East Norriton
What Is the Sense of Smell and Why Do We Have It?
It could be said that some of the greatest joys in life are experienced through the sense of smell: the salty ocean, a rose, a newborn baby and for some the “new car” smell. But what exactly is the sense of smell and why do we have it? Here is some interesting information about how the sense of smell developed and the ways in which it impacts our lives.
A rose is a rose, but it may smell different to each individual
Scientists at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge, UK have discovered that an individual’s unique sense of smell is the result of genes interacting with experience. In other words, where you live and how you live may determine how your nose and brain interpret different smells.
Cotton swabs are sending thousands of children to emergency rooms across the country. NBC news and other media reported recently that the problem has increased to the point where about 34 children a day are injured by Q-tips. And amazingly, about two-thirds of them are under the age of 8. Approximately 77% of the children were injured when they were using Q-tips themselves after seeing their parents do it. One way that you can prevent your child from suffering Q-tip injuries is to not use them.
If you snore, are tired all the time, find or are told that you stop breathing while sleeping, or frequently wake up with headaches, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Addressing it will give you (and your partner) a better night’s sleep. It’s probably the best New Year’s Resolution you can make. 
Your nose is the most prominent feature on your face and, obviously, a crucial pathway to breathing. It’s no wonder that cosmetic rhinoplasty (commonly referred to as a “nose job”) is sought by so many people – it can drastically improve your breathing and enhance your looks.
We have 5 senses: touch, sight, taste, smell, and hearing. 
During a recent office-based sinus surgery, the husband of my patient fell asleep in the exam room. She told me that he often falls asleep when he sits down. He was a bit embarrassed when we woke him but we assured him that he need not worry. I asked him if he is frequently tired during the day, to which he responded “Doc, I’m 70 years old. Of course I get tired!” His wife interrupted to add that they haven’t slept in the same bed for years due to his snoring. The interesting thing is that he is a hearing loss patient of BergerHenry ENT but never mentioned his daytime fatigue or snoring. We discussed a sleep study but he decided against it.
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