the sense of smell. As a result, you may be unaware of this loss until an incident occurs bringing it to your attention.
The sensory cells detecting smell are located in tissue high inside the nose. The most common way to smell is by inhaling or sniffing through the nose. However, you also smell through an area on the roof of the mouth leading to the nose. If your nose is congested it is difficult to taste your food when you chew.
Our sense of smell and taste are two distinct areas in the brain, even though they are closely related. Taste is detected through the taste buds located on the tongue, roof of the mouth and in the throat.
Weight loss is not unusual with a decrease in the sense of smell, since food does not seem to have the flavor it once did. Sometimes people will add sugar or salt to food that does not seem to taste right. This may result in weight gain and/or other health problems.
Common accidents that may occur with a decreased sense of smell include those related to cooking, eating or drinking spoiled or toxic substances and not detecting a gas leak or a fire.
There is a variety of conditions that may decrease the sense of smell temporarily. Sinus infections, smoking, dental problems and some medications may also cause a temporary decrease in the sense of smell. It is always best to talk to your doctor if you notice a change in your ability to smell to determine if it is a normal event of aging or some other disorder that can be treated.
Source: www.nihseniorhealth.gov/problemswithsmell/
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing… (2 Corinthians 2:15)
