Parosmia

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Parosmia

Parosmia (/pɑːˈrɒzmiə/; from Greek para meaning "beside" and osme meaning "smell") is a medical condition that involves a distortion of the sense of smell. Individuals with parosmia often perceive normal odors as unpleasant or disgusting.

Definition

Parosmia is a type of olfactory disorder that is characterized by the inability of the brain to properly identify an odor's "natural" smell. Instead, the natural odors are often distorted and perceived as unpleasant. This condition is often associated with damage to the olfactory system, which includes the nose and the brain.

Causes

Parosmia is often caused by damage to the olfactory system, which can occur due to a variety of reasons such as head trauma, infection, neurodegenerative diseases, and exposure to toxic compounds. It can also be a symptom of some respiratory infections, including COVID-19.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of parosmia is a persistent change in the perception of odors. Individuals with this condition may perceive familiar smells as being unpleasant or even disgusting. This can lead to a decrease in appetite and weight loss, as food often smells unappealing.

Treatment

Treatment for parosmia often involves treating the underlying cause of the condition. This can include medication, surgery, or other treatments depending on the cause. In some cases, olfactory training may be recommended to help improve the sense of smell.

Related Terms

  • Anosmia: The loss of the sense of smell.
  • Hyposmia: A reduced ability to smell and to detect odors.
  • Phantosmia: The phenomenon of smelling odors that aren't really present.

External links

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