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Anosmia is a condition in which a person loses his/her sense of smell. Smell is one of the five senses a human being possesses. The odor molecules in the air surrounding us enter our nostrils, and are detected by the olfactory receptors. These receptors send a signal to the brain center via a nerve where the smell is identified, this is how we identify different smells and odors.

Loss of smell makes a person unable to perceive pleasant odors (like fragrances) and also sense danger situations that can be detected by smell (like gas leakage or smoke). Our sense of smell also plays a significant role in how food tastes, and so anosmia can also lead to a loss of taste (ageusia) and lack of interest in eating.

A person may suffer from partial or total loss of smell (conditions known as hyposmia and anosmia respectively). Loss of smell can be present since birth, in such a case a child is born without any sense of smell. Anosmia may be temporary or permanent depending upon the cause behind it.

Homeopathic Treatment Of Anosmia

Homeopathy offers natural and effective treatment for anosmia. These medicines are suitable to treat anosmia in people of all age groups. Since these medicines are made of natural substances, they treat the condition in a safe, effective manner. They treat the root cause of anosmia to bring about excellent recovery.

Homeopathic Medicines for Anosmia

The top indicated homeopathic medicines for anosmia include Natrum Mur, Silicea, Pulsatilla, Calcarea carb, Kali Bichromicum and Lemna Minor. 

1. Natrum Mur – For Anosmia With Nasal Allergies

Natrum Mur is an effective homeopathic medicine for anosmia where there are nasal allergies present. The guiding features to use Natrum Mur include loss of smell along with other nasal discharges and dryness in nostrils. In a few cases, nasal discharges (that look like egg white) may be present. Other features include nose blockage that makes breathing difficult, and violent sneezing (especially during the morning). A very specific squirming sensation of a worm crawling in nostrils may be present with the symptoms mentioned.

2. Silicea – For Anosmia Linked With Chronic Cold

Silicea is a well-indicated homeopathic remedy for anosmia where the person suffers from chronic cold. The people needing Silicea have a history of yellowish, chronic, offensive, fetid nasal discharges prior loss of smell. For using Silicea, the symptoms that may be present along with a loss of smell include a burning sensation in nostrils, dryness in nostrils and the presence of hard crusts in the nostrils. In some cases, soreness and itching in the nostrils may also be present.

3. Pulsatilla – For Loss Of Smell With Loss Of Taste

Pulsatilla is an effective medicine for anosmia attended with loss of taste. In some cases, the person may experience loss of appetite. Other attending features include thick greenish nasal discharges and sneezing, especially during sleep. The symptoms tend to worsen indoors and are better in the open air. In some cases, itching in nostrils during the evening time may also be present. Stoppage of the nose in the evening while going to bed is another symptom that may be noted.

4. Calcarea Carb – For Anosmia And Nasal Blockage

This medicine offers great help when there is loss of smell and nasal blockage. Nasal blockage makes breathing through nose difficult especially at night. There may also occur nasal dryness while in some cases yellow colored nasal discharge flows. It also offers best help when loss of smell is linked with nasal polyps.

5. Kali Bichromicum – For Anosmia with Sinusitis

Kali Bichromicum is a natural homeopathic medicine for anosmia that is linked with sinusitis. The main symptoms that indicate the need for Kali Bichromicum include constant stuffiness in the nose, stringy/sticky nasal discharge and fullness at the root of the nose. A sinus headache also appears along with nasal symptoms. Other accompanying symptoms include a tickling sensation in the nostrils and postnasal discharge of mucus.

 6.Lemna Minor – Homeopathic Cure for Anosmia with Nasal Polyps

Lemna Minor is an important homeopathic medicine for anosmia in cases of nasal polyps. The person requiring this remedy experience loss of smell, obstruction in nostrils, and frequent sneezing attacks. The other symptoms include a thick, viscid or excessive purulent (pus-like) discharge from the nose. The nasal symptoms tend to get worse in damp surroundings and rainy weather.

7. Hepar Sulph – For Loss Of Smell Associated With Cold Or Sinus Infection

This medicine can be used when there is loss of smell along with cold or sinus infection. A characteristic symptom present is sneezing and nasal blockage when inhaling cold air. Discharge occurs from the nose which is thick and sometimes blood stained. At times there occur dripping of mucus from back of nose into throat. The mucus is often blood stained. Pain in bony part of nose may also be felt.

