Scientists say that some people who catch Covid develop parosmia – a symptom where people experience strange and often unpleasant smell distortions.
Some people may not smell lemons, but instead they might smell rotting vegetables or petrol.
Covid infection has affected as many as 250,000 people in the UK.
Now, experts in the field of smell have concluded that it may be making children resentful about their food. Many find it difficult to even eat.
Professor Carl Philpott of the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School, joined Fifth Sense as a charity partner to help families and professionals recognize the disorder better.
Professor Philpott stated that parosmia can be explained by a reduced number of smell receptors, which means only a small percentage of smell components are picked up.
“We are aware that approximately 250,000 people in the UK have been affected by a Covid virus.
You can’t walk past a bakery without gagging, the smell of onions makes you physically sick and even brushing your teeth is unbearable. It sounds unthinkable, yet that’s the reality for tens of thousands of people after getting Covid — myself included
“But, in the past few months, especially since Covid began to sweep through classrooms last Sept, we have become increasingly aware that it is also affecting children.
“In many cases, the condition causes children to avoid food and make it hard for them to eat.
“It’s something medical professionals have not yet recognized. They think that the child is being difficult to eat and do not realize the true problem. Professor Philpott explained that his first encounter with teenage parosmia patients is now, as parosmia among younger children is becoming more prevalent.
He said, “This was almost unheard-of in children precovid,” he continued.
If a parent suspects that their child may be suffering, they should keep a log of the foods and triggers that have been recommended by the guidance.
It is also possible to encourage children try milder foods, like pasta, bananas and mild cheese.
As a quick treatment, “smell training” could be used. It involves sniffing four different scents (eucalyptus or lemon, cinnamon and chocolate), twice per day, for several months.
Duncan Boak is the founder of Fifth Sense.
Children who have smell problems, or food that smells bad for their senses, may find it difficult to enjoy the same foods as they used to love.
“We have heard that some children have been suffering from nutritional issues and are losing weight. Doctors have attributed this to fussy eating.
“We would like to provide more information regarding this matter to the healthcare industry so they are aware of the larger issue.”