It is well-known that COVID-19 can affect the sense of smell in many cases, but what many do not know is that it may contribute to changes in the smell of objects, a condition medically referred to as "parosmia." Brent A. Senior, a professor of otolaryngology at the University of North Carolina, states that with parosmia, the smell of beautiful roses may become that of burnt paper. Many pleasant odors can turn into the smell of burnt rubber or unpleasant scents like sewage, garbage, mud, and gasoline. According to scientists, COVID-19 is not the only viral infection that triggers parosmia; it has been observed in many cases of colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
How to Manage Parosmia?
Time seems to be the best remedy for restoring the natural sense of smell; however, in the meantime, doctors recommend rinsing the nose and moving the head into different positions while inhaling unpleasant smells. It is also advised to eat food at room temperature and to avoid spicy, fatty, or fried foods. Additionally, there are smell retraining exercises, such as smelling four different scents twice a day, including rose, lemon, clove, and eucalyptus.
