Imaginary Smell (phantom smell)
'Phantosmia' is the medical term for an imaginary odour (phantom smell) .
It is also known as an "olfactory hallucination".
The smell is unique to the person and is usually unpleasant, spoiling the taste of any food or drink consumed.It can be in one or both nostrils.
Most phantom smells go away in time and are not caused by anything serious. But if the problem persists and you're worried, see your GP.
NHS Choices information on phantosmia - the medical term for an imaginary odour or phantom smell - with links to other useful resources.
When something gives off a smell, it means tiny molecules have evaporated from its surface and reached your nose. High up inside your nose is tissue containing specialised nerve cells, called olfacto
There are a wide range of possible causes of phantosmia, which include: nasal infection some people start to perceive a smell after they develop an infection that affects their nose or sinuses (re
Your GP will want to know if the problem is definitely with your sense of smell, and not with your sense of taste (it's easy to confuse these). They will also want to determine whether the smell is p
Some people with phantosmia will find that the smell gradually fades over a few months, and no treatment is needed. If it is caused by an illness such as sinusitis, it should go when you recover from