The Dr. Pepper Theory

Now that I've explained my particular smell disorders [see below], I feel it's time to delve into why I am suffering from anosmia.

It seems that many anosmia sufferers have recently overcome an addiction to alcohol. Apparently, the temporary to permanent loss of the olfactory sense is a common withdrawal side effect of alcohol. I, however, have never had a drop.

Other common causes for smell-loss include accidents (head injury or nose injury), prolonged exposure to destructive fumes, and polyps caused by allergies. Though I do have seasonal allergies, they tend to be in my lungs more than my nose and sinuses, and the exposure to destructive fumes is not likely. I have not ever had any nose or head injury--at least not that I can remember.

I do, however, drink an inordinate amount of caffeinated beverage every day (specifically Dr. Pepper.) I'm not over exaggerating when I say that 100 ounces is a typical day. So, my flawless, undeniable theory is that the cola is the culprit. I haven't worked out if it has anything to do with the caffeine or not. Any decaffeinated cola drinkers out there that suffer from anosmia?

If I stop writing this blog, it's possible that I was really on to something. It is odd that a maroon Suburban with dark tinted windows just pulled up outside my window...