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Original poster

Why does everything smell off at the moment?

13 replies

NeverMindTheBackProblems · 14/08/2024 00:49

So it started a couple of weeks ago. I bought a cheap reed diffuser and it smelt like that horrible cheap perfume they put in sanitary towels. I binned it and bought a new one from Next - Lemongrass and Yuzu - I love citrus. It also smells of perfumed sanitary towels. Sunday I went for a long drive and I could smell sweet burning - I thought something in the car was going to go bang but it didn't. Got home and could still smell it, so not the car. Tonight I was straightening my hair and there was something pongy - I thought it was me after a hot day! So, I just ran a bath. Usual shower gel which I love - smelt muddy. I unplugged the bath and got a huge whiff of rotten eggs! What's going on? I don't have a great sense of smell usually - I washed all my sofa covers yesterday and can't smell anything from them, they should be lovely and fresh. I'm a bit weirded out tbh.

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 14/08/2024 00:51

Might you have had covid? When I did, I lost my sense of smell and taste for just a day and then things smelled off for several weeks.

Original poster
NeverMindTheBackProblems · 14/08/2024 00:53

Aquamarine1029 · 14/08/2024 00:51

Might you have had covid? When I did, I lost my sense of smell and taste for just a day and then things smelled off for several weeks.

Actually, I thought I might have had recently. Someone at work had it but I tested and it was negative. But I also thought I had it during the pandemic and tested negative then too. It could be, thanks.

OP posts:
Sparrowball · 14/08/2024 01:07

Loss or distortion of smell is a tell tale symptom of Covid alright, it seems to resolve within weeks for most people.

It must be very unpleasant and annoying though.

Allthegoodnamesaretaken92 · 14/08/2024 01:08

Covid or pregnant

PyongyangKipperbang · 14/08/2024 01:28

My first thought was could you be pregnant, my sense of smell went bandy each time I was pg, everything that had always smelled lovely to me before made me want to throw up.

Original poster
NeverMindTheBackProblems · 15/08/2024 00:44

Post-menopause so definitely not pregnant! I went out for a much anticipated posh meal tonight and I really enjoyed the starter but the main course tasted like mud. It was better once I scraped the sauce off but I'm very disappointed, we don't eat out very often! I guess I must have had Covid. Thanks for your replies.

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 15/08/2024 00:52

Yes I’d suspect Covid too.

My sense of taste has not returned since I had it , I feel like I’m being conned when I eat . Worse is when I try something I know I like the taste of but not had for a while . Tastes like nothing.
Had a Greggs Apple Danish a couple of months ago , last time it was delicious, the apple sharp . This time bland sweet .
I really want to wake up one day and have my full sense of taste back

also sense of smell is affected by Covid , they’re connected

PieonaBarm · 15/08/2024 06:47

Since Covid my sense of smell is magnified massively. For example I can tell what flavour crisps someone is eating on the other side of the office and my tastebuds have changed, food tastes bland, cheese tastes of nothing particularly if melted, I can eat much spicier food and I crave salty and umami flavours.

I do get the sulphur smell from drains too.

itsgettingweird · 15/08/2024 06:49

My first suggestion was going to be post covid.

When I had it in March 2020 I had awful smells up my nose for about 8 months after!

They were totally random like you've described!

MushMonster · 15/08/2024 06:50

Covid.
I would say that some notes can get stronger, instead of losing your sense of smell. It is a pain in the backside!

EliflurtleAndTheInfiniteMadness · 15/08/2024 06:51

PieonaBarm · 15/08/2024 06:47

Since Covid my sense of smell is magnified massively. For example I can tell what flavour crisps someone is eating on the other side of the office and my tastebuds have changed, food tastes bland, cheese tastes of nothing particularly if melted, I can eat much spicier food and I crave salty and umami flavours.

I do get the sulphur smell from drains too.

My taste buds went the other way so I have to eat really bland foods or it tastes overwhelming.

Covid and pregnancy both have this effect on me with smells and tastes. There are more serious reasons for smelling strange smells, but covid is far more likely to be the cause.

Icannoteven · 15/08/2024 06:58

Have you got a bit of a sinus infection? Or a throat infection?

Could be hormonal changes.

have you started/stopped medication? I’m in a bit of a weird place with sensory stuff since I discontinued Sertraline. My light sensitivity is off the scale 🫤

Ratherbeaspoonthanafork · 15/08/2024 07:07

I am a bit the same OP. Two teens home from Uni the house seems to reek to high heaven of stale sweaty feet. Windows are flung open daily first thing. They possibly do smell but its overpowering and I can smell it in every room in the house. They are both regular showerers. Also keep smelling furniture polish often in bizarre places its like its up my nose.

Outside I can smell drain smells and other horrible smells often. Yet I can’t smell
my perfume or any other nice smells. I don’t think I have had covid either.

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