For you, strong scents can be horrible and even make you nauseous. This heightened sensitivity to smells is known as hyperosmia. It can happen continuously or over certain periods of time.
There are many reasons why this condition could happen to you. Some include genetics, hormonal changes, and migraines.
If you have hyperosmia, your taste may also be affected. Taste and smell are connected by the olfactory system. A heightened sense of smell can make flavors more intense.
The olfactory zone, located in the nose, is where the smell travels before passing to the throat. This is why your smell and taste are both affected. When you smell strong smells that create a taste in your throat, you may start to feel nauseous.
Hyperosmia is a rare condition that can be difficult to diagnose. Most cases rely on your reporting of what you are experiencing, but it is not always related to an underlying physical cause.
Common causes of hyperosmia include pregnancy, migraines, neurological conditions and autoimmune diseases.
Hyperosmia is not considered a disease, but if it becomes a concern you should contact an ear, nose and throat specialist to determine the appropriate type of treatment.
Source: WebMB
