Phantosmia
What could cause phantom smells?
Source: NHS
In this topic (5)
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 (read about Sinusitis ). The smell may become noticeable after a sudden change in airflow through their nose for example, just after they've sneezed. It usually goes away when the infection clears
- nasal polyps , which are abnormal tissue growths that form inside the nasal passages and sinuses (read more about nasal polyps )
- migraine with aura some people smell phantom odours just before or during a migraine (read more about migraines )
- dental problems
- smoking
- exposure to certain chemicals such as insecticides or solvents
- radiation for treatment of head and neck cancer
Neurological(nervous system) conditions
Less commonly, the cause of phantosmia is either nerve cells sending abnormal smell signals to the brain, or a problem with the brain itself.
This may be the result of:
- a disease affecting the nervous system , such as epilepsy , Parkinsons disease or Alzheimers disease
- a stroke
- a head injury
- cancer usually a brain tumour or neuroblastoma (a rare cancer that may start in the olfactory nerve)
The above links will take you to more information on these conditions.
Articles for Phantosmia
How does your sense of smell work?
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
How is it diagnosed?
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
How is phantosmia treated?
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
Introduction
NHS Choices information on phantosmia - the medical term for an imaginary odour or phantom smell - with links to other useful resources.
What could cause phantom smells?
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