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10 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST JULY - ThE 5 SEnSES | SATURdAY, JUnE 24, 2017 By SaraH HaNey NWa Democrat-Gazette The sense of smell is classifi ed as a chemical sense, just like your sense of taste. Sensory cells, also known as olfactory sensory neurons, connect directly to the brain. The molecules of scents around us — whether it's the scent of cut grass or dinner cook- ing — stimulate these receptors, then send the information to your brain which identifi es the smell. Your sense of smell helps you enjoy the aromas around you and can also serve as a warning system, alerting you to dan- gerous situations such as a gas leak or smoke from a fi re. If you experience a loss in your sense of smell, it could be a sign of a health problem. Commonly people experience a loss of their sense of taste when they have the common cold or fl u. This is caused by the link between your sense of smell and sense of taste. There is a channel that connects the roof of the throat to the nose and when you have a cold or fl u, this can be blocked. When you chew food, aromas are re- leased that travel through this channel to your olfactory sensory neurons. If this channel is blocked, these aromas are unable to reach the neurons caus- ing a loss in your sense of taste. Many people will presume they've lost their sense of taste when they've actually lost their sense of smell. Some smell disorders include: Phantosmia — The sensation of an odor that is not there Hyposmia — A reduced ability to detect odors Parosmia — A change in the nor- mal perception of odors. Something that once smelled pleasant may now smell putrid with Parosmia Anosmia — The complete inabili- ty to detect odors There are many causes for smell disorders, including illness and inju- ry. Some common causes are: Parkinson's or Alzheimer's dis- ease — conditions that affect the ner- vous system Smoking Dental problems Head injury Radiation treatment Medications, including some anti- biotics and antihistamines Sinus or other upper respiratory infections Growths in nasal cavities Disturbances in hormone levels Exposure to chemicals, such as in- secticides and solvents As people age, problems with the sense of smell increase. Problems with sense of smell are more common in men than women with nearly 20 percent of men, ages 60-69, having a smell disorder. In comparison, only 11 percent of women in that age range have reported a smell disorder. Smell disorders are treated by an otolaryngologist — a doctor who spe- cializes in diseased of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. To identify and treat the underlying cause of a smell disorder, it is important to re- ceive a diagnosis by a doctor. Smell plays an important role in your life, often serving as your body's fi rst response to dangers such as harmful chemicals, smoke from a fi re, or spoiled food. Smell disorders could signal a variety of potentially serious health problems and if you are expe- riencing a smell disorder, you should speak with you doctor. Common causes of seasonal allergies metro creative ServiceS Allergy triggers are all around, and the rates of those people affected by various allergies seems to be growing. Worldwide, the rise in prevalence of allergic diseases has continued in the industrialized world for more than 50 years, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Sensitization to foreign proteins in one's environment is present in up to 40 percent of the world's population, continues AAAAI. An allergy is defi ned as an overreac- tion of the human immune system to a foreign protein (allergen) that is eaten, inhaled, touched, or injected into the body. Allergies can cause such reactions as stuffy or runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing/sneezing, rashes, and hives. More severe reactions can include diffi culty breathing, a lowering of blood pressure and asthma attacks. Millions of visits to physician offi ces result in a primary diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever — one of the most common allergy manifes- tations. Hay fever can be brought on by any number of allergens and sometimes it can be dif- fi cult to narrow down the exact cause. However, here are some of the more common allergens. Pollen Of all things that can cause an allergy, those resulting from pollen tend to be the most prolif- ic. Pollen can be released from trees, grasses, weeds, and fl owers throughout much of the year. While the main goal of pollen is to fertilize other plants, pollen that is inhaled can cause allergic reactions. It's one of the more diffi cult allergens to avoid since pollen is virtually everywhere. Dust Dust is an accumulation of microscopic particles that become trapped in a home. A large portion of dust is comprised of dust mites. WebMD says about 20 million Americans are allergic to dust mites and their waste. Dust mites feed on skin from pets and humans. They tend to spike in numbers during warmer weather or if indoor temperatures are kept at 75 F or higher. Cleaning using a HEPA fi lter vacuum can keep dust at a minimum. Air purifi ers also may be able to help. Animal dander Millions of pet owners have an allergy to their animals, says AAAAI. It's not the fur of the animal that causes the trouble, but usually proteins found in a pet's shed skin, saliva and urine that can cause problems. Keep in mind that there are no truly hypoallergenic breeds, and length of hair or fur will not eliminate allergies. An allergist may be able to suggest a course of treatment. Mold Tiny fungi with spores that fl oat through the air, mold is yet another common allergen. The most common allergy-causing molds include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Peni- cillium. Preventing the environment needed for mold to grow can reduce allergic reactions. This primarily means airing out homes to keep them dry. Allergies can occur all year long and be bothersome. Working with an allergist and avoiding the most common triggers can help people feel more comfortable. Pollen is one of the more common triggers of allergic rhinitis. Smell THE SENSE OF