AbScent is a UK registered charity supporting people who are experiencing the distressing effects of smell loss.

Smell loss is a condition that is estimated to affect five percent of the population, which in the UK represents approximately 3.3m people. 

The number of affected increases in older populations. 

The effects of smell loss can be complex and lead to loss in the patient’s quality of life. 

Free online community working to overcome the challenges of life with smell disorders. This is the place to share experiences, learn through regular online courses and discover new ways to build a better quality of life.

Facebook group for anosmia and long term smell disorders, or the Covid-19 Facebook group if your smell disorder is as a result of Coronavirus.

Website: https://abscent.org/ 

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Terminology that may be helpful:

• anosmia - a complete lack of smell 
• parosmia - a distortion of smells 
• phantosmia - phantom smells 
• hyposmia - reduced smell 

Smell disorders may occur: 

• after an upper respiratory illness 
• after a blow to the head 
• in conjunction with sinus disease 
• as a result of chemotherapy/radiation during cancer treatment 
• as a side-effect from certain medications 
• without obvious cause, which is called idiopathic 

Smell and taste can also diminish as people age. Smell loss can serve as an early indicator of some neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

Smell disorders can affect people in different ways. Common consequences of smell disorders are: 

• Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) with resulting depression 
• Anxiety over safety issues (such as smoke or rotten food going unnoticed) and hygiene 
• Loss of intimacy with close family members, and diminished social ties 
• An altered relationship with food that may lead to weight changes