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I detect a smell even when it isn't present

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Nov 5 12:49pm | Replies (29)

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@pmmar1

If you are on Azithromycin, you may want to consider that part of the problem. For about 4 weeks (end of March into April), all I smelled was a sewage and I had a metallic taste when eating food. I called a plumber, thinking I had a sewage problem, and over the course of 3 weeks, I had everything that could cause an odor replaced in my house and, still, the smell existed. The last plumber, an older man, asked me if I was on any new medications. I had just started the Azrithromycin (taken the first week) and added Ethambutol the second week. Within 3 days of taking the Azithromycin, I began to have the problem. My ID doctor took me off of both and the smell/taste issues lessened considerably within 2 weeks. This smell issue is called phantosmia (taste issue is called dysguesia) and it is a rare side effect of Azithromycin.

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Replies to "If you are on Azithromycin, you may want to consider that part of the problem. For..."

Goof Grief. I have been on Azithromycin 3x a week for years to prevent MAC. It is working but I can detect smells that others can't as well. I do have a really good nose though and have been able to smell what others can't even before all of the breathing issues. Maybe it is the meds and maybe it is not.