The Sensitive Syndrome
Fibromyalgia patients are said to be overly sensitive to many things such as noise, light, touch, temperature changes and even smell. Hypersensitivity can happen in many permutations for fibromyalgia patients. While one patient may find both sound and odor to be overwhelming and another may have difficulty in smelling. This explains how the fibromyalgia brain processes things, which is basically erratic and not the same for everyone. This sensory overload can affect the quality of life of most fibro patients.
There are some medications that can help a fibro patient facing hypersensitivity. Discuss this with your doctor when necessary. If the sensitivity becomes so severe, you can even be diagnosed with the Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). This condition requires a different form of treatment.
How Smell Affects Your Fibromyalgia
Olfactory refers to the sense of smell. An olfactory impairment is common among people with fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases. Detergents, scented perfumes and cleaning agents can make someone with olfactory impairment feel ill. It can lead to headaches, fatigue and nausea. Food smells can also make fibromyalgia patient feel sick to the point where they loses appetite. It is not uncommon that some patients choose to eliminate certain food from their diet due to its smell, even if the food is healthy for the patient.
The problem of smells among fibro patients has nothing to do with allergies. Thus, you cannot just take antihistamine and get away with it. The problem can become so severe that those who are affected may not feel comfortable to head out to public.
Dealing with Smells with Fibromyalgia
If you have fibromyalgia and are becoming sensitive to smells, there are certain precautions you can take:
- Try to keep everything unscented at home. This applies to detergents, soaps and cleaning agents. Choose hair sprays and shampoos that are unscented. Scented hair products can linger in your hair for an extended time.
- Try to keep your home as well ventilated as possible.
- When cooking, try to experiment with different herbs that do not produce very intense smells.
- Always keep a mask with you, in your pocket or purse, so that you can easily put it on whenever you encounter a repelling smell.
- Let your family and friends know about your sensitivity to smell. This is especially so for friends or family members who use strong smelling perfumes