Parosmia, smell distortion seen in patients recovering from COVID-19

Team Udayavani, Mar 23, 2021, 3:30 PM IST

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Parosmia is a distortion of smell such as previously enjoyable aromas. It is a medical condition that has lingered with some people who have recovered from COVID-19.

An individual with parosmia will be able to detect certain odors but may experience the smell of certain things as different and unpleasant.

Studies reveal that parosmia is experienced by people who are recovering their smell following the loss from a virus or injury. It is a temporary condition and is not harmful but as it can continue for several weeks, leading to which the individuals may have to change their eating patterns, diets and avoid food that triggers certain odors.

Research published in the journal Nature states that parosmia has been associated with a high proportion of patients with post-infectious loss. The study also reveals that nearly half of its COVID-19 section reported parosmia which lasted at least six months in the majority of the cases.

The study cites that parosmia may be a positive sign and may reflect the recovery of the olfactory sensory neurons.

As there is no cure or medication for this abnormality, individuals may find relief with “smell training.”

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