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Parosmia is a condition where the sense of smell becomes distorted.

About Parosmia

Parosmia affects the way the brain perceives smells. People with this condition may not be able to recognize familiar scents or might find that odors smell unpleasant. For example, the aroma of baking cookies might be perceived as rotten. This condition differs from anosmia, which is the complete loss of smell. Parosmia is commonly observed as a symptom of COVID-19, often alongside dysgeusia (distorted taste) and ageusia (loss of taste).

Causes

Parosmia can be triggered by several different factors. These include:

COVID-19

Many COVID-19 patients report parosmia, particularly as a long-term symptom.

Bacterial and Viral Infections

Infections such as the common cold, flu, and acute sinusitis can lead to parosmia.

Head Trauma

Injuries to the head may disrupt the normal functioning of the olfactory system.

Neurological Conditions

Disorders affecting the brain, such as temporal lobe seizures and brain tumors, can result in parosmia.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to certain chemicals, smoking, and chronic dry mouth can also cause this condition.

Other Medical Treatments

Cancer treatments and certain medications are known to induce parosmia.

Although parosmia itself is not contagious, the infections causing it often are. Therefore, maintaining good hygiene and avoiding contact with sick people is important.

Treatments

Treatment for parosmia varies based on its cause. Here are some common approaches:

Removing Triggers

When environmental factors like smoking or chemical exposure are responsible, eliminating these triggers can help restore the sense of smell, however, consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before making any changes to medication.

Medication

Healthcare providers may prescribe medications such as phenytoin, clonazepam, topiramate, or valproic acid. These medications can help alleviate symptoms, though ongoing research is necessary to confirm their efficacy.

Olfactory Training Therapy

This therapy involves smelling various substances regularly over months. Known as smell training, it aims to retrain the brain to recognize and process odors correctly. Patients are typically advised to engage in this practice twice daily.

Surgery

In cases where nasal polyps or brain tumors are the cause, surgical intervention may be recommended. Surgeons can sometimes remove damaged sensory receptors in the nose, though this is a complex procedure with significant risks.