A Journey in understanding Parosmia
People that are living with parosmia are beginning to be heard and this is good news for everyone affected by a smell and taste disorder and a big step forward in getting the voices of those with a smell and taste disorder heard.
Dr Bradley Goldstein associate professor in neurobiology at Duke University in North Carolina and contributor to the Fifth Sense Research Hub (www.fifthsense.org.uk/research) has spoken to The Guardian explaining the recent study which was undertaken to enable researchers to understand why people, after contracting Covid-19, are experiencing distortions in their sense of smell: bit.ly/3hLCIQs
Research is a vital tool for Fifth Sense and is one strand of our strategic vision, which also includes both education and support. One of our Trustees, Professor Carl Philpott who is a leading expert in this area heads our research board looking for answers to those questions.
To support those affected, we have created various tools including our personal one-to-one support service, Fifth Sense Research Hub and our #LetsTalkSmellAndTaste events. We have a Parosmia Network session planned for the end of January 2023. If you would be interested in attending this event, please join Fifth Sense for free at: www.fifthsense.org.uk/join
Parosmia can be very difficult and we understand the stress it can cause. Known possible long-term consequences can include:
· Lack of nutrition due to a restricted diet.
· Safety issues, including not being able to detect gas, smoke/fire or out-of-date produce.
· Can cause isolation from friends and family due to a lack of knowledge and understanding.
At Fifth Sense we will continue to work with NHS staff and Long-Covid groups to provide them with the tools and resources they need to support people affected by not just parosmia but all smell and taste disorders.
Finally, in recent weeks parosmia has also featured in the METRO with Fifth Sense volunteer Kloe Avon sharing her experience (bit.ly/3tBhBT1), while the BBC has written an excellent article examining the impact of those affected with parosmia.
This is a positive step in the right direction, the more press coverage parosmia (and other smell and taste disorders) receive, the closer we get to improving support services and potential treatments, that are shown to work.
Further Resources
