4 ms·
Very interesting description, since the early casual discussions of this symptom assumed that it was simply mechanical ('flu symptoms, inflamed mucous membranes
by thombat 6y ago
Very interesting description, since the early casual discussions of this symptom assumed that it was simply mechanical ('flu symptoms, inflamed mucous membranes, stuffed nose, of course they can't smell). Later I saw it described as a neurological issue and so potentially being a lot more serious, which your experience seems to support.
Other than the concomitant anxiety and stress ("freaked me out") did you notice other neurological symptoms?
- hwillis 6y agoit's definitely not stuffy nose, I had the same utterly dry nose. In fact I felt more aware of the inside of my sinuses than I ever have before... they felt completely empty. It was almost nice except that it was really freaky and something felt off about the sensation. My nose has recovered significantly and I have a more familiar pressure in my cheekbones and forehead that was missing when I was sick. IMO, based entirely on my own anecdotal experience, it's probably that the virus is really, really lethal against the respiratory lining. I have no idea what would make it so specific- maybe ACE? But it felt like it was just burning through my lungs and then my nose. It felt... dead, inside. The ~8 hour period of losing my sense of smell was characterized by an extremely powerful smell of snot and a subtle kind of ammonia-like sensation. The distinctive smell of snot is apparently mostly due to free radicals generated by dying cells. I'm not sure this contradicts with nerve-related action though, which could presumably cause similar sensations.