Parosmia is a condition in which the actual odour is experienced differently. Delicious, for example. Even if our loved one prepares a delightful meal and presents it to us, it will smell like egg yolk. What is behind this plight? Are such cases on the rise?
How do these relate to Covid? Health experts have talked about this life experience of Covid suffered people.
Weeks or months after Covid’s recovery, the number of people coming to the hospital with postoperative problems such as unexplained shortness of breath, palpitations, and chronic cough is high. Although rare among them, there are also cases of paroxysm.
How does Parosmia relate to Covid?
In addition to the usual symptoms of Covid symptoms such as fever and cough, the loss of smell and taste is mentioned. Even after recovery, they can develop post-cover, called Parosmia, days or months later.
While this is not a good thing for everyday life and smell, Parosmia is often interpreted as a good thing for the Covid plague. Parosmia is an indication that the odour (although altered) is beginning to return from a state of anosmia in which the loss of smell disappears completely.
In short, there is no smell in anosmia. In Parosmia, the sense of smell can be detected. It is also a change from the severe problems that can occur after the Covid plague.
Why does paroxysm occur?
More clear studies in this regard are still necessary. At the same time, all of these problems can be caused by damage to the neurons, the nerves in the nose. Covid infection can damage the micro-nerves that connect to the olfactory bulb (nervous system) that acts as the surface of the olfactory bulb.
That is, the impulses are blocked from reaching the surface to detect the odour.
Newly formed neurons in the healing phase relocate the impulses. With this, the smell from each object. will change and be felt. Even good-smelling food looks rotten. Although it can smell good, most patients with this condition will experience more odour as the human body recognizes the scent more quickly. A state that can be called a different sense of smell.
Does Parosmia Affect Taste?
Taste becomes an experience when the taste buds and smell combine on the tongue. These are interrelated, and therefore, the Covid plague can adversely affect both of these. Even if you have a favourite food, you may not be able to eat it.
At the same time, you may like some unique flavours that did not seem very special before.
Which age group is most affected by psoriasis?
Although these cannot be accurately defined, studies show that outbreaks are more common in young men and women. A foreign survey of 268 people with psoriasis found that 70% of psoriasis were 30 years of age or younger. 73.5% are women. At the same time, the number of people who have psoriasis after Covid is only 10%, according to a foreign study.
How long can this problem last?
In people with psoriasis, the problem may change slowly. For some, it may take months, while for others, it may take months. According to estimates in the same survey mentioned earlier, about half of those with psoriasis could return to normal within three months, and the other half came in for more than three months.
However, there were only one or two cases where the paroxysm persisted for more than six months. Parosmia can last for at least ten days to 6 months.
What is the treatment?
As in Covid’s case, Parosmia is now a challenge, including for doctors. In most cases, the patient can return to normal within a specified time. However, with ‘retraining’ or smell training, the return can be faster.
Retraining involves introducing the patient to various familiar scents, such as coffee powder, vanilla, and bay leaf, each repeated and presented to the sense of smell. Neurons damaged by the Covid appear to return as soon as the severity of the virus infection begins to decrease.
Retraining should also take place during this time. Vitamin supplements are given as supportive medicine to help with the treatment of all these stages. Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 and Zinc are required. Also, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals and adequate water intake is essential.
How can Parosmia affect life?
Look, it’s not like the smell disappears; the pungent smell makes one hate the food, will try to avoid food naturally. Eventually, this will lead to loss of appetite. Weight loss may occur. The psychological problems caused by this crisis are different.
There are those who, despite the short-term turmoil, move on to even more severe depression. Not finished, there are even people who lose their jobs due to psoriasis. Especially for some, like those who work in hotels and restaurants who do bridal work.
It can also be caused by burning food, not knowing if smoke is coming in, or not noticing a gas cylinder leak in the home.
Is there anything that can be done to prevent outbreaks?
Care must be taken not to let Covid himself come. Once it arrives, you will face many related health problems. Parosmia is one of them. In addition, the general concern about the nose should continue. Care should also be taken not to spill contaminated solutions into the nose and not blow forcefully. If you have a runny nose, you may find that some older people try to sneeze using nasal powder. All this should be avoided.
