Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty has, for the first time, opened up about the health scare he faced last year, compelling him to pause his career. The 74-year-old actor shared his personal experience of temporarily losing both his sense of smell and taste - an ordeal that he says has altered his appreciation for ordinary sensory functions.
“Eyesight and hearing are very important aspects of human life. Even while breathing, some people are unable to smell anything. I was unable to smell or taste anything for a long time,” the Bramayugam actor. Mammootty also mentioned that he is now slowly regaining the lost senses. “We only understand the value of such abilities when we lose them,” he said.
Mammooty’s experience has sparked an important conversation around sensory health, anosmia - loss of smell, and ageusia - loss of taste, conditions that can signal underlying health issues.
Why does losing smell and taste matter?
Doctors say both the sensory functions of smell and taste are closely connected to not just how you enjoy and savour food, but also to detecting different scents and detecting danger like smoke, gas leaks, or even spoiled food. Losing them heavily impacts your nutrition and appetite, mental health, awareness towards safety, and the overall quality of life.
In Mammootty’s case, the temporary loss reshaped his appreciation for everyday experiences, highlighting how vital these senses are to daily living.
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What causes loss of smell and taste?
The sudden loss of smell and taste can happen due to several medical reasons. Some of the most common include:
Viral infections
Respiratory viruses, which include flu, sinus infections, and post-viral syndromes, can inflame nasal tissues and damage sensory receptors.
Neurological conditions
Disorders affecting the brain and nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s, may impair sensory signals over time.
Sinus or nasal problems
Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or allergies can block odor molecules from reaching smell receptors.
Ageing
As people age, sensory perception naturally declines. However, sudden loss should never be ignored.
Head injury
Trauma affecting the olfactory nerve can disrupt the brain’s ability to process smells and flavours.
Nutritional deficiencies
Low levels of zinc or vitamin B12 may affect sensory nerve function.
Also read: Noida Launches Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive: Why Getting the MMR Vaccine Is Crucial for Children?
When should you be concerned?
Even though a temporary loss may occur during infections, persistent or unexplained changes require medical evaluation. Do not ignore warning signs like:
- Loss lasting more than two weeks
- Accompanying headaches or vision changes
- Sudden weight loss due to reduced appetite
- Difficulty detecting strong odours
In some cases, sensory loss can be an early sign of neurological disease.
Ways to protect your sensory health
Experts say taking note from Mammootty’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that sensory health is an essential part of overall well-being. To protect it, you must take care that you:
- Treat sinus infections promptly
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in micronutrients
- Avoid smoking
- Seek medical advice for persistent sensory changes
Losing smell and taste is more than a minor inconvenience, as it can be a warning sign. Paying attention to these changes and acting early can help safeguard both health and quality of life.
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