to think she can't smell and it's my grandad's fault

[GrumpyMcGrumpyFace]

DD (7) has always said that she can't smell. To be honest I've never really thought much about it thinking that it was a developmental thing and she would start to recognise smells as she got older. Only she hasn't. When ever I ask if she can smell a strong smell, her answer is no and there is no reaction from her. She never comments on smells. Last time we went to see the GP I mentioned it to him. He kind of laughed it off saying that she must be able to as if she wasn't able to smell she wouldn't be able to taste and she does taste different things.

I always knew that my mum couldn't smell and thought it was because of an accident that she had when she was a girl. However, I found out today that my granddad couldn't smell either. He received a facial injury in WW2 that left him partially sighted and without a sense of smell.

So, AIBU to think that there has been an intergenerational transmission of trauma which has meant that my daughter isn't able to smell or has a very poor sense of smell?

and

AIBU not to do anything about it because it doesn't have any affect on her life in anyway, although it would be good to know for future reference.

This programme on radio 4 might be interesting www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b076cg3n

Epigenetics is an unlikely explanation. But it could be something genetic - i'd chase it up i think with a paed referral if possible

My partner can't smell but can taste so I don't know what that doctors going on about confused there is a test but it's .... Painful

Most people who can't smell can't taste well either and sometimes not at all.

Well, there is actually quite a bit if research into hereditary trauma or how trauma can affect your DNA that then will be passed on. Not sure if sense of smell is included in that though.

I am hoping the grandad thing is meant tongue in cheek!

If your mum has no sense of smell then it is more likely to be a genetic condition.

However you do need to get the GP to take you seriously.

Oh sweet Jesus.

YABU, I get your concerned but clutching at straws here and blaming' the wrong person. Take her to the Dr's and insist on an explanation.

It sounds like an inherited condition, surely. I would say it was worth checking out, at least to know more about it, but I suppose I can see what the GP means.

Inherited maybe, but not through trauma.

Go to the GP. Reasonable to expect a referral to ENT.

So funny.

The 'intergenerational transmission of trauma' thing probably comes from those articles in the media based on studies of mice - epigenetics. Theres been a few articles recently.
www.nature.com/news/fearful-memories-haunt-mouse-descendants-1.14272

My DH has virtually no sense of smell. Comes in handy for manky stuff like cleaning up sick and changing minging nappies. Very bad for when he leaves the gas on though. I'm the opposite, I can smell what cereal the kids have poured from 2 rooms away!

Inherited smell related trauma?! Dying!!!

Smell is a very Importent factor in taste.

There was a good article on anosmia here. It suggests that it isn't taken as seriously as it should be and in some cases can be treated.

I'm anosmic but I can taste things. I do like punchy, obvious flavours though, not so good with subtle aromatics. It's not inherited trauma with me (seriously? Can't we try for even the merest suggestion of science? ). It all went wrong when I had my adenoids out aged 3. My children have not inherited it.

The only way it affects my life is a need for fastidious personal hygiene and difficulty convincing others that anosmia exists. It's a positive benefit in my line of work as some patients are less involved with personal hygiene, and I have to get quite close.

Interestingly, if a smell is really offensive and obvious I don't smell it, but I can sometimes taste it at the back of my mouth.

Neither my mother nor sister can smell.

I vaguely remember it being discussed with the GP and the explanation given that it's just 'one of those things' that can get passed down.

This was the '70s - there may be more knowledge now.

Oh you've gone pre-Darwin back to Lamarck's theory....

OK, I do believe 'intergenerational transmission of trauma' is possible and maybe even common. Epigenetics is such an emerging science, it hasn't poked its head out yet.

But it would not affect a physical malfunction of this nature. Your GP needs chasing.

because it doesn't have any affect on her life in anyway,

This is plain wrong. Lack of sense of smell can be dangerous - inability to smell a leak from gas mains, can't smell that food or milk is off or whether something smells "poisonous" /chemical fumes.

Plus it usually impairs tastte.

Of course it will affect her life. Take her back to the GP and get this properly checked out.

My mum always says she has no sense of smell, but her sense of taste is fine!

Years ago my Granny had a traumatic haircut, it was awful, she doesn't like to talk about it.

My Mum's hair cuts are always genetically terrible too.

And my hair has looked shit from birth.

You are absolutely right OP. It's your Grandad's fault.