Dysosmia

Dysosmia is a condition characterized by a distorted sense of smell. It is a disorder where the sense of smell does not function properly, leading to a decrease or alteration in the sense of smell. Dysosmia can be classified into two types: Parosmia and Phantosmia.

Types of Dysosmia

Parosmia

Parosmia is a type of dysosmia where there is a distortion of the sense of smell. A person with parosmia perceives normal smells as unpleasant. For example, the smell of a rose might be perceived as the smell of rotten eggs.

Phantosmia

Phantosmia is another type of dysosmia where a person smells odors that are not present. These are often described as unpleasant smells.

Causes of Dysosmia

Dysosmia can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• Upper respiratory infection
• Sinusitis
• Head injury
• Neurological disorders
• Exposure to certain chemicals
• Aging

Diagnosis of Dysosmia

The diagnosis of dysosmia is usually made by a neurologist or an otolaryngologist. The doctor may perform a physical examination and ask about the patient's medical history. In some cases, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan may be required.

Treatment of Dysosmia

The treatment of dysosmia depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. If the cause is a neurological disorder, treatment may involve medication or surgery. In some cases, dysosmia may resolve on its own without treatment.

See Also

• Anosmia
• Hyposmia
• Olfactory system
• Olfactory nerve

Dysosmia Resources
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