Olfactory dysfunction, or dysosmia, is a problem with the sense of smell. Technically, it is a deviation from the normal sensing and perception of odor molecules, or olfactory stimuli processing. There are several different forms of dysosmia, including anosmia (stimuli do not activate the olfactory bulb), parosmia (some odors are interpreted as other odors), and phantosmia (hallucinations of smells that are not there). Based on this information, what specific condition is indicated in a person who mistakenly perceives the smell of peppermint as the same as the smell of something that is rotten, foul, and decomposed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The person is interpreting the odor of peppermint as a different odor, which is indicative of parosmia. Anosmia refers to the inability to detect odors, phantosmia involves hallucinations of smells that are not present, and dysosmia is a general term for any deviation from normal olfactory processing.

Olfactory Dysfunction, or Dysosmia, Is a Problem with the Sense