Merciful anosmia

Merciful anosmia is a condition in which the person is unaware of a foul smell emanating from their own nose.[1][2] This condition is seen in atrophic rhinitis. In atrophic rhinitis, the turbinates, venous sinusoids, seromucinous glands and nerves undergo atrophy, resulting in a foul smelling discharge. As the nerve fibres sensing smell are also atrophied, the patient is unable to appreciate the foul smell.

References

  1. Dhingra, P.L (2010). Diseases of the Ear, Nose and Throat. New Delhi: Elsevier. p. 170. ISBN 9788131223642.
  2. "Atrophic rhinitis". PG Blazer. Retrieved 14 March 2013.