8. Phosphorus – For Loss Of Smell And Alternate Nasal Discharge And Blockage

This medicine is useful when a person complains of loss of smell and an alteration between nasal discharge and blockage. It can be attended with frequent sneezing. Sometimes there is painful dryness in the nose. The nasal discharge may dry into a crust form and stick to the nostrils. The nose may be sore to touch.

Symptoms Attending Anosmia

Depending on the cause behind anosmia, a person shows symptoms like nasal discharge, post nasal drip, sneezing and nasal blockage.

Persons having anosmia may also have loss of taste

Complete loss of smell may make it difficult to sense a dangerous circumstance and take measures to stop it, for example if there is gas leakage from cylinder or fire, a person suffering from anosmia may be unable to sense it and seek help.

Sometimes loss of smell may lead to depression.

Causes Of Anosmia

The reasons behind anosmia are variable. Anosmia may arise due to swelling in the nose, blockage in the nose that hinders odors reaching the top of nose or due to damage to brain /olfactory nerve (that sends signal of smell from nose to brain) /olfactory receptors.  However, in approximately 20 per cent of the cases, anosmia has no cause (a condition known as idiopathic anosmia). The causes of anosmia are summed below:

Causes related to nasal irritation or congestion:

1. Sinusitis (acute or chronic) –Inflammation of the lining of paranasal sinuses.

2. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) – Nasal allergy where inhalation of allergens like dust mites, pollen leads to symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itching in nose or eyes, watering from nose.

3. Common cold – viral infection of upper respiratory tract

4. Influenza – viral infection of respiratory tract caused by influenza virus

5. Non – allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis – In this condition, symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis appear, but without any known cause.

6. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) – An infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus

Causes related to blockage / obstruction of nasal passage:

1. Nasal polyps – soft, non-cancerous growths in lining of nasal passage or paranasal sinuses.

2. Tumours in nose

3. DNS (deviated nasal septum) –  displacement of thin wall separating right and left nasal passage to one side.

Causes related to damage to brain or nerve

1. Ageing

2. Parkinson’s Disease – A nervous system disorder characterized by hand tremors, slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, impaired posture and balance

3. Alzheimer’s Ddisease – A neurological disorder that leads to decline in memory, forgetfulness and problems with thinking, reasoning and communication

4. Brain tumours

5. Multiple sclerosis – A disease in which there occurs damage to myelin sheath of nerve cells which impairs communication between brain and the rest of the body parts

6. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), diabetes, head/brain injury, epilepsy (tendency to get fits)

7. Chemical exposure that causes burns inside nose, certain medicines (like antibiotics, antihistamines)
8. Zinc deficiency, poor nutrition

9. Smoking, alcohol misuse

10. In some cases a baby is born with anosmia, then condition is called congenital anosmia.

Anosmia linked with COVID-19

Loss of smell is one of the prominent symptoms of COVID-19 but the mechanism behind it is unknown. It is also one of the earliest and most common symptoms reported in COVID-19. This symptom is more prominent predictive factor for COVID-19. Researches are still trying to find the underlying mechanism behind it. Certain research has found that COVID-19 does not cause permanent anosmia.

Diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose anosmia based on symptoms provided by patient and examining the nose.

Depending on the case details the doctor may recommend some tests:

1. CT scan of brain or MRI of brain

2. X-ray of skull

3. Nasal endoscopy to view inside of nose.

Lymph nodes are oval or kidney-shaped glands in the body that are a part of the immune system that filter lymph (fluid containing WBCs, lymphocytes, etc). These nodes act as the first line of defense to protect us from infection-causing agents. White blood cells (WBCs) present in the lymph nodes fight the invading organisms like bacteria and  viruses. Lymph nodes filter and trap them before they can enter other body parts and cause an infection. There are around 450 lymph nodes in adults and are spread throughout the body. They are present in groups in some major parts of the body including neck (cervical lymph nodes), armpit (axillary lymph nodes), groin (inguinal lymph nodes), belly and chest. Some lymph nodes can be felt with the hands when they get enlarged or swollen. Generally, lymph nodes swell in case of an illness or infection. In rare cases, the lymph nodes tend to swell from cancer.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be very beneficial in managing cases of swollen lymph nodes. Homeopathic medicines help in reducing swelling and also managing attending pain in the lymph glands. These medicines work by treating the root cause behind it. Homeopathic medicines are selected differently in every individual case after a detailed case study. Use of homeopathic medicines is recommended only when the cause is benign (non-cancerous) and no serious cause or symptoms are present. It is advised to consult a homeopathic physician and avoid self-medication. It is to be noted that swollen lymph nodes due to a serious cause like tuberculosis, cellulitis, cancer, etc need conventional mode of treatment, as homeopathy has its own limitations.

