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[wilbrish]

I have no idea if this is related to aging or something else.  I can go to doc about it, and probably will, but would like others' experiences, too.  It started about a year ago (I'm' 48).  It really makes a difference in terms of being aware of surroundings, etc.  If I can't smell, it's like going without my glasses: I feel I am not really "present."

Anyone else have this trouble?

[alto_stratus]

I'm not having this trouble, but a loss of smell can be caused by an infection or a growth, so it's best to go earlier than later.  It's a simple procedure to rule out these problems. 

[voxprincipalis]

Do you use Zicam gel swabs? If so, and if you remember being sick around when your loss of smell occurred, that could be it. Anosmia is a rare but serious side effect of putting zinc in your nose, especially if you happen to have put it where it isn't supposed to be.

(The tablets have no such risks, for those who are curious.)

VP

[obprof]

Do you have new allergies?

[wilbrish]

Allergies may explain it, since I seem to be somewhat congested at night.  Did I mention I have two cats and a dusty house?  Hmm...

[marfa]

There was a spell about 12 years ago (mid 30s) when I was having loads of sinus problems.  Had sinus infections 3-4 times a year that lasted 4-8 weeks.  On all sorts of meds  for those.  And at some point, I lost my sense of smell.  Well, that's not quite correct.  Suddenly everything smelled the same--a kind of chemical smell.  Coffee, shampoo, everything smelled the same.  Went to an ENT who stuck the camera up and didn't see anything, had blood tests (found a slight thyroid problem), but nothing was ever definitively named as the culprit.   Eventually, I started using a neti pot and taking Guaifenesin regularly. And it gradually came back.

I found it a good dieting technique--nothing smelled or tasted interesting.

Go to your ENT.