We can see that Covid has symptoms very similar to a common cold such as a dry cough, chills, fever and fatigue. However, many patients diagnosed with this virus are asymptomatic or have other signs of greater consideration. This is how muscle aches, inability to move and smell alterations take on relevance. For this reason, Parosmia becomes an ingredient to consider, since it distorts odors, leading to think that everything smells bad.
Parosmia affects the perception of the environment
In fact, the effects of this current virus in the body are closely related to the respiratory system and all the senses. Making smell and taste can be affected. So much so, that some patients register a decrease in the olfactory threshold similar to that which occurs due to a nasal obstruction or when suffering from polyps, rhinitis, or malformations.
But, in the same way, some individuals who have already gone through the disease report an alteration in olfactory perception. Generating problems with eating behavior and social interactions. Above all, because smell, despite being a very primitive sense, has the ability to relate, alert and perceive different types of sensations.1
Hence, Parosmia becomes a very annoying olfactory anomaly. Especially because it intervenes in a negative way in the chemical and physical interface that our senses carry out with the environment. In this way, there is a confusion of odors, making the soft smell of a perfume can be assimilated with something rotten. What makes this symptom clinically speaking can be framed in a non-specific neurosensory picture.1
Side effects of Covid
Parosmia has been considered within the short-term effects of Covid-19. But, fortunately, most individuals recover their olfactory capacity in time. Above all, those who have resorted to the technique of reeducation and sensory stimulation. Where by the exposure to odors in a constant way the cells rehabilitate their innate capacities more easily.2
However, it is good to know that Parosmia is a qualitative abnormality of smell, which can also occur for other reasons. Thus, as pathologies caused by cranioencephalic tumors and epilepsy, can be a cause. In addition, nutritional and metabolic disorders participate.3
Similarly, the use of toxic substances such as alcohol and drugs, some medications and contact with chemical substances, can damage the olfactory cells and alter their reproduction. Also, endocrine syndromes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, become risk factors for this disease.3
In summary
We note that Parosmia is an alteration of the olfactory threshold, where a confusion is created in the smells. And although, the causes can be diverse, at present it has been directly related to Covid-19, generating very annoying effects for the sufferer. Despite this, olfactory training has become a valuable technique to recover the functions of this sense.
References:
1.Nemeth-Kohanszky María Eugenia, Matus-Abásolo Carolina Paz, Carrasco-Soto Rolando Rafael. Oral Manifestations of COVID-19 Infection. Int. J. Odontostomat. [Internet]. Dec 2020 [citado 2021 Jul 09]; 14 (4): 555-560. Available in:
http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0718-381X2020000400555&lng=es.
- Joan Lop Gros, Mar Iglesias Coma, Mónica González Farré, Consol Serra Pujadas. Smell alterations in COVID-19, review of the evidence and implications in the management of the pandemic. Act. Otorrino. Spain [internet] 2020 [ consultado 7 jul 2021]; 71 (6): 379-385. Available in:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2173573520301071.
3.Carrillo V Bernardita, Carrillo A Vicente, Astorga V Andrés, Hormachea F Diego. Diagnosis in the pathology of smell: Review of the literature. Rev. Otorhinolaryngol. Cir. Head Neck [Internet]. 2017 Sep [citado 2021 Jul 09]; 77 (3): 351-360. Available in: http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0718-48162017000300351&lng=es.