Dysosmia Causes

Dysosmia is an olfactory ailment, that is, a disorder relating to the sense of smell. In this condition, the patient suffers from a distorted sense of smell and may smell a foul odor when there is actually no bad smell in the immediate environment. Though not a life-threatening ailment, dysosmia may also lead to problems relating to the sense of taste, as the nasal and oral chambers are interconnected. This may produce difficulties for the patient not only in identifying and distinguishing between pleasant and unpleasant odors but also in discriminating between foods and drinks that taste good from those that do not. As a result, the patient may lose his/her normal enjoyment of food; may suffer from a loss of appetite and feel depressed. The reason behind this ailment may be damage caused to the olfactory bulbs by an accidental injury to the nose or the head or because of surgery. Infection of the nasal sinuses and nasal polyps may also lead to this condition. Structural defects like a deviation in the sputum and the abnormal thinning or thickening of the mucus membrane inside the nose may also lead to irregularities in the sense of smell. Exposure to toxic substances like lead and the harmful chemicals present in insecticides, as well as to radiation may also cause damage to the olfactory system. In more serious cases, epileptic seizures and disorders relating to the brain-stem cells may also cause olfactory hallucinations. Psychological ailments such as schizophrenia sometimes produce side-effects like dysosmia. Those who have recently quit smoking or drinking alcohol sometimes also complain of the symptoms of dysosmia.

Dysosmia Treatment

You should follow a few precautionary measures to avoid this problem. Make sure to wear protective helmets while playing outdoor games and while driving a motorbike in order to reduce the risk of head injuries that might lead to dysosmia. Also, avoid smoking and drinking as they harm the delicate mucus membrane of the nose and make it susceptible to infections. If you are allergic to particulate matter in air such as pollen or dander, you should be extra-careful to avoid direct contact with these substances. There are no natural remedies for dysosmia that you may follow to cure the disorder at home. Thus, it is necessary that you consult a specialist in order to determine the exact cause and the seriousness of the condition, as well as to decide upon the course of treatment to be followed. Remedial measures such as corrective surgeries and administration of antibiotics, decongestants and steroids are often recommended.