If you’re wondering what makes parosmia worse, you’re not alone. Many people living with smell distortion notice that their symptoms can be mild one day and overwhelming the next. For some, parosmia fades after a few months; for others, it lingers for years. This difference can be confusing, but research is starting to reveal why the severity of parosmia varies so much.
Parosmia and Recovery: A Sign of Change
Parosmia often appears during recovery from smell loss, especially after viral infections like COVID-19. Younger people seem more likely to experience parosmia, and in some cases the distortion can be intense. Researchers think this may be because their smell nerves are regenerating more actively, creating a greater likelihood of “mixed signals” as the brain interprets smells.
Read more about the connection between parosmia and smell recovery.
Triggers: Why Some Smells Are Harder to Handle
Certain smells are more likely to trigger unpleasant distortion. Studies have identified molecules such as thiols (found in onions, garlic and coffee) and pyrazines (common in roasted foods) as frequent offenders. These compounds are often detected by a small number of specific olfactory receptors, which may be more vulnerable to damage or mis-wiring during recovery.
One study has even mapped the chemical structure of common triggers to help explain why so many people report the same problem smells.
Brain Connectivity: When Messages Get Scrambled
Your sense of smell isn’t just about your nose, it’s a network of brain regions working together. Brain imaging studies have shown that people with more severe parosmia often have weaker connections between the olfactory bulb (which receives smell signals) and areas responsible for memory, emotion and decision-making.
Research suggests this disruption may make it harder for the brain to process smell signals correctly, leading to more intense distortion.
Hormones, Genetics and Inflammation
There’s no single answer to what makes parosmia worse. Inflammation in the nasal passages, genetic differences in smell receptors, and even hormone cycles could all play a role. While research is ongoing, these factors may explain why two people with the same cause of smell loss can have very different experiences.
Living With Parosmia: Why Some Days Feel Worse
It’s not unusual for parosmia to fluctuate. Stress, tiredness, and even the food you eat can change how strong distortions feel. Some people notice their symptoms worsen during colds, allergies or periods of nasal congestion. Others find that exposure to certain triggers can make their parosmia temporarily more intense.
What This Means for You
Understanding what makes parosmia worse can help you feel more in control. You might not be able to change the underlying cause, but you can:
- Identify and avoid your strongest triggers where possible
- Keep a diary of when symptoms feel better or worse
- Continue smell training to support ongoing recovery
- Talk to your healthcare provider about any sudden changes
Key takeaway:
While research continues, it’s clear there are many possible reasons why parosmia feels worse for some people than others. From chemical triggers to brain connectivity, hormones and inflammation, multiple factors can shape your experience. Understanding them can help you manage symptoms, and remind you that fluctuation is normal during recovery.
