How long does parosmia last?

Parosmia is a change in smell perception: familiar foods, smoke or personal-care products may smell burnt, rotten or chemical-like. It commonly follows a respiratory infection, including COVID-19, and may occur while smell is returning rather than disappearing completely. Taste can seem altered because flavour depends heavily on smell. Recovery may be uneven, with some smells improving before others.

Keep a small record of triggers and choose foods with textures and temperatures you tolerate. Cool or room-temperature food may produce less aroma. Improve ventilation, avoid smoke and check food dates by sight and storage rather than smell alone. Smell training with familiar, distinct scents may be discussed with a clinician. Maintain nutrition and fluids, and seek support if eating becomes difficult or mood falls.

Arrange a medical review if the change began suddenly without an obvious infection, persists and interferes with eating, or occurs with neurological symptoms, repeated nosebleeds or significant weight loss. Seek urgent help for new severe breathing difficulty, confusion or weakness. Persistent symptoms alongside fatigue, concentration problems or low mood may warrant assessment for Long COVID or another cause.

Ask whether your pattern fits recovery after COVID-19 or another nasal problem, whether smell training is suitable, and how to protect nutrition if many foods remain unpleasant.