Anosmia Awareness Day

Smell is a sense that most people probably take for granted but it is, in fact, something that not every person has.

This often underappreciated sense is an important part of everyday life – whether simply smelling flowers for enjoyment or smelling smoke that might indicate danger is nearby.

Anosmia is the name for the loss of the sense of smell, whether partially or completely, temporary or permanent. Anosmia Awareness Day is here to offer a little nod and perhaps some support to those who live with this condition!

History of Anosmia Awareness Day

While ‘anosmia’ is a word that many people learned in 2020 as this condition was a symptom of COVID-19, Anosmia Awareness Day dates back a bit further. This day was started in 2012 by founder Daniel Schein who, himself, was born with congenital anosmia which means that he never could smell.

Schein’s desire to establish this day was to improve public awareness and increase the educational opportunities that can be provided related to the sense of smell.

Sometimes referred to as “nose blindness”, anosmia is a condition that can be challenging to live with – and it impacts millions of people around the world daily.

How to Observe Anosmia Awareness Day

Looking for some ideas for getting more involved with Anosmia Awareness Day? Peruse some of these to get started with:

Learn Important Facts About Anosmia

One excellent way to get connected with Anosmia Awareness Day might be to check out some important facts about this condition and then share them with friends, coworkers, or others to raise awareness about the day. Here are some facts about anosmia to get started with:

• Approximately one in ten people have some sort of anosmia, though it is rarely a total loss of the sense of smell 
• Those who have congenital anosmia experience it as a lifelong condition that begins at birth
• Acquired anosmia may be caused by some illnesses, the use of certain chemicals, hormones, medicines, head injuries and more
• Some people with anosmia have developed a heightened sense of hearing to make up for their loss of smell

Show Support and Raise Awareness

People who have anosmia deal with some particular types of loss in their lives without the sense of smell. Anosmia Awareness Day seeks to improve public knowledge to increase the support and compassion that communities, whether online or in real life, show to those affected by this condition.

Share some information with friends, make a post on social media or find other ways to make the community more aware of anosmia.

See an ENT Doctor

People who suspect that they are living with a partial or full loss of smell should make an appointment with a doctor to help diagnose and provide support.

Anosmia Awareness Day acts as an excellent reminder to call a general practitioner or Ear/Nose/Throat doctor and make an appointment to learn more.

Get more involved with this theme by also connecting with National Sense of Smell Day, which is celebrated in late April.