Understanding Dysosmia and Its Effects on the Sense of Smell

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sampurna Ghosh , Ent

Causes
Find a Doctor
Diagnosis
Treatment
FAQs
Book an Appointment

1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Dysosmia is a condition that causes an abnormal or altered sense of smell. People with dysosmia may notice that familiar smells seem different, unpleasant, or distorted. In some cases, odors that are normally pleasant may smell foul or burnt.

Dysosmia can develop after respiratory infections, nasal problems, head injuries, exposure to certain chemicals, or conditions affecting the nervous system. Identifying the underlying cause is important because treatment depends on what is affecting the sense of smell.

What are the Types of Dysosmia?

Dysosmia is commonly described according to how the sense of smell has changed.

Parosmia: Familiar smells are detected but perceived differently from how they normally smell. For example, food may smell unpleasant or rotten.
Phantosmia: A person smells an odor even though there is no actual smell present in the environment.
Hyposmia: A reduced ability to detect odors. Although technically a reduced sense of smell rather than a distortion, it can occur along with other smell disorders.
Anosmia: Complete loss of the sense of smell. It is different from dysosmia but may occur as part of the same underlying condition.

What are the Symptoms and Warning Signs of Dysosmia?

The main symptom of dysosmia is a change in how odors are detected or perceived. The symptoms can be temporary or persistent depending on the underlying cause.

Common Symptoms

Familiar smells seeming different or distorted
Normally pleasant odors smelling unpleasant
Smelling odors that are not actually present
Reduced ability to recognize familiar smells
Difficulty identifying different odors
Changes in the way food and drinks taste because smell contributes to flavor perception

Severe or Concerning Symptoms

Sudden or complete loss of smell
Persistent smell disturbances without an obvious cause
Dysosmia following a significant head injury
Smell changes accompanied by severe headache, seizures, confusion, or other neurological symptoms

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Dysosmia?

Dysosmia can result from problems affecting the nasal passages, olfactory nerves, or areas of the brain involved in processing smells.

Causes of Dysosmia

Respiratory infections: Viral infections can temporarily or persistently affect the sense of smell.
COVID-19: Changes in smell can occur during or after COVID-19 infection.
Nasal and sinus conditions: Conditions such as sinusitis, nasal polyps, and chronic nasal congestion can interfere with smell.
Head injuries: Trauma can damage the olfactory nerves or areas of the brain responsible for smell processing.
Neurological conditions: Certain neurological disorders can affect smell perception.
Medications: Some medicines may alter the sense of smell as a side effect.
Exposure to chemicals: Certain toxic substances or irritants may damage the smell receptors or nerves.
Smoking: Tobacco use can impair normal smell function.
Aging: The ability to smell may naturally decline with age.

Risk Factors

Previous viral or respiratory infections
Chronic nasal or sinus problems
History of head trauma
Smoking or prolonged exposure to irritants
Neurological disorders
Use of medications that affect smell perception
Older age

When to See a Doctor?

Consult an ENT doctor or healthcare professional if changes in your sense of smell persist, worsen, or interfere with eating and daily activities.

Smell changes continue for several weeks or longer.
You suddenly lose your sense of smell.
You experience persistent phantom smells.
Dysosmia develops after a head injury.
You have persistent nasal blockage, sinus symptoms, or nasal polyps.
Changes in smell are accompanied by neurological symptoms such as seizures, confusion, weakness, or severe headaches.

Find Ent for Dysosmia Treatment Near You

How is Dysosmia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and examination to determine how the sense of smell has changed and identify a possible underlying cause.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Medical history: The doctor may ask when the smell changes started and whether they followed an infection, medication change, or head injury.
Nasal examination: The nose and nasal passages are examined for congestion, inflammation, polyps, or other abnormalities.
Smell testing: Standardized odor identification or threshold tests can assess the severity and type of smell impairment.
Nasal endoscopy: A small camera may be used to examine the nasal passages and sinuses in greater detail.
CT scan: May be recommended when sinus disease, nasal obstruction, or other structural abnormalities are suspected.
MRI: May be considered when a neurological cause or abnormality involving the brain or olfactory pathways needs evaluation.

