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Smell of rubbing alcohol brings on symptoms
Hello, this is an unusual question. I have read about people taking disulfram (antabuse) occasionally becoming sensitive to other alcohols such as in colognes and rubbing alcohol. My trouble is, I have this problem just because of my innate biology. I'm just highly sensitive to alcohol fumes and even other compounds related to alcohol such as the propylene glycol used as a 'carrier' for many scents, and for the flavoring in vaping machines. It's very difficult to avoid all of these in daily life, and it's annoying to family and roommates that I'm so sensitive to so many products. There are some things that I'd like to consider as careers (in health care or veterinary care) that I feel are off-limits to me because of this sensitivity, as they require being around rubbing alcohol all day. I've read, and I've experienced, that the only option I have is to keep avoiding these situations. But I would love to have another solution! Does anyone have any ideas, no matter how 'outside the box'?
Thank you in advance for your help!
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Thanks for the quick reply.
The olfactory therapy might be a good idea.
I’ve already seen two ear/nose/throat doctors. They sent me for MRI and CT scans. No tumours or anything that would cause this problem.
I’ve seen a neurologist whose only idea was that I take a specific antidepressant. That seems like an extreme approach and has “rare” side effects. I’m not willing to trade a chance with that medication.
While the overactive sense of smell is frustrating the overactive tastebuds are a big problem. I’ve lost 15 lb and have to work really hard at not losing more. Figuring out what dinner will be is challenging. There are many herbs and spices I can’t eat. Soy sauce is out. Tomato sauces need to have milk added to tone them down to a mild rosé sauce so I can eat and enjoy it.
I wonder about the cause. I don’t have any of the ailments sometimes associated with huperosmia.
Was it caused by the nasal sprays my doc had me using for about 8 months to try to help my runny nose and post nasal drip? Was it caused by the ongoing frustration caused by the frustration related to the Covid pandemic and related negative effect on my life?
Nobody knows.
I am going to make an appointment with a social worker at my medical clinic to discuss stress management.
I wonder about acupuncture as a treatment. I look for recipes to give me ideas on how to provide flavours in stitch’s. I look for restaurants that have healthy veg/protein/carb ingredients and get takeout so my husband and I can assess and possibly recreate or modify those combos to make our own versions.
Any suggestions on any of this?
Was it the nasal sprays? You may be onto something there. My bet is that few doctors will endorse that view, however. It's something that seems to be frowned upon within the profession: acknowledging that medications or treatments may have caused harm.
I agree that the antidepressant idea is . . . I'll say a cop-out, in my unvarnished opinion. Too many doctors want to give everyone an antidepressant for anything they don't know what to do with and/or don't have time to deal with: Here take this you'll be happy and stop buggin' me.
By the way that quick reply was written on May 5. I have a feeling that a moderator probably moved your post to this existing thread. They do that a lot around here.
As for how to deal with your present situation, it sounds like you've already discovered some work-arounds. I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions to offer. I eat a fairly bland diet myself, but your post made me feel grateful that I can at least enjoy tomato sauce!