hajuherkät

hajuherkät (literally “odor sensitivity”) is a medical condition described as an unusually strong or painful reaction to odorous stimuli. Individuals with hajuherkät report discomfort or distress at scents that are normally tolerable, and in some cases, the reaction can include nausea, headaches, or visual disturbances. The condition is considered a sensory overresponsivity that may be triggered by environmental factors, hormonal changes, or psychological stress.

The precise cause of hajuherkät is not fully understood. Researchers have implicated abnormalities in olfactory receptor pathways, as well as central nervous system processing in the limbic system and insular cortex. Genetic predisposition has been suggested by the observation that some family members share similar sensitivities. Certain medical conditions, such as migraines, hormonal disorders, and anosmia, have been associated with increased odor sensitivity, but a direct causal link remains to be established.

Diagnosis is largely clinical, relying on a detailed patient history and the use of olfactory thresholds tests. Treatment focuses on avoiding known triggers, using air purifiers or masks, and, in some cases, pharmacologic agents such as antihistamines or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Cognitive‑behavioral therapy has also shown benefit in helping patients cope with the emotional impact of the condition.

Epidemiological data indicate that hajuherkät is relatively uncommon, though its prevalence may be underestimated because some sufferers adapt by avoiding situations with strong odors altogether. Ongoing research aims to clarify its neurophysiological basis and to develop targeted therapies.