Why Does Our Nose Stop Smelling When We Have a Cold?

Ever felt like your sense of smell has diminished when you have a common cold? This happens due to several physiological changes that take place in the body during a cold. In this article, we explore the main reasons behind your inability to smell when you have a cold, and what you can do about it.

Nasal Congestion: The First Obstacle

During a cold, your body responds with inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages (also known as nasal congestion). This congestion acts like a barrier, preventing odor molecules from reaching the olfactory receptors in your nose. As a result, your ability to smell is significantly hindered. Picture your nose as a channel that needs to be clear for smell to pass through. When this channel is blocked, it's like trying to smell through a closed door.

Mucus Production: Another Obstacle

Alongside congestion, a cold often comes with increased mucus production. This thick mucus can not only trap odor molecules but also obstruct airflow, further diminishing your sense of smell. The more mucus, the less scent can get through to the olfactory receptors effectively.

Inflammation Affects Olfactory Receptors

Inflammation caused by the cold can also affect the olfactory receptors themselves, making them less responsive to smells. This is akin to a muscle getting weaker due to injury or illness. Just as muscle weakness can affect performance, so does olfactory receptor deterioration affect your sense of smell.

Sinus Inflammation: A Further Obstacle

If the cold leads to sinusitis, inflammation of the sinuses, this can further impact your sense of smell. Sinuses are closely related to the nasal passages, and inflammation can disrupt normal olfactory function. Imagine your sinuses and nasal passages as two interconnected rooms; if one of them is inflamed, it can affect the other, ultimately impairing your ability to smell.

How Does the Process Work?

According to medical science, the nervous system responsible for detecting smells is called the olfactory nerves. These nerves are located at the roof of the nasal cavity, deep inside your nose. When you suffer from a cold, flu, or sinusitis, there is swelling and an increase in mucous in the nasal cavity. This mucous and swelling prevent the smell odorant from reaching the top of the nasal cavity where the olfactory nerves are located. Therefore, no smell reaches the smell nerves, and they are not stimulated.

Smell and the Sense of Airflow

To smell, scent-laden air must pass through the nose and reach the olfactory receptors. However, when you have head congestion, the nose is inflamed, and breathing through the nose may become impossible. This means that no scent reaches the olfactory glands, and you can't smell. Inflammation and repeated efforts to breathe through a blocked nose can also damage the olfactory receptors, so until they regenerate, you might not be able to smell even when the airway is clear.

Don't worry; once the cold resolves and the inflammation subsides, your sense of smell typically returns to normal. If you experience persistent nasal complaints, it is advisable to consult a home doctor. They can provide effective treatment options without any side effects.

Understanding why our nose stops smelling when we have a cold can help us manage our symptoms more effectively. By ensuring we practice good hygiene, rest, and seek medical advice if necessary, we can minimize the duration of the cold and help our sense of smell return more quickly.