Homeopathic Medicines For Swollen Lymph Nodes

1. Conium

It is a leading medicine in homeopathy for managing cases having swollen lymph nodes that are painful. In most cases needing it, the pain is tingling and shooting in nature.

2. Baryta Carb

Baryta Carb is yet another homeopathic medicine for cases of swollen lymph nodes. This medicine is indicated for swollen nodes in neck and axilla (armpit). Persons needing it may have tendency to catch cold easily and have sore throat. Tonsils may be enlarged.

3. Calcarea Carb

It is the next well-indicated medicine for managing swelling and pain in the lymph nodes of the neck. There is aching in these nodes with stitching pain while chewing. Secondly, it is indicated for cases of swollen mesenteric lymph nodes in abdomen.

4. Phytolacca

It is a natural medicine prepared from plant Phytolacca Decandra, commonly known as ‘poke root’ and ‘red ink plant’. It belongs to family Phytolaccaceae. It is beneficial in treating swollen tender nodes in neck, along with pain in the throat along with other symptoms. The throat is dry, rough and there is a sensation of  lump in the throat. There is a marked burning sensation in the throat with pain while swallowing. The tonsils are dark red, enlarged and swollen.

5. Merc Sol

This medicine is mainly helpful for cases having swelling of inguinal lymph nodes (in the groin). It is attended with redness, pain and sensitivity. The pain gets worse while walking and standing. It is also useful for cases of swelling of nodes in the neck. It can be accompanied with shooting and pressive pain.

6. Belladonna

It is prepared from the plant ‘deadly nightshade’. It belongs to family Solanaceae. It is well indicated for swollen nodes in the neck along with pain and heat. It may be attended with pricking or stinging type of pain. Tonsils may be red and enlarged in cases that require it. There is difficulty in swallowing followed by pain. Fever may also be there.

What Are The Causes Behind It?

It may arise from various causes.

The first reason for swollen lymph nodes is an infection mainly viral, like common cold. It may also happen in case of sinus infection/sinusitis, an inflammation of lining of the paranasal sinus which in a healthy condition is filled with air. In case the paranasal spaces get blocked and filled with fluid germs, it results in an infection.

Next reason is tonsillitis and strep throat. Tonsillitis means inflammation of tonsils which are two oval-shaped lymphatic tissue masses that lie at the back of the throat one on either side.  Strep throat refers to a bacterial infection that leads to inflammation and pain in the throat, and tonsils. It is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria.

Another cause is ear infection.

Swelling of lymph nodes can also occur in cases of measles, a viral infection caused by measles virus. It is a highly contagious infection that begins with symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, inflamed eyes and fever. This is followed by a skin rash approximately around after 14 days of virus exposure.

Mononucleosis (an infectious disease that in most cases is caused by the Epstein – Barr virus but can be caused by other viruses too) is also among one of its causes.

It may also happen in case of tooth abscess (a pocket of pus that may appear in different parts of a tooth and results from a bacterial infection).

Another cause could be cellulitis (a serious bacterial infection involving the inner layers of the skin).

HIV/AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is yet another cause.

Swollen lymph nodes may also occur in infections, like TB (tuberculosis), toxoplasmosis, rubella, Lyme disease. Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease affecting lungs caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mostly affects lungs but may also affect other body parts too. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite named Toxoplasma gondii. Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection caused by rubella virus. Lyme disease refers to a tick-borne disease caused by a bacteria of the type borrelia, known as Borrelia burgdoferi.

Another infection that can cause swollen lymph nodes is cat scratch fever (It is a bacterial infection that a person can contract from cats infected with bacteria Bartonella henselae).

Some of the STIs (sexually transmitted infections) like syphilis and gonorrhea can also cause it. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacterium Treponema pallidum. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection which is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

In some cases, certain medicines (like some anti-seizure medicines) can lead to it.

