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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes An Altered Sense Of Smell?

I have had a series of sinus infections for the last several months. Am age 70, in very good health, and previously had no sinus problems. I am frequently smelling what appears to smell like smoke, even though there is no smoke. It occurs a few times a day, both indoors and outdoors. Should I have concern about this smelling issue?
Fri, 7 Apr 2017
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Your concern is genuine Sir though there is nothing to be alarmed at. It is very common to have altered smelling sensation after a nasal or paranasal sinus infection. The nerves carrying the smell senses are a bit in repair phase. At present. So the part of your brain called Limbic system is sensing smoke when there's none. The condition or the symptom is called Parosmia.
There's nothing to worry as you have just recovered from Sinusitis and probably Rhinitis too.

Hope it helps.
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What Causes An Altered Sense Of Smell?

Your concern is genuine Sir though there is nothing to be alarmed at. It is very common to have altered smelling sensation after a nasal or paranasal sinus infection. The nerves carrying the smell senses are a bit in repair phase. At present. So the part of your brain called Limbic system is sensing smoke when there s none. The condition or the symptom is called Parosmia. There s nothing to worry as you have just recovered from Sinusitis and probably Rhinitis too. Hope it helps.