What Causes An Altered Sense Of Smell?

Posted on Wed, 30 Jul 2014

Question: Occationaly I am overcome with an odor of vomit. My cloths smell of it, an hour later it is gone. Is this normal for 67 years? Is it a symptom of sensory change?

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, it is a sign of degeneration

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I would like to answer your query.
Changes in smell occurs with advancing age and it is normal sensory change. The elderly require more flavored diet to smell the food.

This can lead to poor appetite and inappropriate food choices.

It is also a sign of early degenerative disease like Alzheimer's, especially if there is memory loss.
Drug interactions can also cause. Do look into drugs like hypertension, arthritis and cholesterol

Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad