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Why Am I Getting Odd Soft Chemical Smell?
I woke up smelling this odd soft (not eye burning) chemical smell. I thought it was a new body scrub, but I reshowered, rewashed my hair with different shampoo, threw out the new bar of soap and finally discovered whatever is closest to my nose has that smell. I just had my second spinal cortisone injection for a pinched nerve, is it possible that is leaking into my olfactory
posted on
Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 17 Feb 2017
Answered on
Fri, 17 Feb 2017
Last reviewed on
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
The symptom tat you have mentioned in the query is called paraosmia. Or abnormal smell. Paraosmia is found among people who take Cortisone, especially elderly females with hypertension.
So there is a strong possibility that you are have a side effect of the injection- do not think that it is getting secreted in your nose- nothing like that.
It is just a side effect. Usually it lasts a few days. And doesn't need to be stopped or changed unless you cannot tolerate the smell.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible.
Feel free to ask me a follow up query on any aspect of the problem.
I will be happy to help you.
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to be of help, Dr Mittal
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
The symptom tat you have mentioned in the query is called paraosmia. Or abnormal smell. Paraosmia is found among people who take Cortisone, especially elderly females with hypertension.
So there is a strong possibility that you are have a side effect of the injection- do not think that it is getting secreted in your nose- nothing like that.
It is just a side effect. Usually it lasts a few days. And doesn't need to be stopped or changed unless you cannot tolerate the smell.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible.
Feel free to ask me a follow up query on any aspect of the problem.
I will be happy to help you.
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to be of help, Dr Mittal
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