Increased sense of smell

[Angelcake1]

Hi I've always had a heightened sense of smell and when anxious it's heightened much more quickly, so what at first can be a pleasant smell gives me an intense dull headache, affects my vision and I feel lethargic.

I've noticed that this has increased and comes on much quicker, lasts longer and includes even the lightest of fragrances. It's generally always perfumes, air fresheners, shaving gels and some deodorants. Just wondering if the fibromyalgia has made it worse and if others have this too ? I'm thinking it probably because a dull headache is never far awa and this just brings it in quicker. Anyone got any thoughts on this please, appreciate your views.

[phlebo123]

I do believe that fibromyalgia leads to heightened senses. Not just smell but I am also affected by bright lights, loud noises (i am continually turning the sound down on the TV, because my husband is slightly deaf and turns it loud), and of course we all know about touch!!! I find that strong perfumes make me personally feel very nauseous (we all seem to react differently!), I have to leave the bedroom when my husband uses deodorant or aftershave in the morning, I avoid perfume counters and the duty free area at the airport and I myself only use nonperfumed deodorant and soap products. I can't really offer any advice, but try and avoid exposing yourself to strong smells, or if necessary leave the room!! Xxx

[Angelcake1 in reply to phlebo123]

I avoid perfumes etc as much as I can, but it’s just the same when other people are wearing them, so it’s hard to avoid. Today’s episode was my husband s shaving gel, took a couple of hours for the symptoms to go, even though it was just 10mins exposure to it. Thanks for your advice, sorry you have it too but nice to have someone that understands.

[Jambuddy]

Hi I have had very similar symptoms for around 7 years now. I've been diagnosed with migraine and prescribed Topiramate which most of the time is brilliant at controlling the symptoms. I have occasional 'break through' periods when nothing helps and I wonder if it is the fibro to blame? Have you asked your GP about possible migraine?

[Angelcake1 in reply to Jambuddy]

Thanks for your posts.

I started with more regular migraines since the Fibro came on. I haven’t related them the sense of smell, but I will ask the doctor as you’ve suggested, thank you 😊

[Jambuddy in reply to Angelcake1]

Whatever the cause I hope you get it sorted out soon 😊

[Angelcake1 in reply to Jambuddy]

That’s really kind thank you, same for you too.

[frances1 in reply to Angelcake1]

I could not walk past a butchers with out heaving.could not cook bacon. That was a few years ago. It’s gone now hopefully, still do not no how it started.

[rebelist45]

Sounds like migraines. This can heighten senses and go on to s headache and vision issues

[jimborck]

i dont get headaches but i can smell someone spraying the slightist amount of perfume, deodorant, hairspray, anything in an aersol can basically anywhere in the house, even with windows open and doors closed, the most irritating thing is my tounge as i seem to get the taste and (very dry tounge ) it drives me batty. but having teenage daughters, i think it wont get any better till they finally leave 🤣 looks like im in for a long haul 🤣 🤣

[Angelcake1 in reply to jimborck]

That’s me too, it’s not just a case of leaving a room, a certain deodorant my friend wears also does it to me. I can use off the shelf deodorant but this particular brand that begins with a D sets my senses into overdrive, I can’t actually function brain wise when this happens.

[Hidden]

The headache is not supposed to happen every time. It’s called silent migraine. The heightened sense of smell, sound, light and touch is part of the prodrome aura, which can or cannot be followed by the headache. It’s actually a hypersensitive state that can affect all senses.

[Angelcake1 in reply to Hidden]

Oh wow so glad I asked this question I just thought it was me, it makes it very difficult when your out and they burn the smelly candles, or someone cover their self in perfume to hide the smell of cigarette smoke, particularly nurses.

Jam buddy can I take medication just at the time it happens?

I

[Hidden]

I forgot to say we can also have phantom smells, usually chemicals and burning. You have to take medication as soon as your symptoms begin. If you’re having daily episodes then you may try another type of meds called preventative.

[Angelcake1]

I always amaze everyone as I can tell way before anyone else if the gas has been left on etc. Annoying as I buy a perfume I love but then can’t wear it, keep my money in my pocket now x

[Sarahvit]

Yes I thought it was because of hormones from being pregnant. It was so hieghten that I could smell people’s pheromones. It was perfumes, colones, deorderants, poweders, coffee and cigarettes would make me nauseous and would get a headache too. My sense of smell went down after having my kids but is more sensitive to odors then it was before my pregnancies. It could be a fibro thing idk. 🤷🏼‍♀️ But it doesn’t surprise me.

[Angelcake1]

I think I’ve had it pre Fibro but now it’s much worse, After reading the replies I do think it’s migraine, so I’m hoping I can get some medication for it, I know I’m sensitive vision wise to especially the stop lighting, white walls and sunshine so I think it’s all linked.

I’m sorry u gave this too but pleased it’s not me going ‘loopy’