Anosmia: 👃 Failing the smell test

When the nose knows nothing In the early days of the covid-19 pandemic, reports started coming in of patients experiencing loss of smell—or anosmia, as it’s known medically. While it seems like one of the least troubling covid symptoms, loss of smell has far-reaching implications, from personal safety to intimacy and appetite issues. Yet not a lot is known about it. Maybe because anosmia isn’t a life-threatening disorder, the medical community has really whiffed on giving it the attention it deserves. There’s no cure for people born without a sense of smell—as yet, no one has invented a “smelling aid”—and the condition is unlikely to be covered by insurance. Considering how essential smell is to human survival and enjoyment, there’s no sense in ignoring this sense. 🐦 [Tweet this!]( 🌐 [View this email on the web]( [Quartz Weekly Obsession] Anosmia December 01, 2021 When the nose knows nothing --------------------------------------------------------------- In the early days of the covid-19 pandemic, reports started coming in of patients experiencing loss of smell—or anosmia, as it’s known medically. While it seems like one of the least troubling covid symptoms, loss of smell has far-reaching implications, from personal safety to intimacy and appetite issues. Yet not a lot is known about it. Maybe because anosmia isn’t a life-threatening disorder, the medical community has really whiffed on giving it the attention it deserves. There’s no cure for people born without a sense of smell—as yet, no one has invented a “smelling aid”—and the condition is unlikely to be covered by insurance. Considering how essential smell is to human survival and enjoyment, there’s no sense in ignoring this sense. 🐦 [Tweet this!]( 🌐 [View this email on the web]( By the digits [6 million:]( Number of olfactory receptors found in the noses of humans. In comparison, dogs have up to 300 million. [1 trillion:]( Smells a human nose can detect [3.2%:]( Share of Americans who have anosmia [23%:]( Share of Americans over the age of 40 who report some alteration in their sense of smell [5%:]( Proportion of the world population that is anosmic [10%:]( Share of people who experienced anosmia in connection with a covid infection who still report problems with smell and taste six months later Explain it like I’m 5! Like someone switched off your nose --------------------------------------------------------------- Our sense of smell relies on our nose’s olfactory receptor neurons—nerve cells that come into contact with the air as we breathe in and pass on signals to the brain. They’re the only nerves in the body that interact with the environment, which is why they’re so [susceptible to a virus attack](. Anosmia is one of the most commonly reported neurological symptoms of coronavirus, but [temporary or permanent loss]( of smell can also be caused by tumors, hay fever, head trauma, diabetes, and liver failure. Some are anosmic from birth or for no particular reason. Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease may also damage nerves that help detect smell. People suffering from anosmia are also likely to experience reduced sense of taste, as the two senses are closely connected. Although anosmia is not considered a serious disorder, the experience can be very disorienting. Since [eating and smell are closely linked](, those with anosmia may have unpredictable appetites. While some struggle to eat at all, others end up gaining weight by trying to find foods that will make them feel satisfied. Anosmia can also affect intimate relationships—an inability to smell one’s partner or children can be frustrating. The ability to smell is also your first line of defense in certain potentially dangerous situations. Imagine not being able to identify when food has gone bad or [when there’s smoke or gas]( present. Suddenly, it’s a pretty scary concept. Brzozowska/Getty Images Pop quiz Which of these herbs is used in smell training treatment for anosmia? ParsleyMintBasilCilantro Correct. Other scents that can be used include lemon, orange rind, nutmeg, clove, eucalyptus, ground coffee, coconut, and vanilla. Incorrect. If your inbox doesn’t support this quiz, find the solution at bottom of email. Photography by Eric Helgas; styling by Alex Citrin-Safadi Listen up Does something smell off about Japanese whisky? --------------------------------------------------------------- Much of the Japanese whisky you might find in your local liquor store wasn’t distilled in Japan. Wait, what? In the latest episode of the Quartz Obsession podcast, Quartz reporter Tim McDonnell explains how Japanese whisky makers can get away with exporting American and Scottish blends—and why they sometimes have to. Sponsored by American Express 🎧 Listen to all this season’s episodes on [Apple Podcasts]( | [Spotify]( | [Google]( | [Stitcher]( (Already a Quartz Obsession podcast listener? We’d love to get your opinions on how we did. Here’s [a super brief survey](.) [Take me to the episode!]