prognosis

Last edited 03/2021 and last reviewed 03/2021

  • depends on the underlying cause
  • outcomes are more favourable for those with hyposmia rather than anosmia
  • if there is a specific identifiable trigger e.g. medication induced olfactory disturbance, then then cessation of that trigger often leads to symptomatic resolution
  • traumatic anosmia
    • about 30% of patients with traumatic olfactory dysfunction will resolve ( majority within 12 weeks)
  • post-viral anosmia
    • estimated to resolve in 35%-65% if cases
    • COVID-19-related anosmia significantly improves within 4 weeks in 90% of cases

Reference:

  • Deutsch PG et al. Anosmia: an evidence-based approach to diagnosis and management in primary care British Journal of General Practice 2021; 71: 135-138. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp21X715181
  • Boesveldt S et al. Anosmia- A Clinical Review Chem Senses. 2017 Sep; 42(7): 513–523.