How to tell if you have super smell? Understanding hyperosmia

September 21, 2025 •

5 min read

Hyperosmia, the medical term for an enhanced sense of smell, is a rare condition that causes smells to be perceived with a greater intensity than average. A person with this condition may notice odors that others miss, or experience a heightened reaction to everyday scents. This guide explores the indicators and possible causes behind what many call a "super smell".

Quick Summary

A heightened sense of smell, medically known as hyperosmia, can cause everyday scents to feel overwhelming, triggering symptoms like nausea or headaches. This condition can be a result of genetics, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions, and can affect your perception of both pleasant and unpleasant odors.

Key Points

Understanding Hyperosmia: A "super smell" is medically known as hyperosmia, a rare condition causing smells to be perceived with overwhelming intensity.
Key Symptoms: Signs include feeling nauseous or getting headaches from potent scents, heightened awareness of subtle odors, and avoidance of certain smells.
Potential Causes: Hyperosmia can result from genetic predisposition, hormonal changes (like pregnancy), or underlying medical conditions such as migraines, Lyme disease, or autoimmune disorders.
Coping Strategies: You can manage symptoms by avoiding triggers, using air purifiers, wearing masks, or using calming scents like peppermint to distract your nose.
When to See a Doctor: It's important to consult a healthcare provider if the change is sudden or persistent, as it could indicate an underlying issue that requires treatment.
Treatment Approach: Addressing the root cause, if identified, is the primary way to alleviate hyperosmia, along with symptom management techniques.

What is a 'Super Smell,' and is it a real medical condition?

The term "super smell" refers to a heightened or abnormally sensitive sense of smell, a real medical condition known as hyperosmia. For individuals with hyperosmia, scents are experienced much more intensely than for the average person, and sometimes previously unnoticed or faint odors can become overwhelming and unbearable. This can be a temporary change, as seen during pregnancy, or a more permanent trait stemming from various underlying factors.

Unlike an olfactory hallucination (phantosmia), where a person smells something that isn't there, or parosmia, where smells are distorted, hyperosmia involves a genuine increase in sensitivity to existing odors. While it can be a fascinating trait for perfumers or sommeliers, it often poses challenges in daily life, especially when reacting negatively to common scents.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of hyperosmia

For many, having a heightened sense of smell seems like a superpower, but those with the condition often experience noticeable and sometimes negative symptoms. If you're wondering "how to tell if you have super smell?", consider the following key indicators:

Overwhelming odors: Everyday smells, like food cooking, perfumes, or cleaning products, can feel intensely strong and even sickening.
Nausea and headaches: Exposure to potent scents can trigger feelings of nausea or intense headaches, including migraines.
Enhanced awareness: You might notice subtle aromas that others are completely oblivious to, such as a neighbor's laundry detergent or a faint hint of gas.
Taste changes: Your sense of taste is closely linked to your sense of smell. As a result, flavors may seem more intense or some foods may become unappealing.
Sensory overload: A crowded room filled with different smells (perfume, food, body odor) can cause extreme discomfort and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
Avoidance behavior: People with hyperosmia may find themselves actively avoiding certain places, products, or foods with strong odors.
Negative emotional reactions: Unpleasant odors can trigger intense feelings of disgust, anxiety, or even mood swings.

Common causes behind a heightened sense of smell

Hyperosmia is not always a permanent state and can be caused by a variety of factors, some temporary and others more long-term. Identifying the cause is often the first step toward managing the symptoms.

Temporary and hormonal factors

Pregnancy: It is a well-documented phenomenon that many women experience an increased sensitivity to smells during the first trimester due to fluctuating hormone levels. This can often lead to morning sickness.
Hormonal fluctuations: Changes in hormone levels outside of pregnancy, such as those during the menstrual cycle, can also temporarily heighten a person's sense of smell.
Medication: Certain medications, including some antibiotics and antihistamines, can cause hyperosmia as a side effect.

Medical and neurological conditions

Neurological disorders: Conditions like migraines, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis have all been linked to hyperosmia. In some cases, a heightened sense of smell can act as an aura before a seizure or migraine begins.
Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can affect the nervous system and lead to a change in olfactory perception.
Lyme disease: This tick-borne illness can affect the nervous system, and hyperosmia is a reported symptom in some cases.
Nutritional deficiencies: A deficiency in vitamin B12 can affect the nervous system and, in turn, alter the sense of smell.

