The Impact of Parosmia on Your Sense of Smell Post-COVID

By: Emma Richardson
Updated: Sep. 24, 2021

Recently, my partner contracted COVID-19. He experienced significant illness but thankfully avoided hospitalization. Suffering from a relentless cough, he was left exhausted after sleepless nights. Although his appetite waned, he was relieved to maintain his sense of taste and smell, a common symptom we anticipated. However, things took an unexpected twist.

While preparing a simple family dinner of fried rice—consisting of peas, carrots, green onions, egg, rice, soy sauce, and shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter—my husband, after emerging from isolation for the first time in two weeks, remarked, “Wow, how many onions did you use?” Confused, I clarified that I had only added a few green onions as garnish. Disturbingly, he found the aroma overpowering and had to leave the kitchen. Strange, right?

The following morning, as our son grabbed a Pop Tart, my husband again complained about a strong grilled onion scent. This time, I was certain something was wrong; there were no onions present. I had read about unusual sensory experiences following COVID-19, known as parosmia.

In simple terms, parosmia is a distortion of the sense of smell, and it’s not uncommon. This condition can cause familiar scents to be perceived as strange or unpleasant—think of aromas resembling burnt food or even garbage. Since taste and smell are intertwined, this can lead to food tasting off, making mealtime quite disappointing.

As noted by Healthline, parosmia can arise from various causes, particularly linked to respiratory infections and sinus issues related to COVID-19. It can also stem from head injuries, toxic exposures, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and epilepsy. Individuals with parosmia may face additional challenges, including weight loss, decreased appetite, and even depression.

For those recovering from COVID-19, parosmia may manifest as a lingering symptom, lasting over four weeks. Reports indicate that it can present as smells reminiscent of sewage, rotten food, smoke, gasoline, or even moldy socks. This distortion can complicate everyday situations, particularly in emergencies where the ability to smell smoke or gas is crucial.

A May 2021 study revealed that participants with parosmia experienced symptoms lasting anywhere from nine days to six months, with an average duration of three to four months. It’s believed that COVID-19 damages the nerve receptors responsible for our sense of smell, and while improvements can occur over time, there is no definitive treatment.

How to Manage Parosmia

So, how can you manage parosmia? Healthline suggests several strategies:

Smell Training: This involves sniffing specific scents for about 20 seconds, twice daily, for three months or longer. Common scents used include fruity, floral, spicy, and resinous aromas.
Avoid Trigger Foods: Stay away from foods known to trigger parosmia, like meat, fish, and onions.
Adopt a Bland Diet: Focus on nutrient-rich, bland foods.
Serve Foods Cold: Heat can intensify unpleasant smells.
Limit Exposure to Strong Scents: Avoid places like restaurants, flower shops, or perfume counters.
Ventilate Your Space: Open windows to disperse strong odors in your home or vehicle.

While there may not be a cure for parosmia, these methods can help you cope. For further insights, check out this other blog post that provides additional guidance. Remember, to minimize the risk of parosmia and other COVID-related symptoms, practice good hygiene, wear masks, and consider vaccination for protection.

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In summary, parosmia can significantly disrupt your sense of smell after a COVID-19 infection, leading to distorted perceptions of common scents. While the condition can be frustrating, implementing smell training and dietary adjustments may help manage its effects. For more information about pregnancy and home insemination, be sure to visit Make a Mom—an authority on the topic—and consider listening to expert resources like the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast.

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