Dealing with Parosmia: Living with Rancid Odors

June 5, 2024 TruthUSA

Tens of thousands of lives have been affected by a long COVID symptom that disrupts the sympathetic nervous system.

Dade Cook was 31 years old and pregnant when she contracted COVID-19. Despite healing, the disease resurfaced closer to her due date, causing a severe loss of smell and taste before giving birth to her third child.

Mrs. Cook, who opted not to get vaccinated, attributes her loss of senses to COVID-19, which left her missing out on the scents of her newborn son.

However, her condition worsened over time, leading to heightened sensitivities and distorted perceptions of smells and tastes.

Mrs. Cook with her newborn son shortly after she lost her sense of smell and taste. (Courtesy of Dade Cook)

Lives Turned Upside Down

Those suffering from parosmia experience distorted senses of taste and smell, affecting their social life and wellbeing. Many find it challenging to cook for their families or even tolerate food smells.

Mrs. Cook is part of a Parosmia Support Group on Facebook with 49,000 members, finding solace in the shared struggles.

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Parosmia patients face weight loss, depression, anxiety, and social challenges, further exacerbating their condition.

Various treatments, therapies, and support groups have sprung up to help individuals cope with the debilitating effects of parosmia.

Dade Cook after losing “a lot of weight” due to parosmia. (Courtesy of Dade Cook)

The connections between parosmia, COVID-19, and the autonomic nervous system are being researched to provide better treatment options for those affected.

Therapies like the Stellate Ganglion Block, olfactory training, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and other interventions offer hope for improved symptoms and quality of life for parosmia patients.

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