Summary about Disease
Parosmia is a distorted sense of smell. It occurs when the olfactory neurons, which detect odors, are damaged or malfunctioning. This results in familiar smells being perceived as different, often unpleasant, odors. Instead of smelling coffee, for example, someone with parosmia might smell something burnt or chemical-like.
Symptoms
The primary symptom is a distortion in the sense of smell. This can manifest as:
Familiar smells being perceived as unpleasant or different.
Smells being perceived as stronger or weaker than they actually are.
Smells that were once pleasant becoming repulsive.
Sometimes, the inability to identify a smell properly and misidentification to be a foul odor.
Causes
Common causes of parosmia include:
Upper Respiratory Infections: Viral infections like the common cold or flu.
Head Trauma: Injury to the head that damages the olfactory nerves.
Sinus Infections: Chronic sinus infections can irritate the olfactory system.
Neurological Conditions: Rarely, conditions like Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.
Exposure to Toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins.
COVID-19: Frequently reported after recovery from COVID-19.
Brain Tumors: Very rarely, can be a cause.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medicine universally effective for parosmia. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and retraining the sense of smell. Potential approaches include:
Treating Underlying Infections: Antibiotics for sinus infections, antiviral medications (if appropriate) for viral infections.
Nasal Steroids: To reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Olfactory Training: Regularly smelling a set of specific odors (e.g., rose, lemon, clove, eucalyptus) to help the olfactory system recover.
Alpha-lipoic acid: Some studies suggest this antioxidant may help with olfactory dysfunction.
Surgery: In very rare cases to remove nasal polyps or fix sinus issues.
Is Communicable
Parosmia itself is not communicable. However, if the parosmia is caused by a contagious infection (like COVID-19 or the flu), the underlying infection is communicable.
Precautions
Precautions depend on the underlying cause, but general measures include:
Avoiding irritants: Smoke, strong perfumes, and other strong odors.
Maintaining good hygiene: Frequent hand washing, especially if the cause is a viral infection.
Treating underlying conditions: Managing sinus infections or other medical conditions.
How long does an outbreak last?
There is no "outbreak" of parosmia. The duration of parosmia varies greatly depending on the cause and severity. It can last for weeks, months, or even years. Some people recover fully, while others experience long-term or permanent changes in their sense of smell. For post-viral parosmia, it often resolves within several months to a year, but can sometimes persist longer.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
Medical History: Discussing symptoms and potential causes with a doctor.
Physical Examination: Including an examination of the nose and sinuses.
Smell Tests: Using standardized smell tests to assess the ability to identify and discriminate odors.
Imaging Tests: In some cases, CT scans or MRI scans may be used to rule out other underlying conditions (e.g., sinus issues, brain tumors).
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline varies depending on the cause:
Post-Viral: Often develops after the initial symptoms of a viral infection subside. Anosmia (loss of smell) may occur first, followed by a distorted sense of smell (parosmia) as the sense of smell begins to return.
Head Trauma: Can occur immediately after the injury or develop over time.
Sinus Infections: May develop gradually as the infection progresses.
Important Considerations
Impact on Quality of Life: Parosmia can significantly impact quality of life, affecting appetite, nutrition, and mental well-being.
Mental Health: Frustration and anxiety are common due to the persistent unpleasant smells. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor may be beneficial.
Persistence: It's important to be patient, as recovery can be slow and gradual.
Consultation with ENT: An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist (otolaryngologist) is the best resource for diagnosis and management.