Your sense of smell is one of your most valuable senses. But what happens when it becomes disrupted? Many factors can cause changes or a loss of the sense of smell. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people reported a distorted sense of smell or a complete loss of smell and taste. But on the contrary, have you ever heard of or experienced hyperosmia, a heightened sense of smell? If so, you're not alone.
In a conversation with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Girish Anand M S, Consultant - ENT Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, explores this condition in depth and shares tips on how to manage it.
Also Read: Difficulty In Smelling? Here Are The Causes And Treatment For Anosmia
What Causes Hyperosmia?
Hyperosmia is a heightened sense of smell, often caused by a lower odour threshold, explains Dr Anand.
He says, “This occurs when there is an abnormally increased signal between the olfactory receptors and the olfactory cortex. Common causes include pregnancy, migraines, neurological conditions, and autoimmune diseases.”
He adds, “An ENT doctor can diagnose hyperosmia by reviewing a patient’s medical history, performing a physical exam, and running tests. Nasal endoscopy is a standard test to rule out physical issues in the nose such as masses, polyps, or infections.”
How Does Hyperosmia Impact Daily Life?
In general, olfactory disorders affect 17.9% of the population and have spiked from 11.5% to 21.9% between 2020 and 2021, according to a research article published in Medical Principles and Practice.
Dr Anand says that this heightened sense of smell can significantly impact daily life for those affected.
"People with hyperosmia often find themselves overwhelmed by everyday scents that others may not notice, such as perfumes, cooking odours, or environmental fragrances. This increased sensitivity can lead to discomfort, anxiety, and physical reactions like headaches or nausea, making it challenging to navigate social situations, public spaces, or even their own homes," he adds.
As a result, individuals may need to adopt specific strategies to manage their environment, such as avoiding certain places or using air purifiers, which can further complicate their daily routines and interactions.
Also Read: Parosmia After Covid-19: Expert Tells Ways To Recover From The Condition
Treatment Options
Treatment for hyperosmia depends on its underlying cause.
“For example, if a tumour is causing the hyperosmia, it should be removed. If structural nasal issues contribute to the condition, rhinoplasty may be an option. In other cases, ENT doctors may recommend supportive treatments such as saline washes or sprays to keep the nose healthy and moist and medications to help with nausea or vomiting,” shares Dr Anand.
He adds, “ENT doctors may suggest supportive treatments like saline washes or sprays to maintain a healthy and moist nose, medications to alleviate nausea or vomiting caused by heightened sensitivity to smell, masks to block strong odours, and gum or candy to mask unpleasant smells.”
Conclusion
Hyperosmia is a condition characterised by an increased sensitivity to odours. While they're rarely life-threatening, effective management is crucial to improving quality of life. Depending on the nature and underlying cause of the condition, doctors can recommend treatment options. However, it is important to address the condition as and when it occurs.