An increased sensitivity to strong odors is medically known as hyperosmia. Some people have a keen sense of smell from birth and perceive odors strongly, this is due to genetics. However, some individuals develop an increased sensitivity to strong odors later in life, which may be associated with certain medical conditions. Strong odors become very unbearable and can lead to nausea. For some, it can cause some symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, headache, dizziness, vomiting, coughing, rash, asthma attack and fainting. In some cases it can also lead to irritability, concentration problems, anxiety disorders and depression. Sensitivity to strong odors can be persistent or sometimes vary from case to case. A person may be sensitive to the smell of different products. Some examples of products to which a person may have a high sensitivity are perfumes, chemicals, air fresheners, etc. Increased sensitivity to strong odors can occur during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to hormonal changes. Several medical conditions may be associated with an increased sensitivity to strong odors. The first of these is migraine (one-sided headache often accompanied by nausea and vomiting). A person may feel increased odor sensitivity before the onset of a migraine headache attack and also during a headache. It disappears after the headache passes. For some, the sensitivity may even persist between two migraine episodes. The second cause behind sensitivity to strong odors is epilepsy (brain disorder with a tendency to recurrent seizures). Before the onset of an attack, a person may have increased odor sensitivity in the aura stage. An increased sensitivity to strong odors can also be felt in cases of Lyme disease. It is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium borrelia. This infection spreads through the bite of a tick that carries this bacteria. In about 50 percent of cases of Lyme disease, it is a major symptom noticed along with the other symptoms. Individuals suffering from uncontrolled type 1 diabetes may experience increased sensitivity to odors.
Another reason may be Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease is a disease in which the adrenal glands cannot produce certain hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. In this disease, increased sensitivity to smell may occur in addition to other symptoms such as excessive fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, joint pain, muscle pain, dark skin areas, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, hair loss, nausea, diarrhea and depression.
Increased sensitivity to strong odors is also linked to some other conditions, including lupus, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Tourette’s syndrome. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the healthy tissues and organs in the body become inflamed and damaged by the body’s immune cells. Some of the signs and symptoms of this disease include butterfly-shaped rash on the face, joint pain, fatigue, fever, headache and memory loss. These complaints may cause sensitivity to odors. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder in which brain cells die, resulting in memory loss and decline in thinking, behavior and social skills. Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system beginning with hand tremors at rest. After this, other complaints arise such as a stooped posture, stiffness of the muscles, disturbed balance, reduced facial expressions, changes in speech and reduced arm swing while walking. Tourette syndrome is a condition characterized by uncontrollable repetitive movements and vocal sounds called tics. In some cases, increased sensitivity to strong odors may occur without any cause.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy offers a very effective treatment for complaints of sensitivity to strong odors. Homeopathic medicines help gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of this complaint. Complaints such as headache, sneezing and coughing that are caused by strong odors can also be well controlled with these medications. They help overcome this problem in a very gentle and natural way, without side effects. Since this complaint can have several causes, it is advisable to consult a doctor to rule out its cause and follow the appropriate treatment. Always consider taking a homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor and never self-medicate.
Homeopathic medicines for increased sensitivity to strong odors
1. Phosphorus – For headaches, coughing and sneezing due to strong odors
Phosphorus is a leading homeopathic medicine for the treatment of various complaints resulting from sensitivity to strong odors. Firstly, this drug is of great use in cases where headaches arise due to strong odors. In cases where this is necessary, there is a headache in one eye or on one side of the sleeping area. Tension in the eyes can be accompanied by headaches. It is very effective in controlling cough due to exposure to strong odors. A tickling sensation is felt in the throat that induces coughing. In some cases, dryness and burning sensation is felt in the throat. Cough is dry and may be accompanied by headache. The head feels as if it would burst. Finally, this medicine is very useful in controlling sneezing due to exposure to strong odors.
2. Colchicum – For increased sensitivity to the smell of cooking food
This medicine is well indicated in cases where a marked sensitivity to the smell of cooked food is present. Subsequently, it is useful in cases where there is an increased sensitivity to the smell of eggs, fish and meat. Nausea is caused by the smell of these foods. The person may even faint. There is an aversion to eating food. The smell or even the sight of the food can be a source of irritation. Strong odors disrupt their mood.
3. Sabadilla – With runny nose and sneezing
This medicine may be considered if there is sensitivity to strong odors, sneezing and runny nose. The runny nose is excessive and watery. Itching and tickling is felt in the nose. Pain in the forehead can be accompanied by the above complaints. Sabadilla is also one of the best medicines where sensitivity to the garlic smell becomes unbearable.
4. Sepia – For headaches due to strong odors
Sepia is a useful medicine for controlling headaches due to strong odors. In addition to headaches, there is an aversion to any kind of food and even the smell of food is unbearable. An empty feeling in the stomach is accompanied by a headache. Nausea and vomiting may occur during a headache.
5. Nux Vomica – When there is fainting due to strong odors
Nux Vomica is well indicated for cases where there is sensitivity to strong odors that often lead to fainting. The smell of tobacco is the most unbearable. Individuals who need this may also have an increased sensitivity to light and sounds in addition to their smell.
6. Hepar Sulph – For increased sensitivity to odors in dizziness
This medicine is a useful remedy for increased sensitivity to smell, accompanied by dizziness. Vertigo may be accompanied by nausea and a tendency to fall. In cases where this is necessary, there may also be itching in the nostrils and sneezing. Subsequently, a heat or burning sensation may occur in the nose.
7. Ignatia – For sensitivity to the smell of tobacco
This medicine is suitable for cases of sensitivity to the smell of tobacco. Those who need it get headaches from the smell of tobacco. Pain usually appears in the back of the head (occipital). There is relief from pain with warm application and also with eating.