Anosmia, that is, a complete loss of the ability to smell, is one of the most characteristic covid symptoms. But the sense of smell can play other cruel jokes on a person. Parosmia – one of them.
What is parosmia
Parosmia is distorted perception of smells. For example, roses are blooming around you, and you feel the aroma of burnt rubber. Or those around you enjoy the aroma of barbecue, but it seems to you that there is a distinct smell of rotten meat. But it also happens the other way around: some people with parosmia are lucky, and they pursue pleasant smells instead of unpleasant ones.
There are two types of parosmia: with stimuli (troposmia) or without them. The second option is called phantasmy. With phantasmia, the brain invents a non-existent (phantom) smell, and with troposmia, it distorts a really existing one. For some reason, the brain cannot correctly process the information that comes from the olfactory receptors that have detected the molecules of the odorous substance.
Where does parosmia come from?
Usually parosmia – consequence recently suffered a serious respiratory infections. It is believed that some viruses or bacteria damage the olfactory neurons that are located inside the nasal mucosa.
The task of these neurons is to recognize molecules of odorous substances and report the finding to the brain. But due to damage caused by viruses or bacteria, these nerve cells can first fail completely (this is how anosmia occurs), and then, when restored, begin to work incorrectly. As a result, having caught something that smells, the olfactory neurons report to the brain about a completely different smell.
Parosmia in this case is a good signal: it testifiesthat the body recovers from illness.
However, there are other phenomena, non-infectious ones. causes.
1. Traumatic brain injuries
When injured, the parts of the brain that are responsible for recognizing odors can be damaged. More often this leads to loss of smell, but sometimes a person experiences obsessive olfactory distortions.
2. Smoking or inhaling certain chemicals
Including city smog and car exhaust. The chemicals can also cause olfactory neurons to go crazy and send false information to the brain about surrounding scents.
3. Some neurological disorders
Loss or distortion of the sense of smell may be early symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. As well as other types of dementia and conditions in which brain cells are gradually destroyed.
4. Side effects of cancer treatment
Radiation and chemotherapy sometimes lead to parosmia.
5. Tumors
Benign and malignant tumors of the cavities of the nasal sinuses and the olfactory bulbs in them, as well as the frontal cortex of the brain, are another possible cause of parosmia, although rare. Much more often, neoplasms in these areas cause phantasmia.
Is parosmia dangerous?
By itself, no, because parosmia is not an independent disease, but a symptom of some kind of malfunction in the processing and transmission of olfactory signals.
The nasty smells that suddenly filled the world won’t do any harm either, but they can cause indirect damage. For example:
- The person will lose his appetite. If your usual foods start to smell rotten, it can be difficult to persuade yourself to eat even a piece.
- Weight will decrease. This is a consequence of lost appetite.
- Due to olfactory distortions, a person runs the risk of not smelling burning or gas and being delayed in reacting to danger.
Therefore, it is advisable to get rid of parosmia or at least try to do so.
How to treat parosmia
First, you should consult with a therapist or neurologist. It is important to find out the reasons why everything around began to stink, and rule out the most dangerous diagnoses or begin treatment.
Unfortunately, there is no clear and effective way to get rid of parosmia. But your doctor can suggest treatment options that may work.
For example, if parosmia is caused by environmental factors or lifestyle – inhaling polluted air, smoking, taking medications, the doctor will tell you how to get rid of these triggers.
Parosmia, which occurs after respiratory infections, usually passes independently for a maximum of 2–3 years.
So maybe we just need to wait. But if all else fails, the doctor will offer:
- Use a nose clip to prevent odorant molecules from entering your nose and causing unpleasant distortions. This clamp should only be worn during an attack of parosmia.
- Avoid places and dishes with strong odors. Eat datathat parosmia intensifies when inhaling the aromas of fried foods, especially meat, as well as onions, garlic, eggs, coffee and chocolate. If the distortion of odors prevents you from eating normally, it is recommended to switch to foods with a neutral taste and aroma: rice, noodles, natural yoghurts, toast, stewed vegetables, protein shakes without flavoring additives.
- Every day do olfactory gymnastics. For this need to take four sharp-smelling substances, such as crushed garlic, ginger, lemon and cinnamon essential oil. And then thoughtfully sniff each one for at least 20 seconds, trying to imagine as colorfully as possible the objects that have the corresponding smell: juicy lemon, apple pie with cinnamon, a clove of garlic. Such exercises, if performed regularly, can restore the correct functioning of the olfactory neurons.
Sometimes, if parosmia greatly poisons life, and it is impossible to get rid of it, it is recommended to surgically remove some areas of the nasal mucosa. But this is a last resort.
This material was first published in October 2019. In March 2024, we updated and reviewed it with a trusted evidence-based medicine physician.
Take care of your nose 👃🌹🤧
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