Q I am a smoker and my sense of smell seems to be gradually dulling. Does smoking affect the sense of smell?
A Yes, smoking is an independent risk factor for olfactory damage. Toxic substances in cigarette smoke directly damage the cells of the olfactory epithelium, and long-term smoking reduces the number of olfactory receptors, raising the smell threshold. In many cases, the sense of smell gradually recovers over several months after quitting.
Detailed Answer
Toxic substances contained in cigarette smoke, such as acrolein and formaldehyde, directly damage the receptor neurons of the olfactory epithelium. With long-term smoking, the number of receptor cells decreases and the regeneration rate slows, raising the smell threshold and reducing the ability to distinguish odors. In addition, chronic rhinitis and sinusitis caused by smoking add a conductive component to the smell disorder. In many cases, as the mucosa recovers over an average of several months after quitting, the sense of smell also partially returns.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we view smoking-related decline in smell as a state in which the lungs and nasal mucosa have been scorched by heat toxin (yeoldok). Alongside smoking cessation, we use lung-clearing (cheongpye) and fluid-generating (saengjin) prescriptions to replenish body fluids to the scorched mucosa and restore nasal blood flow. Addressing smoking-cessation support and mucosal recovery at the same time is a strength of Dongjedang.
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