Smell disorder after a cold
During and after a flu or cold, olfactory disorders often occur. The mucous membranes of the nose are often still swollen and the olfactory cells are partially damaged by the infection. In most cases, the sensory cells regenerate themselves in the following weeks without any intervention. It is often recommended to take zinc preparations, both for the common cold and to support the healing of the olfactory disorder. A chronic sinusitis, an allergy, polyps or a curvature of the nasal sheath wall can be however reasons for a chronic smell disturbance, which does not heal by itself by the durably swollen mucous membrane.
Smell disorder and homeopathy
Most of the olfactory disorders that have occurred due to a cold disappear within a few weeks without any intervention. The cells of the olfactory organ need this time to regenerate. Homeopathy can accelerate this process by offering zinc preparations. Zinc belongs to the trace elements that play a major role in wound healing and especially in the regeneration of the olfactory cells. Of course, a balanced diet with zinc and iron should not be neglected.
Smell disorder in the menopause
Smell disturbances increase also completely without further disease value in the course of the life, so that one can speak of an age smell disturbance. This is related to the tiring ability to regenerate the olfactory sense cells. Especially during the menopause of a woman or during pregnancy, hormone-induced mucous membrane changes occur. The mucous membranes are then often dry and swell more easily, which can lead to an olfactory disorder.
Smell disorder in Parkinson’s disease
95 percent of Parkinson’s patients unfortunately suffer from an olfactory disorder, which is one of the most prominent symptoms. They often occur as an early symptom of Parkinson’s disease and can be helpful in the diagnosis. It is assumed that the olfactory disorders precede the movement disorders by about four to six years. This fact can be used for examinations of relatives with Parkinson’s disease in order to counteract the disease at an early stage. In contrast to Alzheimer’s dementia, however, the severity of the olfactory disorder does not allow a prognosis to be made for Parkinson’s disease.
