Understanding Congenital Anosmia: Insights Needed
I am a 19-year-old female, standing at 5'2" and weighing around 140 pounds. As highlighted in the title, I have been unable to perceive any odors since birth, and my ENT specialist has been unable to identify a reason for this condition. I underwent an MRI to evaluate the condition of my olfactory bulb and to rule out any unusual brain anomalies; fortunately, the results were completely normal. Structurally, my nose appears to be typical, and I have no difficulties with breathing. Additionally, there is no history of olfactory issues within my family. Although I contracted COVID-19 at one point, my inability to smell predates that illness, and my condition remained unchanged afterward. I recognize that the sense of smell is among the least studied of human capabilities. It’s puzzling that, given the advancements in medical science, the underlying cause for the absence of such a fundamental sense has yet to be uncovered. While I’m unsure about what specifically I am seeking from this forum, I am curious to hear the opinions of medical professionals here on Reddit regarding this matter.
Answers (1)
2/18/2026, 3:30:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience with congenital anosmia. It’s understandable to seek insights into a condition that significantly impacts your everyday life, especially since it's not commonly discussed.
Main Points: You have congenital anosmia, which means you have never been able to smell due to a lack of function in the olfactory system. Your MRI results were normal, indicating no structural abnormalities in your brain. While the cause remains unclear, there are some supportive measures you might consider.
Explanation: Congenital anosmia is a condition that can occur without a clear cause, and many individuals with this condition do not have any accompanying symptoms. The fact that your structural imaging is normal is a positive sign, as it rules out many potential causes. The sense of smell can influence taste and play a role in daily experiences, which is why it's natural to seek understanding and ways to manage life without this sense.
Next Steps:
-
Explore Adaptive Strategies:
- Consider enhancing your experience of flavor by focusing on the textures and temperatures of foods, which can make meals more enjoyable.
- Experiment with strong flavors (spicy, sweet, sour) to enhance your culinary experiences.
-
Connect with Supportive Communities:
- Look for online forums or groups where individuals with anosmia share their experiences, tips, and coping strategies. This can help you feel more connected and understood.
-
Educate Yourself:
- Research more about anosmia through reputable resources such as the Smell and Taste Association of North America or similar organizations. Understanding more about your condition may empower you and provide comfort.
-
Consider Regular Check-Ins:
- Since your condition is stable, consider periodic follow-ups with your ENT specialist to monitor any changes or advances in research regarding anosmia.
It’s natural to have questions and even frustrations about living with congenital anosmia. If you have specific aspects you'd like to explore further or ways in which you'd like to adapt, feel free to share. I'm here to help!
Related Questions
Worries Regarding a Skin Growth
As a 20-year-old man in good health with no previously recognized medical issues, I'm reaching out due to some concerns about a mole located on my back. This mole has generally been larger than average, but I’ve recently observed changes that are causing me some anxiety. It now has an irregular border and displays minor differences in coloration. If anyone has insights or advice, I would appreciate it!
Seeking Help to Identify a Rash
Hello everyone, I need assistance with a skin issue I’ve encountered. Over the course of the past month, I’ve experienced this rash on two separate occasions, each lasting around three days. Alongside this, I’m also dealing with significant symptoms of an infection. I have concerns that it could be linked to Lyme disease, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), or possibly another bacterial infection. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! For context, I’m 31 years old, assigned female at birth, not currently on any medications, residing in Germany, and my measurements are 163 cm in height and 60 kg in weight.
Uncertainty About My Recent Biopsy Procedures
Hello, I'm a 22-year-old woman who had two biopsies done today at my dermatologist's office—one on my arm for a dark mole and the other on my breast. I'm feeling quite perplexed because they performed shave biopsies for both sites. Is it common practice to use shave biopsies for breast lumps? I believed that procedures like mammograms would typically precede any invasive biopsies, especially given that my lump is located near the skin's surface. This has left me wondering why they opted for a shave biopsy in this instance. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Am I Overreacting? Is This a Common Occurrence?
I’m a 19-year-old female, weighing 150 pounds and standing at 5’1”. I’m currently on bupropion and fluoxetine, and I don’t smoke or consume alcohol. To manage my psoriasis, I use a specific shampoo and I have a diagnosis of keratosis pilaris. Lately, I've observed something peculiar: whenever I itch my arms or legs—regardless of the cause, be it a bug bite or merely a casual scratch—red, slightly elevated lines appear in the exact spots I touched, and these lines feel warm. Initially, I thought this was something typical for white people, but then a friend pointed out that she experiences white lines that disappear quickly after scratching. What could be the reason behind this? Is this type of reaction common? I don’t want to take up a doctor’s time with this issue since it’s not painful, but I do frequently receive questions about the large red streaks on my skin. The scratching often happens due to my anxiety, which triggers it repeatedly.
Yeast Infection or Just Normal Discharge? Seeking Advice
Medical Background: I’m a 23-year-old cisgender woman, measuring 157 cm in height and weighing 52 kg, with no history of smoking. The situation arose yesterday, on February 16, and I do not take any medications or use contraception. I want to clarify that I am celibate, eliminating the possibility of sexually transmitted infections. I have a good understanding of my menstrual health, including how my discharge varies throughout my cycle. Typically, I experience a small amount of white discharge immediately following my period, egg white-like discharge during ovulation, and increased white discharge in the luteal phase, which is greater than what I notice post-period. Currently, I am five days past ovulation (I felt some discomfort on my right ovary on February 11), and yesterday morning I observed some discharge that raised my concern. As of today (the night following the observation), I have not experienced any further discharge or symptoms. Normally, I find that my luteal phase discharge is white, consistent with past experiences, but this particular instance appears clumpy, in contrast to my usual creamy, lotion-like texture. Is it possible that this could be indicative of a yeast infection? I should note that there is no odor or itching, and I do not have any pain while urinating.