Anosmic

Anosmic (pronounced uh-NOZ-mik) describes the complete or partial loss of the sense of smell. It's a sensory disorder that can result from various causes, including upper respiratory infections, head trauma, nasal polyps, exposure to toxins, neurological conditions, and aging. The olfactory system, responsible for our sense of smell, is complex, involving receptors in the nasal passages that detect odor molecules and transmit signals to the brain. When this pathway is disrupted, the ability to perceive odors diminishes or vanishes entirely, affecting not only the enjoyment of food and fragrances but also potentially impacting safety by hindering the detection of hazards like gas leaks or smoke. The severity can range from slight impairment (hyposmia) to complete absence of smell (anosmia). The condition can be temporary or permanent, with treatments depending on the underlying cause.

Anosmic meaning with examples

• Following a severe bout of the flu, Sarah became anosmic. The world seemed bland without the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or the scent of her favorite perfume. Cooking became a chore, as she couldn't discern the subtle flavors and aromas that she once enjoyed. She found herself relying heavily on texture and taste to compensate for her lost sense of smell.
• The firefighter's exposure to toxic fumes during the blaze left him anosmic, a significant occupational hazard. He could no longer rely on his sense of smell to detect potential dangers, such as smoldering materials or escaping gas. He had to undergo extensive retraining and adapt his work practices to maintain his safety and effectiveness, despite the limitations of his diminished sense.
• The neurologist diagnosed the patient as anosmic after a head injury in a car accident. While other senses appeared intact, he couldn't detect the fragrance of the roses his wife brought him. Daily activities like eating, which he used to relish, lost their appeal as he was unable to identify the food by its aroma.
• Aging contributed to the patient becoming anosmic, which also impacted his quality of life as he couldn't relish his favorite foods. The loss of smell, a typical side effect of the normal aging process, also made it hard for him to savor life's simple pleasures and caused some issues like the inability to detect if food had gone off.