Hyperosmia (sensitivity to smells)

[GinnyRuth]

I did a search on this before I posted and it seems no one has brought this issue up. I suffer terribly (headaches/stress) from odors such as perfumes, cleaning stuff, car exhausts and have for years but I think it's getting worse. I looked it up and some articles mention MS might be a cause. It makes me avoid people who I know wear colognes and body sprays. A couple weeks ago we had the GEEK SQUAD here to install a TV and one of the gentlemen must have just poured a bottle of cologne on before he came into my house. It took 3 days to get the smell down. I guess I just want to vent, but am also curious if anyone else has this issue and what they do about it.

[oceanpride]

Yes it’s a horrible issue.
if I have a migraine it make it worse.
car or truck air fresheners are bad.
I use unscented
soap and deodorant
I wonder just what causes it ?
I always tell people that those strong smells cant be good for them but they all seem healthier than me.
lead paint smell is bad too.
I like the smell of flowers though.
I have no idea why

[Seasha]

Hi Ginny - that must be an awful experience for you. I have heard from others, who don't have MS, how certain smells affect them in the same way.

This article explains something about hyperosmia, the Olfactory dysfunction and multiple sclerosis. https://www.healthcentral.com/articl...loodhound-nose

Here is a more detailed explanation - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9017946/

As far as what things you can do to help alleviate the problem- How to turn the dial down on your nose


If you suspect you have hyperosmia or another smelling issue, Dr. Sindwani says a good first step is to see an ENT specialist. The specialist can rule out any physical causes for smell problems, such as tumors, polyps or infection. Sometimes imaging tests (like a CT or MRI scan) can also be helpful in looking for underlying issues.

“Beyond that, hyperosmia should be managed depending on what the underlying issue is. Migraines might be treated by your internist or neurologist, for example. If you have a brain issue, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, that might be treated by a neurologist or other type of doctor as well.”

But determining a treatment plan can be challenging since causes are hard to pinpoint. In those cases,doctors can recommend supportive treatment measures, such as:

• Saline washes or sprays to keep the nose healthy and moist.
• Medications to help with any nausea or vomiting induced by your extreme sensitivity to smells.
• Masks to block strong odors.
• Gum or candy to disguise cringe-worthy smells.

I hope you can use some of these tactics to help you!

[Mamabug]

I'm sorry you had to experience that. I know someone who struggles with hypersensitivity to smells. She often wears a mask in public.

Would that help?