By: Jessica Avery
Updated: Sep. 24, 2021
My partner recently battled COVID-19 and, while he experienced significant illness, he thankfully avoided hospitalization. He suffered from a relentless cough that sapped his energy after sleepless nights. Though his appetite was diminished, he was relieved not to lose his sense of taste or smell—a common symptom we anticipated. However, things took an unexpected turn.
While preparing dinner—just a simple fried rice dish that the whole family enjoys—he emerged from 14 days of isolation. Suddenly, he scrunched his nose in disbelief and exclaimed, “How many onions did you use?” Confused, I replied that I had only used a couple of green onions for garnish. The smell was so overpowering for him that he had to leave the kitchen. Odd, right?
I initially thought it might just be the garlic or the novelty of cooking again after two weeks. But the next morning, while our son was having a Pop Tart, my partner again complained of a strong onion smell—despite there being no onions in sight. This triggered my awareness that something was indeed amiss. I had read about strange sensory distortions following COVID-19, and this phenomenon is known as parosmia.
What is Parosmia?
Parosmia refers to a distortion in the sense of smell, leading to unpleasant or bizarre odors, such as the smell of rotten eggs or burnt items. Since smell and taste are closely connected, this condition can also alter the flavor of food, making meals less enjoyable—definitely a frustrating situation.
Causes and Symptoms
According to Healthline, parosmia may arise from various causes, including respiratory infections, head injuries, exposure to toxins, and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s or epilepsy. Individuals experiencing parosmia often face secondary challenges, such as weight loss, depression, and reduced appetite. In the context of COVID-19, parosmia can manifest as a long-term symptom, lasting more than four weeks, with unpleasant smells like sewage, burnt odors, or even metallic scents.
A study from May 2021 indicated that participants with parosmia reported symptoms lasting anywhere from nine days to six months, with an average duration of three to four months. It is believed that COVID-19 damages the olfactory receptors and nerves, which can lead to these sensory distortions. While improvement can occur over time, no specific cure exists.
Managing Parosmia
So, what should you do if you find yourself dealing with parosmia? Healthline suggests several strategies, including:
- Smell Training: Engage in a routine of smelling specific scents for 20 seconds, twice a day, for at least three months. Common scents used include fruity, floral, spicy, and resinous aromas.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Stay away from foods that often trigger parosmia, such as meats, fish, and onions.
- Stick to a Bland Diet: Focus on bland foods that provide essential nutrients.
- Serve Foods Cold: Heat can exacerbate the sense of smell.
- Avoid Scent-Rich Environments: Steer clear of restaurants, grocery stores, and floral shops.
- Ventilate Your Space: Open windows to reduce strong odors in your home or vehicle.
While a complete resolution to parosmia may not be possible, these tips can help manage the condition. For more insights, check out this blog post, and to understand more about fertility and related topics, visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Also, this Wikipedia entry provides excellent information regarding artificial insemination.
Search Queries:
- parosmia symptoms
- COVID-19 and smell loss
- how to manage parosmia
- long COVID symptoms
- taste and smell disorders
In summary, parosmia can significantly impact your sense of smell following a COVID-19 infection, leading to a variety of unpleasant odors. Although management strategies exist, recovery varies from person to person. Staying informed and seeking support can make a difference.
Leave a Reply