Other than these, it may occur in some autoimmune disorders (the immune cells in the body start to damage the body’s healthy tissue out of a misdirected response). Its first example is rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic inflammatory disorder in which there is joint inflammation with pain, swelling and stiffness of joints). The second example is SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) in which there is inflammation of the immune system which damages its own tissues that can affect joints, brain, skin, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. Third is Sjogren’s syndrome (An autoimmune disorder having two common symptoms including dry eyes and a dry mouth).

In some cases, swelling in the lymph nodes may occur from some types of cancer, like lymphoma (a cancer of the lymphatic system). It mainly includes Hodgkin’s lymphoma, earlier called Hodgkin’s disease, Non – Hodgkin’s lymphoma) and leukemia (a blood cancer caused by an increase in the number of WBCs in the body). Swelling of lymph nodes may occur when some other cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

What Are Its Signs And Attending Symptoms?

In case of swollen lymph nodes, firstly there occurs pain and tenderness in the lymph nodes. The pain in lymph nodes may arise from certain movements also. For example, pain in the swollen lymph nodes in the neck may be felt on turning the head; swollen lymph nodes in the groin may cause pain when walking.

The lymph nodes that have swelling feel like soft and round bumps that may be small like a pea or as large as a cherry.

The swelling in lymph nodes may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the cause behind it. Some of these include sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, chills, night sweats, and fatigue.

The swelling of lymph nodes may occur in one part of body (localized lymphadenopathy) or lymph nodes throughout the body may swell (generalized lymphadenopathy). In case the swollen lymph node is caused by an infection and not treated on time, then there is chance of formation of an abscess (localised collection of pus).

When lymph nodes are swollen but not tender, they are hard and fixed or grow rapidly, then it can be indicative of serious issues like cancer.

The swollen lymph nodes are commonly more noticeable in the neck, groin, behind ear, under the chin, and armpits.

Everyone tends to clear their throat once in a while. This may be in response to an irritant lodged in the throat, out of a habit, or from stress/anxiety. If there is a persistent need to clear the throat, it may be due to a medical reason (like post nasal drip, nasal allergies, etc) that needs to be treated.

Homeopathic Management

These medicines boost the body’s natural healing capacity to treat throat clearing. Along with throat clearing, it also alleviates complaints like postnasal drip, sore throat, hoarseness of voice, cough, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and heartburn. Every case of throat clearing is treated individually keeping in mind the cause and the attending symptoms.

Top Homeopathic Medicines For Throat Clearing

1. Kali Bichrome – For Marked PND And Throat Clearing

This medicine is well indicated for cases having excessive PND – post nasal drip (dripping of mucus from the back of nose into the throat) and throat clearing. The mucus in PND is thick, tenacious and gelatinous that can be drawn out like a long thread. Sore throat and pain while swallowing can attend it. In some cases needing it, ulcers in the rear part of the throat can be present. They have elevated edges and are filled with thick white matter.

2. Argentum Nitricum – For Throat Clearing From Thick Mucus In Throat

It is a very effective medicine for cases needing clearing thick tenacious mucus from the throat. Along with this, there is hoarseness of voice. There can also be rawness and soreness which create an urge to clear the throat. A feeling that a splinter or stick is lodged in the throat may be felt while swallowing. Lastly, dryness and burning in the throat may occur.

3. Causticum – For Constant Desire To Clear The Throat

This medicine is indicated when there is a constant desire to clear the throat. Persons needing it may also have rawness and tickling sensation in the throat. It is attended with dry cough, sometimes burning sensation in the throat is felt. A person may also complain of lump-in-the-throat feeling. Other than the above, there can be hawking of mucus from the posterior nares. Inflammation of the larynx and hoarseness of voice can accompany the above symptoms.

4. Belladonna – With Sore Throat And Tonsillitis

This medicine is prepared from a plant commonly known as ‘deadly nightshade’. It belongs to family Solanaceae. It is very beneficial, when there is throat clearing along with sore throat and tonsillitis. The throat and tonsils are inflamed, markedly red, shiny and painful where it is required. There is pain in the throat while swallowing. A lump-like sensation, dryness and heat in the throat, and difficulty in swallowing and cough may be the other accompanying symptoms.

5. Alumina – When Dry, Raw, Rough Throat Leads To Throat Clearing

This medicine works well in cases of dry, raw, rough throat. The voice turns husky. There may also occur a lump sensation in the throat. Thick mucus drops from the posterior nares. Coughing aggravates especially in the evening. The throat is red with stitching pain.

