An enhanced sense of smell, or hyperosmia, is a rare disorder in which people have a heightened sense of smell as compared to an average person.
Hyperosmia is usually caused by an underlying condition. In some cases, a heightened sense of smell can make an underlying medical problem worse. Some “super smellers” may be more sensitive to pleasant smells, while others may be more affected by foul odors.
Causes of an enhanced sense of smell may include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Certain health conditions
- Lyme disease
- Migraines
- Body fluid disturbances
- Hormone deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Obesity (often for food-related smells)
- Autoimmune conditions
- Addison’s disease
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Type 1 diabetes (in rare cases)
- Neurological conditions
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Polyps or tumors in the nose or skull
- Certain medications
- Some antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Some blood pressure medications
- Statin drugs to lower cholesterol
- Thyroid medication
- Prednisone
- Pregnancy
- While some people do become super-smellers during pregnancy, most actually do not have a higher smell intensity overall, but are just more sensitive to certain odors
- For those who do experience it, it usually goes away after delivery
- Brain differences
What Are Symptoms of an Enhanced Sense of Smell?
Symptoms of an enhanced sense of smell (hyperosmia) involve an increased sensitivity to smell as compared to an average person.
- Nausea or discomfort from some odors
- Trigger smells may include:
- Perfumes
- Scented candles
- Cleaning products
- Strong chemical odors
- Trigger smells may include:
- Avoidance of things with a strong odor
- Effects on taste and avoiding certain foods
- Increased headaches, including migraines
- Symptoms related to the underlying condition that is causing the hyperosmia
How Is an Enhanced Sense of Smell Diagnosed?
An enhanced sense of smell (hyperosmia) is diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination. Usually, a heightened sense of smell is not the only symptom a person experiences, and the other symptoms of an underlying condition may provide clues for the doctor to help determine the cause of the hyperosmia.
Other tests may be needed to help determine the cause, such as blood tests and imaging tests.
There is also a diagnostic test to confirm hyperosmia, especially if it might be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, called The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT).
What Is the Treatment for an Enhanced Sense of Smell?
Treatment for an enhanced sense of smell (hyperosmia) depends on the cause. Treating the underlying cause may help the hyperosmia go away.
Avoiding smells that trigger symptoms such as nausea is advised when possible. When avoiding a trigger odor is not possible, using peppermint to help mask the smell might help.
If a particular medication is causing the hyperosmia, that medication might be changed. Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor.
If nausea is a problem, anti-nausea medications (antiemetics) such as ondansetron (Zofran) may be prescribed.
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/hyperosmia
https://flipper.diff.org/app/items/info/5372
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