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What Causes Olfactory Intolerance?
Question: when i am exposed to perfume, fuel exost, cleaning chemicals, such as toilet and bathroom cleaning chemicals, wash up liquid, fabric conditioner, washing powder for laundry, commercial shampoo, i smell terrible odor, which i can describe as overwhelming chemical smell with decaying flesh smell or strong excrement smell. How can i be normal again and not to feel such nasty sensations? Thanks. XXXX.
Brief Answer:
Olfactory Intolerance
Detailed Answer:
I highly suggest you make a consultation with an Ear, Nose and Throat physician and address as to whether or not imaging would be helpful to determine if their are any tumors, cancerous growths, potential infections, cysts, sinus inflammation which could be chronic and or causing this over-reactivity in regards to your senses. While often harmless, though incredibly uncomfortable, these symptoms can be associated with possible damage to the nerve fibers in your nasal system as a result of previous infections, polyps and surgeries. Obtaining a definitive answer from a doctor specialized in these conditions (an ENT) will truly let you hone in on what is going on. I will say that Normal olfactory acuity usually returns over time if the cause is environmental; and if not, there are treatments which can relax the nerve stimulation from your olfactory fibers such as butyrophenones. I will also admit that there is often a psycho-social component to this illness, not-well described in the medical community, but still for some, extremely well treated by psychotherapy. As such Psychiatrists have been excellent in such situations at honing in on the cause of disgust and finding ways to relax the over-sensitivity. Regardless, I think a workup with an ENT, Psychiatrist and or physician who is specialized in "Environmental Illness" will be useful.
- Feel free to ask any follow up questions, I would be happy to continue this consultation.
Olfactory Intolerance
Detailed Answer:
I highly suggest you make a consultation with an Ear, Nose and Throat physician and address as to whether or not imaging would be helpful to determine if their are any tumors, cancerous growths, potential infections, cysts, sinus inflammation which could be chronic and or causing this over-reactivity in regards to your senses. While often harmless, though incredibly uncomfortable, these symptoms can be associated with possible damage to the nerve fibers in your nasal system as a result of previous infections, polyps and surgeries. Obtaining a definitive answer from a doctor specialized in these conditions (an ENT) will truly let you hone in on what is going on. I will say that Normal olfactory acuity usually returns over time if the cause is environmental; and if not, there are treatments which can relax the nerve stimulation from your olfactory fibers such as butyrophenones. I will also admit that there is often a psycho-social component to this illness, not-well described in the medical community, but still for some, extremely well treated by psychotherapy. As such Psychiatrists have been excellent in such situations at honing in on the cause of disgust and finding ways to relax the over-sensitivity. Regardless, I think a workup with an ENT, Psychiatrist and or physician who is specialized in "Environmental Illness" will be useful.
- Feel free to ask any follow up questions, I would be happy to continue this consultation.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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