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Diminished sense of smell (aging, alcohol, etc...)

Changed

Changed

Bluelight Crew
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Sep 19, 2006
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I've noticed that, in the past few years, my sense of smell has been basically numbed to the point that I have to consciously breathe deeply and concentrate to really smell like I used to be able to. I'm wondering if other people on BL (in the age range of 20-30) have also noticed a diminished sense of smell? Is it normal for people this age to have a poor sense of smell? I'm guessing not...

Considering my circumstances, I've come up with a few potential causes: alcohol, being the most likely. I never really drank before turning 21, but in the past four years I've drank more than the average person. Google searching reveals that regular, sustained alcohol consumption can cause a diminished sense of smell and taste...

Another culprit could be pollen/allergies. Last year I visited the doctor and was diagnosed with something called "perpetual allergies"; a seemingly never-ending inflammation of my nasal passages, ears, and chest.

Unless others have noticed this reduced sense of smell with aging, I guess it's time to stop drinking as an experiment...
 
Changed, I think you've answered your own question. Who can know you better than you?

In either route, I think it's a good experiment to try going without drinking for a while. Good overall for your physical and mental well-being.

From my own personal experience, I had a LOT of trouble even breathing when I was young, let alone smelling. I was a mouth breather as a kid. I had my tonsils removed to prevent more occurrences of tonsillitis and had my adenoids removed at the same time. Suddenly, I could breathe and can't imagine not being able to breathe now.

It might be helpful to look into how the adenoids affect your breathing.
 
Simply_Live said:
Changed, I think you've answered your own question. Who can know you better than you?

In either route, I think it's a good experiment to try going without drinking for a while. Good overall for your physical and mental well-being.

From my own personal experience, I had a LOT of trouble even breathing when I was young, let alone smelling. I was a mouth breather as a kid. I had my tonsils removed to prevent more occurrences of tonsillitis and had my adenoids removed at the same time. Suddenly, I could breathe and can't imagine not being able to breathe now.

It might be helpful to look into how the adenoids affect your breathing.
Click to expand...

I also had my adenoids removed when I had my tonsils removed, around the age of 5 or 6. I had constant ear-infections as a kid, and have had both my ear-drums burst 3+ times (even after the surgery).
 
I have a friend who is a chef and runs his own restaurant (not a big or famous one but he earns his living though by it). He started to have a huge alcohol problem around the time I went into Afghanistan and when I came back and went his restaurant (where I never have to pay anything :)), I noticed that his food did not tasty like it used to. Normally they were in perfect harmony but then some of the flavors tend to do a overattack. They did not suite well and it seemed there were too much salt and other spices in my opinion. We had a chat about it with other friends too and he said that he did not taste or smell as he used to and therefore had gradually started to increase amount of spices in his food. Although I am a huge fan of spicy food but they had to be in a good harmony. Especially I did not like the amount of ginger used in a sauce.

We asked If he had started smoking as we thought that it could be the reason why he would not taste or smell as well as before. Then he mentioned that the alcohol use has gone out of his hands. He started his day with gin shot. Made long drink before going to work. Drank bottle of wine at work while cooking and after closing he went to a night club and drank whiskey until he get wasted.

We talked him into a rehab for 30 days and after 8 months of using only one unit a day he said his smell and taste get better. Also the food he makes is much better now.

So it can get better when stopping.

I should quit smoking because it seems that everything smells and tastes better(or worse when someone in example farts :)) even when only taking a three day break.
 
I really don't drink that much (to be honest, I drink maybe 2 beers on a M/W/F nights, and drink socially (ie. 6 beers) on Sa/Su). Probably more than most, but I'm drinking for the sake of trying new beers.

Still, I should probably lay off just to see if it impacts my olfactory...
 
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