Anxiety can sometimes affect the sense of smell, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood. Some studies have suggested that anxiety and stress can alter the brain’s perception of odors, while others have suggested that anxiety may affect the production of chemicals that are involved in the sense of smell.

For example, some people with anxiety may experience a heightened sense of smell, where they are more sensitive to certain odors. Others may experience a decreased sense of smell, where they are less able to detect certain odors. In some cases, anxiety may even cause people to experience phantom smells, where they perceive odors that are not present.

It is important to note that these changes in the sense of smell are usually temporary and will resolve on their own once the anxiety has passed. However, suppose you are experiencing changes in your sense of smell that are causing distress or interference with your daily life. In that case, speaking with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment may be helpful.