Anosmia is complete loss of smell. Hyposmia is partial loss of smell. Most people with anosmia can recognize salty, sweet, sour, and bitter substances but cannot tell the difference between specific flavors. The ability to tell the difference between flavors actually depends on smell, not the taste receptors on the tongue. Therefore, people with anosomia often complain of losing their sense of taste and of not enjoying food.

An individual afflicted with anosmia is unable to detect any kind of odour. This can be temporary or permanent depending upon the causative factor. Anosmia may result in the loss of appetite which may be a result of failure to enjoy food aromas. Occasionally anosmia may also be associated with the loss of taste sensations which may exacerbate the loss of appetite. The condition of anosmia is more distressing than serious.