Dysosmia

A disorder related to the sense of smell

Classification
External resources

Dysosmia

Diagram of the olfactory system

Dysosmia is a disorder characterized by a distorted sense of smell. It is a type of olfactory disorder that affects the ability to perceive odors correctly. Dysosmia can manifest in various forms, including parosmia and phantosmia.

Types of Dysosmia

Dysosmia can be classified into two main types:

Parosmia

Parosmia is a condition where the perception of odors is distorted. Individuals with parosmia may find that familiar smells become unpleasant or are perceived differently than they should be. This can occur after upper respiratory infections, head trauma, or exposure to certain chemicals.

Phantosmia

Phantosmia involves the perception of smells that are not present in the environment. These "phantom smells" can be unpleasant and are often described as burnt, foul, or chemical odors. Phantosmia can be caused by neurological disorders, sinus infections, or brain tumors.

Causes

Dysosmia can result from various causes, including:

• Infections: Viral infections, such as those affecting the upper respiratory tract, can lead to temporary or permanent changes in the sense of smell.
• Head trauma: Injury to the head can damage the olfactory nerves or the brain regions responsible for processing smells.
• Neurological disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease can affect olfactory function.
• Exposure to chemicals: Certain chemicals and medications can alter the sense of smell.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of dysosmia involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Olfactory testing may be conducted to assess the extent and nature of the olfactory dysfunction. Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, may be used to identify any structural abnormalities in the brain or nasal passages.

Treatment

Treatment for dysosmia depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

• Medications: Corticosteroids or other medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation or treat infections.
• Olfactory training: This involves repeated exposure to specific odors to help retrain the olfactory system.
• Surgery: In cases where structural abnormalities are present, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with dysosmia varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Some individuals may experience a full recovery, while others may have persistent olfactory dysfunction.

Related pages

• Olfactory system
• Anosmia
• Hyposmia
• Olfactory bulb