What Causes Altered Sense Of Smell During Pregnancy?

Posted on Wed, 10 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, i'm pregnant and smelling from time to time like burning smell. I've had this also from years but less often. It only occurs in my kitchen and the room i work at home. it disappears opening a window. I was diagnoses chronic sinusit last year, but the sinusit improve since that time. I'm concenrned about serious issue like brain tumor ...

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Sinusitis alters your sense of smell.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

In my opinion, you shouldn't worry about any brain tumor, since there is a diagnosis of chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis alters your sense of smell, so this is the most probable cause of your concerns.

Even sinusitis was improved, disturbed sense of smell results from alterations and damages done to nerves of smell.

Fortunately these nerves regenerate, so, in my opinion, your symptoms should improve.

There's a need for a CT scan of head and sinuses after delivery in order to properly diagnose sinusitis status.

Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E