I grab a cup coffee from a shop and it’s ruined because the barista is wearing cologne or perfume that inevitably has gotten on the cup and it’s all I can smell when I take a sip. I guess 2 things, this means 1 they haven’t thoroughly washed their hands, and 2 I can’t drink the coffee because it smells so bad and I have to throw it out. Not sure why, but I haven’t had this happen with any other type of food/drink, just coffee.
yes! YES!
I have serious issues with fragrances. Artificial fragrances in particular (i.e. most ones) but even essential oils get to me after a while. When I’m around cologne, air freshener, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner fumes, I can taste it for quite a while. It’s completely vile. Extended exposure makes my eyes red, my lips swell a bit, and just a little makes me start oddly salivating. I guess it’s some sort of allergy, maybe MCAS, but this sort of thing is very difficult to get diagnosed. Some doctors have acted like I have some sort of uh… misphonia but for smells, but no, I can detect scents quite accurately. One reason I may be sensitive is I’m not completely swamped in 10 different fragrances 24/7 like most people.
The only thing that really works is to wash my nose out with water. Not super sanitary, but it’s better than salivating and tasting perfume for an hour. I have found that taking antihistamines reduces my sensitivity… I can still detect the fragrances, but get less of a reaction. That’s a clue. Oh, and also I have 3 different autoimmune disorders… I’ve asked around and the only people I’ve gotten a “yes, that happens to me too” response from are people with MS.