Some people have an olfactory disorder that is congenital and some people develop it later. A person's inadequacy in their sense of smell is often encountered due to psychiatric diseases. However, while olfactory disorder, which can also occur due to the use of certain medications or a surgical intervention performed in the nose area, remains a permanent damage for some people, it is a treatable symptom for some patients. Common conditions and diseases that cause olfactory disorder due to an illness are as follows:
- Aging
- Cold, flu, allergies
- Sinus infection
- Salivary gland disease
- Nasal polyps
- Concussion or head trauma
- Dementia or Alzheimer's disease
- Dry mouth problem
- Radiation therapy in the head or neck area
- Smoking and drug use
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Skull base tumors