 | Michelle Gaborie LPN has been the Administrator for 5 years at Carrington Place and was previously the DON for 3.5 years. She has also been an LPN since 1992. For more information please contact Carrington Place 1909 E 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762, phone: 620-235-1212 |
Health & Wellness
2013-01-02 14:54:34
Losing sense of smell
Q-My Mom tells me she is not able to smell things like she used to. Is this common and are there treatments?
A-While nearly all of us experience the aggravation and loss of enjoyment that occurs when we lose our sense of smell (and consequently taste) when we have a common head cold, age –related diminished sense of smell is another matter. About one quarter of Americans over the age of 55 and nearly two-thirds of those over the age of 80 have difficulty with smell. The sense of smell naturally declines over time, but there may also be temporary and treatable cases. For instance, medications such as amphetamines, estrogen, phenothiazines, prolonged use of nasal decongestants, and some zinc- based products may reduce smelling ability. Nasal obstructions may also be blamed. Diagnosis is necessary because smelling ability ensures safety as well as life enjoyment.
P.S. We rely on our sense of smell to guard against eating spoiled foods and increasing awareness of dangerous smoke (and fire).
