ANOSMIA AWARENESS DAY
Anosmia Awareness Day on February 27th brings attention to a condition causing a loss of smell. Of all our senses, smell perhaps is taken for granted more than any other.
#AnosmiaAwarenessDay
There are many causes of Anosmia. The most common reasons are due to upper respiratory or sinus/nasal infections or diseases. We’ve all experienced a cold or allergy that’s temporarily prevented us from smelling.
However, other conditions cause a permanent or long-term loss of the sense. When anosmia symptoms are prolonged or lifelong, many anosmics do not get to enjoy the flavor of foods, the scent of an infant or use their sense of smell as an early warning system for danger.
Our olfactory sense has a powerful effect on memories and emotions. When we lose this sense, the impact is terrific. Anosmia Awareness Day provides an opportunity to learn more about the condition and where to go for support.
HOW TO OBSERVE ANOSMIA AWARENESS DAY
- Learn more about anosmia by reading. We recommend Season to Taste: How I Lost My Sense of Smell and Found My Way by Molly Birnbaum and A World Without Smells by Lars Lundqvist.
- Explore your world and the smells in it. What would it be like without those odors? Smoke, mold, and sweat serve as warning signals to us. Other smells play positive roles in our lives. What are they and how would losing them impact your life?
- Share your experiences with loss of smell.
- Learn more about anosmia and how to find treatment, visit anosmiaawareness.org. Resources across the country support those with anosmia.
- Use #AnosmiaAwarenessDay to share on social media.
ANOSMIA AWARENESS DAY HISTORY
Daniel Schein founded Anosmia Awareness Day in 2012 to provide improved educational opportunities and support to those with olfactory conditions.
Anosmia FAQ
Q. Are some people born without the ability to smell?
A. Yes, but it is an extremely rare condition called congenital anosmia.
Q. What are the five senses?
A. The five senses are:
- smell
- taste
- hearing
- sight
- touch
Q. Do we lose our sense of smell as we age?
A. Our sense of smell may fade as we grow older. In fact, all our senses may be impacted by aging. Our eyesight becomes weaker. Foods begin to taste bland. We turn up the television or radio because our hearing isn’t what it used to be. We may become more sensitive to touch.