( Giphy/What We Do in the Shadows Million-dollar question How big a problem is covid-19-linked anosmia? --------------------------------------------------------------- Using publicly available data from [The Covid Tracking Project](, researchers from the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis [estimated]( that “more than 700,000, and possibly as many as 1.6 million, US individuals experience COD [chronic olfactory dysfunction] because of SARS-CoV-2.” However, they noted that the “true number of COD may be far higher” as their study findings were based on state-reported positive cases that likely underestimate the true number. Other research points to how widespread the symptom has been for covid-19 sufferers. For around [25% of patients](, anosmia is one of the first—and sometimes only—signs of their illness. Globally, [more than 6 million people]( are likely to have experienced a change in smell or taste because of covid-19. Luckily, there’s hope for most covid-19 patients who report anosmia as a symptom: They usually [recover]( their sense of smell in a matter of weeks, and are unlikely to have [permanent damage]( to their olfactory neural circuits or experience persistent anosmia. Fun fact! [Repeated short-term exposure to smells](, or smell training, is known to help people who have lost their sense of smell due to viruses like the common cold. But smell training is also beneficial for verbal function and overall well-being among older people—it’s even [more effective than sudoku](! Listed For most covid-19 patients, anosmia is an annoyance or inconvenience. However, for those that rely on their noses to do their jobs, it can be a nightmarish career ender. “It’s terrifying, like a pianist who loses their fingers,” [one perfumer told the New York Times](. Here’s a short list of professions where a good sense of smell is essential: 🥘 Food scientists who develop new products know that [aroma]( is an important part of customer satisfaction. 🧽 Cleaning professionals can use their [sense of smell]( to identify messes that aren’t easy to spot. 🍺 Brewers and winemakers need keen [olfactory senses]( to ensure they’re choosing the best ingredients for their beverages. 🍷 Sommeliers consider scent as well as flavor when [matching wines to dishes]( at restaurants. 💨 Perfumers use their [sense of smell]( to create appealing fragrances. 🌹 Aromatherapists pick essential oils with [different smells]( based on their clientele’s needs. 🐶 Dogs [rely on their noses]( to find out vital information—as many an embarrassed houseguest can attest. DIY How can you tell if you’ve lost your sense of smell? --------------------------------------------------------------- [Smell identification tests]( are used to assess and diagnose smell disorders. Scents used in these tests usually cover everyday smells that the person can easily identify. You can also use foods, perfume, or essential oil, but please avoid irritants like bleach, air freshener, or odors that can cause harm. The “smell” of chemicals like ammonia and other cleaning solutions actually trigger a different nerve, not your olfactory receptors. Another way to check your sense of smell is the [jelly bean test](. Hold your nose tightly with one hand. Pop a jelly bean into your mouth with the other hand and chew. While still chewing, release your nose. If your sense of smell is working as it should, you’ll be able to identify the flavor of the jelly bean. YouTube Watch this! A world without a sense of smell --------------------------------------------------------------- Filmmaker Jacob LaMendola speaks to people who are suffering from anosmia to learn how the condition impacts their everyday life. Giphy Poll What's the smell you would miss most? [Click here to vote]( Flowers in the springFreshly baked breadMy partner’s fragrance—natural or otherwiseWhat the Rock is cooking 💬 let's talk! In last week’s poll about [rare earths](, 50% of you are feeling very bullish about investing in a rare earths company, 27% think it’s too risky, and 23% want to know if it’s in the metaverse before deciding. ✉️ Christopher wrote, “From my perspective, it would have been helpful if you had included a table listing the 17 rare earth metals, their specific characteristics, and the industries in which each is used.” Well, Christopher, ask and you shall receive: [An illustration showing the light rare earths that are more abundant and their uses. For example, Europium is used to create the red color in TVs and computer screens.][An illustration showing the less abundant heavy rare earths and their uses. For example, gadolinium is used in magnets and ytterbium is used in lasers and steel alloys.] 🤔 [What did you think of today’s email?](mailto:obsession%2Bfeedback@qz.com?cc=&subject=Thoughts%20about%20ansomnia&body=) 💡 [What should we obsess over next?](mailto:obsession%2Bideas@qz.com?cc=&subject=Obsess%20over%20this%20next.&body=) 🎲 [Show me a random Obsession]( Today’s email was written by [Priyanka Vora](, edited by [Liz Webber](, and produced by [Jordan Weinstock](. [facebook]([twitter]([external-link]( The correct answer to the quiz is Mint. Enjoying the Quartz Weekly Obsession? [Send this link]( to a friend! Want to advertise in the Quartz Weekly Obsession? Send us an email at ads@qz.com. Not enjoying it? No worries. [Click here]( to unsubscribe. Quartz | 675 Avenue of the Americas, 4th Fl | New York, NY 10011 | United States