What are the Treatment Options for Dysosmia?

There is no single treatment for dysosmia. Management focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause and helping the sense of smell recover when possible.

Medical Treatment

Treating nasal or sinus conditions: Appropriate treatment may improve smell when congestion, inflammation, or sinus disease is responsible.
Managing infections: Underlying respiratory or other infections are treated when appropriate.
Medication review: If a medicine is suspected of affecting smell, the doctor may consider adjusting treatment when medically appropriate.
Treatment of neurological conditions: Underlying neurological disorders are managed according to their specific cause.

Smell Training

Olfactory or smell training involves repeatedly smelling selected odors over a period of time to stimulate and retrain the sense of smell. It may be recommended for some people with persistent smell disturbances, particularly after certain viral infections.

Other Supportive Measures

Avoid smoking and exposure to strong chemical odors.
Maintain good nasal and oral hygiene.
Use safety devices such as smoke and gas detectors because altered smell may reduce the ability to detect dangerous odors.
Maintain adequate nutrition if altered smell is affecting appetite or food intake.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Consult Dysosmia Doctors Today

What is the Recovery Process After Dysosmia Treatment?

Recovery varies considerably depending on the underlying cause. Smell disturbances caused by temporary infections or nasal inflammation may improve as the condition resolves, while changes caused by nerve or neurological injury may take longer or may not completely resolve.

Recovery and Self-Care

Follow the treatment prescribed for the underlying condition.
Complete recommended smell-training exercises consistently.
Avoid smoking and unnecessary exposure to chemical irritants.
Maintain adequate nutrition and hydration.
Attend follow-up appointments if smell changes persist.

Long-Term Outlook: The prognosis depends mainly on the cause and extent of damage to the smell pathways. Some people recover completely, while others may have persistent changes in smell.

What Precautions Can Help Prevent Dysosmia?

Not every case of dysosmia can be prevented, but protecting the nose, brain, and respiratory system may reduce the risk of some causes.

Prevention

Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
Use appropriate protective equipment when working around chemicals or airborne irritants.
Take precautions to prevent head injuries during sports, cycling, and other activities.
Seek appropriate treatment for persistent nasal and sinus problems.
Follow medication instructions and discuss unusual side effects with your doctor.

Possible Complications

Reduced enjoyment of food
Reduced appetite or unintended dietary changes
Difficulty detecting smoke, gas, spoiled food, or other hazardous odors
Anxiety or frustration caused by persistent smell changes
Persistent loss or distortion of smell in some cases

Our Experience Treating Dysosmia

At Medicover Hospitals, patients with dysosmia receive an individualized evaluation to identify the underlying cause of altered smell. Our specialists assess nasal, sinus, and neurological factors when required and recommend treatment according to the patient's symptoms and test results.

From managing underlying nasal conditions to recommending appropriate smell-training and supportive care, our multidisciplinary approach focuses on improving smell function and helping patients maintain their quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is dysosmia?

Dysosmia is a disturbance in the sense of smell, causing smells to seem different, unpleasant, or distorted.

2. What causes dysosmia?

Common causes include respiratory infections, sinus problems, nasal polyps, head injuries, certain medications, and neurological conditions.

3. What are the symptoms of dysosmia?

Symptoms include distorted smells, unpleasant odors, reduced ability to smell, or difficulty identifying familiar scents.

4. How is dysosmia diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve a medical history, examination of the nose and sinuses, smell tests, and imaging or other tests when needed.

5. How is dysosmia treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and may include treating infections or sinus problems, stopping a causative medication when appropriate, and smell training.

6. Can dysosmia go away on its own?

Yes. Dysosmia may improve as the underlying cause resolves, particularly after some infections. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.