6. Natrum Phos – For Acid Reflux And Throat Clearing

Use of this medicine is recommended for acid reflux and throat clearing. Persons who need it have a lump sensation in the throat and dropping of thick, yellow mucus from the posterior nares, especially at night. The person is forced to wake up, sit and clear the throat half-asleep. There is inflammation in the throat. The tonsils are coated with a yellow and creamy mucus. The person also complains of heartburn and sour belching in addition to the above symptoms.

7. Sabadilla – For Throat Clearing, Sneezing, Runny Nose

It is a natural medicine prepared from seeds of plant Sabadilla Officinalis having common name Cebadilla. Its use is considered when there is throat clearing, sneezing and runny nose. Itching in the nose and stuffy nose can also be there. There can be excessive tough phlegm in the throat which causes pressure and burning sensation in the throat. Roughness with a constant desire to swallow or hawk is there. Lastly, there may be a feeling of skin hanging loosely in the throat or something lodged in the larynx.

8. Sulphur – For Roughness, Scraping In Throat Attended With Throat Clearing

It is a very useful medicine for persons having roughness attended with throat clearing. There is feeling of a lump in throat and there can be dryness in the throat. It may excite a cough. Sore throat along with excessive burning sensation is yet another symptom that can attend. Stitching or pressive type of pain in the throat may occur on swallowing.

What Are The Medical Reasons Behind It?

The first reason behind it is LPR – laryngopharyngeal reflux /silent reflux. The stomach acid flows back into the throat and larynx causing an uncomfortable sensation and frequent throat clearing. Some other symptoms that accompany it are a feeling of something stuck in the throat, postnasal drip, hoarseness of voice and difficulty in swallowing.

Second common cause for throat clearing is post nasal drip (PND) when mucus drips from the back of the nose into the throat. It happens when there is excessive production and build-up of mucus in the para nasal sinuses, throat or nose. Some of the reasons behind PND are allergies, cold, flu, sinusitis, DNS (deviated nasal septum) and acid reflux. PND can be attended with some other symptoms like cough, scratchy throat, nausea and foul breath.

Third cause is nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis).  It refers to nasal inflammation and irritation triggered by allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites and animal dander. Throat clearing can be one of its symptoms along with symptoms that include runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, nasal itching, scratchy throat, itchy watery eyes and cough.

Throat clearing may just be one of the tic disorders. Tics refers to uncontrollable repetitive twitches, certain movements or sounds that occur semi-voluntarily. Some other examples of tics apart from throat clearing are head jerking, frequent eye blinking, repeating a sound like grunting, shoulder shrugging, sniffing and facial grimacing.

Tourette’s syndrome may be another causes of  throat clearing. It refers to a neurological disorder in which there occurs involuntary motor tics (movement-based tics) and vocal tics (tics related to sound production). For Tourette’s syndrome to be diagnosed, there must be multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic for more than a year in a person.

Food allergies may be a cause of throat clearing in some cases. Some people may have itching, irritation or tickling in the throat after consuming certain food products that can lead to throat clearing. Some examples of such food products include rice, dairy products, etc.

Outgrowths like cysts, polyps and nodules on the vocal cord may also lead to throat clearing. Other than throat clearing, the other symptoms are feeling of something stuck in the throat, voice changes (like scratchy voice, hoarse voice), pain while speaking and difficult breathing.

Laryngitis, chronic inflammation of the larynx (voice box), can also cause throat clearing.

It may occur in case of tonsillitis which is inflammation of the tonsils. Tonsils are the two oval-shaped masses of lymphatic tissue present at the back of the throat, one on either side.

PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcus) is also one of the cause. In this syndrome, there occurs major changes in behaviour, personality and movement in children after suffering a bout of infection of Streptococcus Pyogenes bacteria. Obsessive compulsive disorder or tics mainly occur in this medical condition.

Zenker’s diverticulum is a rare cause behind throat clearing. In this condition, food travels from the food pipe to stomach via a pouch at the junction of the pharynx and the food pipe.

Rest of the causes include side effect of certain medications (e.g., blood pressure medications, inhaled steroids), throat injury, damage to the throat tissue due to tobacco use, pollution, voice strain, chemical exposure and excessive vomiting.

What Signs And Symptoms Can Attend It?

Apart from feeling of something stuck in the throat, other symptoms include postnasal drip, sore throat, hoarseness of voice, difficulty in swallowing, cough, scratchy throat, offensive breath, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, noisy breathing, heartburn and tics.