Parosmia (Distorted Smell): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (2024)

FAQs

Parosmia (Distorted Smell): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment? ›

Parosmia is a distorted sense of smell. Things that used to smell pleasant now smell foul to people with parosmia. People get parosmia for many reasons, including infections, medications and trauma. You can't always prevent it, but in most cases, it's temporary.

There's no treatment for parosmia that happens because of a viral infection like COVID-19 or a head injury. Damaged nerves in your nose and nasal cavity can grow back, so your sense of smell may partially or fully return without treatment.

Typical triggers for parosmia include coffee, onions, garlic, fried/roasted/browned meats, eggs, toothpaste, bell peppers, and cucumbers.

We found 14,032 reports of parosmia, with a median patient age of 53 years. Most reported drugs were antiinfectives, among which COVID-19 vaccines accounted for 27.1% of reports. Antibiotics and corticosteroids were involved in 6.8% and 4.6% of reports.

Vitamin A helps to form and maintain healthy body structures and has recently been shown to play a role in the regeneration of olfactory receptor neurons. Hummel et al.

Parosmia due to COVID can occur long-term; however, there's not enough research to determine if it is permanent. Research is also ongoing for evidence-based parosmia treatments, though it may be possible to manage the symptoms.

In comparison to respondents with hyposmia or anosmia, respondents with parosmia were more likely to be female, young, and suffering from post-viral olfactory loss (P < 0.001), while respondents with phantosmia were more likely to be middle-aged (P < 0.01) and experiencing symptoms caused by head trauma (P < 0.01).

Overall, gabapentin appears to be a well‐tolerated potential treatment option for parosmia in those infected with COVID‐19.

How does treatment to regain taste and smell begin? Rosen: First, we prescribe an oral steroid, work with patients through olfactory training (smell training), and suggest they begin taking supplements, such as V vitamin A, alpha-lipoic acid, sodium citrate, or omega 3.

Is parosmia life threatening? ›

Dr. Smith: You know, kind of shortest, simple answer is that losing your sense of smell or having a change in your sense of smell is not going to directly cause you harm by not having it, but it does increase your risk of some other potential harmful things.

Anxiety and chronic stress cause various biochemical changes in the body that may give rise to phantom smells. The stress response may cause hyper-stimulation of the smell and taste receptors that may lead to odd tastes and smells.

The treatment for a bad smell in the nose is based on the cause. Some home remedies include a daily salt-water rinse, staying hydrated, and practicing good oral hygiene care at home. You can also use over-the-counter medications such as nasal decongestant spray and antihistamines.

Loss of smell—which can be partial or total—in itself is debilitating, but the distortion of sense of smell (parosmia) that can occur as a consequence of a viral upper respiratory tract infection (either alongside a reduction in sense of smell or as a solo symptom) can be very distressing for patients.

Parosmia is a qualitative distortion of smell perception. Resulting from central causes, sinonasal diseases, and infections, parosmia has also been associated with medications.

In some cases, parosmia is permanent. But full recovery is common. Ask your healthcare provider for details about your situation.

Overall, gabapentin appears to be a well‐tolerated potential treatment option for parosmia in those infected with COVID‐19.

How long does parosmia last after COVID infection? Most people who experience changes in smell with COVID have a complete or partial recovery within a few weeks from the start of the changes. Studies show that symptoms significantly lessen in about 9 in 10 people after 4 to 8 weeks.

Over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers may also help to reduce sinus infection odor. Additionally, using a neti pot or nasal spray can help clear out the congested mucus that is causing the smell in the first place.