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What Causes Sensing Of Burnt Metal Smell Inspite Of Being On Aleve-D For Flu?

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Posted on Tue, 14 Apr 2015
Question: I have been smelling this burnt metal smell for the past couple of days following having the flu. While having the flu I took Aleve-D for the first time. That helped with reducing my discomfort but now I am wondering if this smell is a result of taking Aleve-D or is some type of after effect of having the flu. The smell is overpowering--almost like an acid smell. I have trouble sleeping just due to this now.
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Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not listed as side effect

Detailed Answer:
Good evening. My name is Dr. Saghafi and I practice in XXXXXXX OH.

Not even as a rare side effect could I find Aleve-D causing funny smells or tastes.

Therefore, either the medication is causing the smell sensation or it is as a result of the flu or it is coming from the brain as in something which could be external to the brain itself.

One thing that must always be ruled out in situations like this are mass lesions in the olfactory bulbs just above the cribriform plate. Therefore, I would recommend obtaining a high resolution MRI with gadolinium contrast and focusing attention on the bilateral olfactory grooves and olfactory bulbs.

Another thing that is considered in such cases as this one are possible seizures in the brain therefore, an imaging study of high resolution and quality may help identify problems that can be controlled with simple AED's.

This query has required a total of 78 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile the return to the patient.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2473 Questions

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What Causes Sensing Of Burnt Metal Smell Inspite Of Being On Aleve-D For Flu?

Brief Answer: Not listed as side effect Detailed Answer: Good evening. My name is Dr. Saghafi and I practice in XXXXXXX OH. Not even as a rare side effect could I find Aleve-D causing funny smells or tastes. Therefore, either the medication is causing the smell sensation or it is as a result of the flu or it is coming from the brain as in something which could be external to the brain itself. One thing that must always be ruled out in situations like this are mass lesions in the olfactory bulbs just above the cribriform plate. Therefore, I would recommend obtaining a high resolution MRI with gadolinium contrast and focusing attention on the bilateral olfactory grooves and olfactory bulbs. Another thing that is considered in such cases as this one are possible seizures in the brain therefore, an imaging study of high resolution and quality may help identify problems that can be controlled with simple AED's. This query has required a total of 78 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile the return to the patient.