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What is Anosmia?

In February 2004, users of zinc nasal sprays made by Zicam and Cold-Eeze began to complain they lost their sense of smell. The medical term for the loss of smell is called anosmia, a disorder that can be devastating and permanent. Zinc lozenges and oral sprays have been shown, in some studies, to shorten the duration of colds by a few days, though research on the effectiveness of nasal zinc products is mixed. Some studies show zinc nasal sprays can shorten the common cold, while others show no effect.

Still, sales of the zinc nasal sprays continue to boom, even after the line in the Cold-Eeze products was discontinued in September 2004. Manufacturer Quigley Corporation said the discontinuation was because of financial reasons, but at the time, the FDA was reviewing anosmia reports and the company had become the target of lawsuits.

There are over 200 medical conditions and many medications associated with olfactory changes and loss, so the anosmia could be coincidental to zinc nasal spray use, but they could also be the cause. Since there are no studies on whether zinc nasal spray users have a higher risk of anosmia, the debate can continue but lacks definitive evidence.

Both Zicam and Cold-Eeze makers maintained company studies indicated anosmia was not a reported risk, but a homeopathic remedies label means the product did not have to undergo FDA rules in order to sell on the market. Only if the FDA is able to prove the nasal sprays are dangerous and are tied to anosmia can they take them off the market.

In the absence of more research, some doctors advise patients to avoid the zinc nasal sprays since the possible risks of anosmia is probably not worth shaving a couple extra days off of a cold, and also considering that the nasal spray may not even be effective, according to some zinc nasal spray studies. Estimates on the number of Americans suffering anosmia vary, but the National Institutes of Health believes about 2.5 million have partial or complete loss of smell.

There are no proven treatments for anosmia.

For more information on anosmia and Cold-Eeze, please contact us.

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