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What Causes Altered Sense Of Smell During Extreme Emotional Situations?
I have noticed over the last year a whiff of fragrance (don t know how to describe it) that only I detect from time to time that increased when I went through a very rough time of loosing my mom. I don t note any other symptom and wonder if it can be attached to extreme emotional situations or if I should be concerned
Fri, 28 Apr 2023
Hi,
An altered sense of smell during extreme emotional situations is not uncommon. When we experience intense emotions, such as grief, stress, or anxiety, it can affect our sense of smell. This can cause us to smell odors that aren't actually present, or to perceive familiar scents differently. It's thought that this happens because the part of the brain that processes emotions (the amygdala) is closely linked to the part of the brain that processes smell (the olfactory bulb).
The specific scent that you're detecting could be related to a memory or association that you have with your mother or the difficult situation you went through. It's also possible that the scent is a hallucination or a symptom of an underlying condition, such as sinusitis or a neurological disorder.
If the scent is not interfering with your daily life and you don't have any other concerning symptoms, it's likely not a cause for concern. However, if you're worried or the scent is causing you distress, it's best to speak with your healthcare provider. They can conduct a physical exam and order any necessary tests to rule out any underlying conditions.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
An altered sense of smell during extreme emotional situations is not uncommon. When we experience intense emotions, such as grief, stress, or anxiety, it can affect our sense of smell. This can cause us to smell odors that aren't actually present, or to perceive familiar scents differently. It's thought that this happens because the part of the brain that processes emotions (the amygdala) is closely linked to the part of the brain that processes smell (the olfactory bulb).
The specific scent that you're detecting could be related to a memory or association that you have with your mother or the difficult situation you went through. It's also possible that the scent is a hallucination or a symptom of an underlying condition, such as sinusitis or a neurological disorder.
If the scent is not interfering with your daily life and you don't have any other concerning symptoms, it's likely not a cause for concern. However, if you're worried or the scent is causing you distress, it's best to speak with your healthcare provider. They can conduct a physical exam and order any necessary tests to rule out any underlying conditions.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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