[Parosmias--definition and clinical picture]

The paper proposes the definition and technical terms with greater precision for the description of qualitative smelling disturbances. Thereafter, parosmias are relevant only for the ENT specialist. Their further classification seems to be unnecessary or even false. These parosmias are always described to be troublesome for the patient since he feels the abnormality of the olfactory sensation. Thus, a clear distinction against phantosmias (olfactory hallucinations) and pseudoosmias (olfactory illusions) is given. The cause of parosmias is frequently speculative. Most frequently there occur traumas and influenza. Their treatment is equally the same as in postinfluenza hyposmias. Additionally, the dripping of 4% novocaine or 10% cocaine on the olfactory mucosa is performed. The parosmia is defined to be an independent entity of disorder, not only accompanying hyposmia. The parosmia may occur separately, too, and it does not necessarily recede together with hyposmia and anosmia.