Genetic and environmental factors

Genetics: Some individuals are simply born with a stronger sense of smell due to their genetic makeup. Research has indicated that certain genetic variations can lead to a naturally more sensitive olfactory system.
Training: People whose professions rely heavily on their sense of smell, such as perfumers or wine sommeliers, can train their noses to become exceptionally sensitive to a wide range of aromas.
Toxin exposure: Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as heavy metals like zinc or manganese, has been shown to potentially cause hyperosmia.

Comparison: Hyperosmia vs. Normal Sense of Smell


Feature	Hyperosmia ('Super Smell')	Normal Sense of Smell
Scent Perception	Odors are perceived as significantly more intense and overwhelming. Faint smells are easily detected.	Odors are perceived at a typical, non-distracting level. Sensitivity can vary slightly by genetics and age.
Physical Reactions	Can trigger negative physical symptoms like nausea, headaches, or anxiety.	Does not typically cause physical discomfort from everyday smells.
Trigger Threshold	A person may be triggered by everyday products like scented candles or perfumes.	A person is generally not bothered by typical ambient scents.
Associated Conditions	Linked with conditions like migraines, pregnancy, and some neurological or autoimmune disorders.	Not associated with underlying medical conditions, though temporary changes can occur with colds or allergies.
Behavior	May lead to avoiding places or products with strong odors.	No specific avoidance behavior due to smell.

Coping with a heightened sense of smell

If your enhanced sense of smell is impacting your quality of life, there are several strategies you can employ to manage it. The first step is to identify and address any underlying medical cause with a healthcare professional.

Avoid Triggers: Once you identify which smells trigger a negative reaction, do your best to avoid them. This may involve using unscented cleaning products, switching to fragrance-free toiletries, and avoiding specific food odors while cooking.
Improve Ventilation: Use air purifiers or ensure good ventilation in your home to minimize the concentration of bothersome odors.
Use Masks: Wearing a mask or nasal filter can provide a physical barrier against strong, unwanted smells in public places.
Olfactory Distraction: Some people find temporary relief by chewing strongly flavored gum or carrying an item with a scent they find calming, such as a handkerchief with a few drops of a soothing essential oil.
Address Underlying Conditions: If a medical condition like migraines or a vitamin deficiency is the root cause, treating that condition may help alleviate the hyperosmia.

When to see a doctor

While hyperosmia can sometimes be a benign, natural trait, it is wise to consult a healthcare provider, such as an ENT specialist, if your heightened sense of smell is interfering with your daily life. This is especially important if the change was sudden or if you experience other new or concerning symptoms alongside it. A doctor can help determine if there is an underlying condition that needs treatment and offer personalized coping strategies. For further reading on the complex relationship between our senses and our health, you can refer to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.

Conclusion

Having a "super smell" is a real phenomenon known as hyperosmia, which involves a heightened sensitivity to odors. While it can be a neutral trait for some, for others it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like nausea and headaches. By recognizing the signs, understanding the potential causes—from genetics and hormones to underlying medical conditions—and implementing effective coping strategies, individuals can better manage its impact on their daily lives. Consulting a medical professional is always recommended to rule out any serious conditions and find the best path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, hyperosmia is not always permanent. In many cases, such as during pregnancy or when triggered by migraines, it can be a temporary condition that resolves on its own or with treatment of the underlying cause.

Yes, some people with a naturally sensitive sense of smell may not experience any negative side effects. For example, perfumers or sommeliers train their noses to be highly sensitive and can use this trait as an advantage.

While hyperosmia is not always serious, it can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, including neurological disorders like epilepsy or autoimmune disorders. It's best to consult a doctor if the change is sudden or persistent.

Diagnosis typically begins with a patient history and physical examination. A doctor may also use a nasal endoscopy to check for physical issues or perform a "scratch and sniff" test to assess your olfactory acuity.

Yes, because your senses of smell and taste are closely linked, an enhanced sense of smell can make flavors seem more intense. This can sometimes lead to food aversions or changes in appetite.

While there are no official remedies, some people find relief using natural distraction techniques, such as chewing peppermint gum or using a saline nasal wash to keep nasal passages healthy.

Hyperosmia is a heightened sensitivity to real smells that exist in the environment, while phantosmia is an olfactory hallucination, meaning a person smells an odor that is not actually present.