I seem to be able to taste food ok, but lost my sense of smell.

The problem started around 15 years ago, my sense of smell became distorted sporadically. For no reason, I'd smell something chemically on occasion. Then after a few months, could smell nothing. I thought it was because of the smog in the area we lived in. But moving has not helped.

I have a little trouble swallowing, and the upper nasal passages seem permanently congested. Not uncomfortable, but I wonder if it has a relationship to the problem.

Of 2 ear nose and throat idiots I consulted with, one said stop drinking coffee (give me a break), and the other said forget about it, it's permanent.

On very rare occasion, I can barely, faintly smell something, which gives hope that my sense of smell can be resurrected.

Yes,nasal congestion,especially if it causes sinus infections can cause anosmia(loss of sense of smell).So can nasal polyps and use of certain nose s
sprays.It can be a symptom of early Parkinsonism or Alzheimer's Disease.ENT doctors can easily test you for it.Good luck.

Thanks for getting back, Richard! Yours is the first informed response I've had on this.
Interestingly, around the same time this occurred, I was around one of those famous CA forest fires for a prolonged period. I was already getting weird smells at that time, so discounted that as the total cause, but it may have contributed.

you're welcome.IForgot to mention two other causes:smoking&intranasal drug usuage.