Anosmia Awareness Day is observed on February 27 every year. It is a day to spread awareness about anosmia, which is the loss of the sense of smell, or as some people call it, nose blind. Did you know that loss of smell is associated with diseases that affect brain cells like Alzheimer’s in the future? Yes, loss of sense of smell is not to be taken lightly, and people need to be educated to prevent anosmia.
Anosmia is the loss of one’s sense of smell or olfactory function. While this might seem like a minor concern to many people, the loss of smell leads to many serious problems for people. Smell helps people to detect danger in their environments, such as smoke and noxious fumes. Smell is also useful in eating and keeping overall good health. By celebrating Anosmia Awareness Day, people can explore the reasons for anosmia and the different treatments that can bring relief and recovery.
History of Anosmia Awareness Day
The medical term for the loss of smell is known as anosmia. It is most often caused by an infection or injury to your nose or brain and can be temporary or permanent depending on what has happened. There are two types of loss of smell — hyposmia and anosmia. Hyposmia is a partial loss of the sense of smell, whereas anosmia is when someone has completely lost their ability to smell anything at all!
Anosmia Awareness Day was established by Daniel Schein in 2012. Schein was diagnosed with anosmia in the fifth grade. But it was not until 2011 that he started his research about anosmia and decided to create an organization called Anosmia Awareness. He created a Facebook community for this cause. People who supported this event wore red on this day. Various smell and taste institutes and charities were approached to create awareness about olfactory dysfunction. Various fundraising activities are also organized to collect funds for the research and development of olfactory disorders. Different seminars are organized to educate people about the importance of treatments for olfactory disorders. People from different parts of the world participate in such events virtually through various social media platforms including Facebook, Zoom, and Instagram.
This is a non-profit organization to spread awareness for those without a sense of smell. They are also on a path to encourage research centers around the world to research treatment options for anosmia.
Anosmia affects over 200,000 people in the U.S. alone, and there is no real cure or treatment for it at this time. However, many of these patients have found ways to work around their condition with the help of others so you can too! Losing your sense of smell can be a scary thing. You may think that you are going to lose all of the wonderful things in life, like smelling flowers or tasting food, but there are some things that people with anosmia find helpful! So, be strong and pay a visit to your doctor.
Anosmia Awareness Day helps to raise awareness about the loss of the sense of smell. People suffering from this disorder may face difficulties to perform their day-to-day activities. Many people are still unaware of olfactory disorders. Anosmia Awareness Day also motivates researchers and healthcare professionals to create treatments to cure Anosmia.
Those who suffer from Anosmia need to stay cautious at all times as they are unable to detect gas leaks, wildfires, or spoiled food with their sense of smell. Moreover, some people also find it hard to eat food without their sense of smell. Numerous studies reveal that those who suffer from olfactory disorders are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Therefore, when a day is solely dedicated to people suffering from Anosmia, it helps people understand the mental and physical difficulties that are associated with olfactory disorders.
Anosmia Awareness Day timeline
Hippolyte Cloquet highlights the role of the sense of smell in animal reproduction.
Hughling Jackson records the case of a farmer who loses his sense of smell after being kicked by a horse.
Elanor Gamble — an influential psychologist — writes a dissertation about the importance of the sense of smell.
Daniel Schein is diagnosed with anosmia in the fifth grade.
Schein begins researching and learning about anosmia and plans to establish Anosmia Awareness.
Schein launches the first Anosmia Awareness Day.
People get to know about anosmia through the works of Anosmia Awareness.
Anosmia Awareness Day FAQs
What causes no smell in the nose?
The most common causes of anosmia include nasal congestion, allergy, sinus infection, or air pollution. However, there are many factors that cause anosmia.
Can you recover from anosmia?
Currently, there is no known cure or treatment for congenital anosmia. However, many factors cause anosmia. There is no known treatment for people who have congenital anosmia. People with a partial loss of their sense of smell can include concentrated flavoring in the food they eat to improve their enjoyment of food.
Is anosmia a disability?
Anosmia is classified as an invisible disability since smell is a vital sense for humans to function properly.
How to Observe Anosmia Awareness Day
Spread awareness
The best way to celebrate Anosmia Awareness Day is by raising awareness and educating your friends and family about the disease. Share on social media and let everyone you know be aware of this disease. Collect facts about Anosmia from the local health department of your city. Pick the most relevant information, make copies of the data, and share it in your neighborhood. You can also post it online on your social media accounts and use the hashtag #AnosmiaAwarenessDay.
Learn about the disease
Learn more about anosmia and other illnesses that cause loss of smell. You can read, talk with your doctor, or surf the internet to discover more about this disease. Visit an ENT specialist for an annual check-up. You can even set up a free ENT screening camp in your college, neighborhood, or workplace. Make posters and banners for the event. Ask your friends to spread the information about the ENT screening by sharing it on their social media accounts.
Attend virtual events
Different online podcasts and live sessions are conducted by health care providers to educate people about olfactory disorders. Try attending at least one such event this Anosmia Awareness Day. Get familiar with the signs and symptoms of olfactory disorders and learn about new methods and treatments to control them.
5 Bizarre Facts About Smell That’ll Scare You
Your smell is renewed every month
Your scent cells can regenerate and are renewed every 30 to 60 days.
That is a lot!
A human being's nose can detect at least one trillion distinct scents.
Boy, dogs can smell you!
Dogs can distinguish non-identical twins based on odor, and they have more scent cells than humans, almost 44 times more.
Age-related anosmia is linked to race
According to research, African-Americans and Hispanics experience age-related loss of smelling earlier than Caucasians.
Smelling is unique
Everyone has their unique identity odor similar to a fingerprint, which means no two people can smell things the same way.
Why Anosmia Awareness Day Is Important
It encourages people to take care of their ENT health
Anosmia Awareness Day motivates people to take care of their ENT health. People get more familiar with the benefits of lifestyle changes and those exercises and therapies that help to minimize the signs and symptoms of Anosmia.
It gives people a chance
There might be some people, maybe someone from your friends or family circle, who might be suffering from anosmia without them knowing. So, educating them about anosmia helps them receive treatment at the right time.
It motivates researchers to study more about olfactory dysfunction
As of now, no cure treatment or therapy can permanently cure congenital Anosmia. Anosmia Awareness Day motivates researchers to study more about olfactory dysfunction. However, some types of Anosmia can be prevented or treated. If there is an underlying health problem that is triggering Anosmia in a person, such as a sinus infection, then steroids can be used to restore the sense of smell.
Anosmia Awareness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 27 | Thursday |
| 2026 | February 27 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 27 | Saturday |
| 2028 | February 27 | Sunday |
| 2029 | February 27 | Tuesday |
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