Have you noticed that familiar things suddenly smell unpleasant? It could be parosmia, a disorder in which the smells of some things – or, in some cases, all of them – are moved.
This happens when odor receptor cells in your nose, called olfactory sensory neurons, do not detect odors and translate them into your brain as they should. The smell is usually bad or even reversible. For example, if you shake a banana, instead of something fruity and pleasant, your nose may pick up a false smell like rotting meat. Parosmia is common after viral infection.
Causes of Parosmia
Several things can cause parosmia. They can include:
COVID-19 and Parosmia
A complete loss of smell and taste are the hallmarks of COVID-19. One study states that it occurs in at least 25% of people who contract SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Some reports have also linked COVID-19 infections to parosmia.
follow up
Most people with total odor loss (known as anosmia) from COVID-19 find that their senses return to normal over time. But sleep problems can occur in a few people, or they may have a sense of taste and smell for weeks or months after the infection.
Nearly half of people with COVID-19 who participated in one study reported parosmia about 2.5 months after their first infection, and it continued for at least 6 months. According to some, the smell of “COVID” was “deceptive,” “rancid,” or like “rotting meat.” ”
Another international study found that 7% of people reported an unpleasant odor sensation after COVID-19 infection. But experts say they need more information and more studies to better understand how the disease can affect smell and taste.
Problems of Parosmia
Your senses play a big role in your daily life. Good smells often lift your spirits and bring happiness. On the flip side, the smell of scattered odors can have a major impact on your quality of life. It can lead to problems such as:
When your sense of smell is unreliable, you may be at risk of losing things like spoiled food, smoke or gas leaks. If your sense of smell is important for your work, such as cooks, perfumers, and firefighters, parosmia may make it difficult to do your job.
Diagnosis and treatment of parosmia
If you think you have parosmia, talk to your doctor. There is no standard test for the condition. You may be using Sniffin ‘Sticks to determine how well you detect daily odors to see if your olfactory system, the organs behind your sense of smell, are working properly.
Your doctor will also do a physical exam and ask about your medical history to find out for real underlying problems such as brain tumors.
They may try to manage a similar situation called phantosmia. Unlike parosmia, in which your nose is still capable of smelling something, phantosmia is when your odor receptors press and detect non – existent odors. The smells can range from good to unpleasant. Phantosmia is not stable; it can come and go.
Your doctor may also recommend that you see a specialist to rule out zero damage or head injuries. This can include:
- Otolaryngologists, who specialize in treating ear, nose and throat conditions
- Neurologists, which focus on conditions related to the brain and nervous system
- Allergists, who handle allergies and related issues
follow up
Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat parosmia. Studies have found that these drugs can reduce symptoms:
If the drugs do not work, you may have surgery to remove the damaged sensory receptors (olfactory mucosa) in your nasal cavity. But because it is a complex procedure with high risks, doctors recommend surgery only if necessary.
There is no treatment for parosmia that occurs due to a viral infection such as COVID-19 or head injuries. Damaged nerves in your nose and nasal cavity can regain, so your sense of smell can return to some or all without treatment.