A smell disorder is a condition that changes your normal sense of smell. Smell receptors are in the lining of your nose. They are nerves that pick up smells. These receptors are connected to the olfactory nerves. The olfactory nerves are connected to the part of the brain that interprets smells. People who experience smell disorders experience either a loss in their ability to smell or changes in the way they perceive odors. Any loss in our sense of smell can have a negative effect on our quality of life. It also can be a sign of more serious health problems. The reduced ability to smell (hyposmia) or to taste sweet, sour, bitter, or salty substances (hypogeusia) is also common.