Olfaction subtraction
Loss of smell affects the flavor of food, among other things. Sometimes a short course of anti-inflammatory medication can help bring it back.
Some say that smell, or olfaction, is our most primitive sense. It's certainly one of the most neglected. Many a day goes by when we don't much notice a smell of any kind, while our heads are filled with images from our eyes and sounds from our ears. Indeed, we seem intent on banishing smell from our lives. The typical office is scentless. Our food is wrapped so tightly that many supermarkets smell more of cleaner than of food. And, of course, there's the running battle against body odor that we fight with showers, soap, and deodorants.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
