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Questions and Answers
Parosmia is a neurological disorder characterized by a heightened sense of smell.
Parosmia is a neurological disorder characterized by a heightened sense of smell.
False (B)
Viral infections, such as COVID-19, can cause Parosmia.
Viral infections, such as COVID-19, can cause Parosmia.
True (A)
Phantosmia is a condition where smells are perceived as more intense than usual.
Phantosmia is a condition where smells are perceived as more intense than usual.
False (B)
Olfactory training is a possible treatment for Parosmia.
Olfactory training is a possible treatment for Parosmia.
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Parosmia only affects one nostril at a time.
Parosmia only affects one nostril at a time.
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Parosmia has a definitive cure.
Parosmia has a definitive cure.
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Study Notes
Definition and Causes
- Parosmia is a neurological disorder characterized by a distorted sense of smell, where familiar smells are perceived as unpleasant or foul.
- Causes:
- Head trauma or injury
- Viral infections (e.g., COVID-19)
- Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's, Alzheimer's)
- Sinus or nasal cavity problems
- Exposure to toxins or chemicals
Symptoms
- Perception of unpleasant or foul odors from ordinary smells
- Smells may be distorted, exaggerated, or changed (e.g., coffee smells like gasoline)
- May affect one or both nostrils
- Can be accompanied by:
- Phantosmia (perception of smells that are not present)
- Hyperosmia (increased sensitivity to smells)
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis: based on medical history, physical examination, and olfactory testing
- No cure, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and underlying causes
- Possible treatments:
- Olfactory training (smell therapy)
- Medications (e.g., corticosteroids, antidepressants)
- Surgery (for sinus or nasal cavity problems)
Living with Parosmia
- Impact on daily life: can affect food enjoyment, social interactions, and mental health
- Coping strategies:
- Avoiding trigger smells
- Using scented products to overpower unpleasant smells
- Seeking support from healthcare professionals and support groups
Definition and Causes
- Parosmia is a neurological disorder characterized by a distorted sense of smell, where familiar smells are perceived as unpleasant or foul.
- Causes of parosmia include:
- Head trauma or injury
- Viral infections, such as COVID-19
- Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
- Sinus or nasal cavity problems
- Exposure to toxins or chemicals
Symptoms
- Parosmia symptoms include perceiving ordinary smells as unpleasant or foul odors
- Smells may be distorted, exaggerated, or changed
- May affect one or both nostrils
- Can be accompanied by phantosmia (perception of smells that are not present) and hyperosmia (increased sensitivity to smells)
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, and olfactory testing
- There is no cure for parosmia, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and underlying causes
- Possible treatments for parosmia include:
- Olfactory training (smell therapy)
- Medications, such as corticosteroids and antidepressants
- Surgery for sinus or nasal cavity problems
Living with Parosmia
- Parosmia can affect daily life, impacting food enjoyment, social interactions, and mental health
- Coping strategies for parosmia include:
- Avoiding trigger smells
- Using scented products to overpower unpleasant smells
- Seeking support from healthcare professionals and support groups
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