Home Aromas: False Scents And Their Causes

The sense of smell is an ancient sense, and all living things can detect chemicals in their environment. Odors are molecules, and olfaction is the vertebrate version of chemical sensing. Humans breathe about 23,000 times a day, shifting over 130 cubic meters of air, which makes the sense of smell an important issue. While some odors are pleasant, like the fragrance of baking cookies or the scent of lilacs, others are unpleasant and can cause psychological and physiological stress, such as rotting garbage, a wet dog, or smelly socks. Unpleasant odors in the home can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor ventilation, leaks, pests, or clutter. While fragrance products can help mask these odors, it is important to address the root cause of the problem to eliminate the odor completely. In some cases, false aromas in the home may be caused by olfactory hallucinations, a condition known as phantosmia, which requires medical attention.

Phantosmia: a condition where olfactory hallucinations cause false aromas

Phantosmia is a condition where olfactory hallucinations cause false aromas. It is a qualitative olfactory disorder in which an odour is perceived without an identifiable source stimulus. It is often distinguished from parosmia, a similar olfactory disorder where an erroneous odour is perceived in response to a stimulus. For example, someone with parosmia might see a banana but smell rotting flesh.

Phantosmia is most commonly idiopathic, but it can be associated with nasal mucosal abnormalities, migraines, seizures, and neurocognitive or mood disorders. The most commonly reported smells associated with phantosmia include "burnt", "foul", "rotten", "sewage", and "chemical". These false aromas are usually detected from one nostril, and the smells come and go.

The treatment and management of phantosmia are complex and patient-specific. Little is known about the treatment of phantosmia, but identifying the underlying cause can help guide management. Various treatment plans have been discussed in the literature, including medications such as antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. For peripheral causes of phantosmia, the goal of treatment is to inhibit the neuroepithelial receptors in the olfactory mucosa from producing a smell when there is no stimulus present. Methods include applying a local anaesthetic, such as cocaine, to the olfactory mucosa or surgically removing the olfactory mucosa. However, surgery is considered only when medical management has been exhausted and symptoms significantly impair the patient's quality of life.

Respiratory infections: can cause phantom smells like burned toast

Respiratory infections can cause phantom smells, also known as olfactory hallucinations or phantosmia. This is where people detect smells that aren't actually present in their environment. Phantosmia can be caused by upper respiratory infections, such as colds, allergies, sinus infections, and other common respiratory infections.

The odors associated with phantosmia can vary from pleasant scents to unpleasant smells, with most people tending to detect bad smells. These have been described as "burned", "foul", "rotten", "sewage", or "chemical". The smell of burned toast has been specifically linked to COVID-19 infections. The odors are usually detected from one nostril but can come from both, and they come and go, rather than being constant.

If you are experiencing phantosmia, it is recommended that you consult a doctor, who may perform a physical exam and inquire about your medical history to rule out any underlying causes, such as brain tumors or seizures in the temporal lobe of the brain. Treatment for phantosmia depends on the underlying cause and can include medication, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. In some cases, phantosmia may resolve on its own without treatment.

Brain tumours: can cause false aromas, often bad smells

Although it is rare, a brain tumour can cause a person to experience false aromas, often in the form of bad smells. This is known as olfactory dysfunction, and it can be a result of a tumour in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, or parietal lobe of the brain.

Frontal Lobe Tumours

A brain tumour in the frontal lobe can lead to a loss of smell, along with other symptoms such as difficulty with speaking, concentrating, or learning new information.

Temporal Lobe Tumours

Tumours in the temporal lobe can cause sensations of strange smells and are often accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty with hearing, speaking, and memory loss.

Parietal Lobe Tumours

A brain tumour in the parietal lobe can make it difficult for a person to bring together information from their senses, including smell and taste. Other symptoms may include difficulty recognising faces or objects and coordinating movements.

Olfactory Neuroblastoma

In addition to brain tumours, olfactory neuroblastoma (also known as esthesioneuroblastoma) is a rare type of cancer that can cause a decrease in the sense of smell. This type of cancer starts in the nerves affecting the sense of smell and often occurs on the roof of the nasal cavity. While it begins in the nasal cavity, olfactory neuroblastoma can spread to the brain. Symptoms of olfactory neuroblastoma include nosebleeds, watery eyes, and a decreased sense of smell.

Seeking Medical Attention

If you are experiencing persistent or multiple symptoms of a brain tumour, it is important to talk to your doctor. Brain tumours are rare, and other medical issues can cause similar symptoms, but it is crucial to seek medical advice to rule out a brain tumour or receive an accurate diagnosis.

Charcoal: while it absorbs malodors, it doesn't add a scent to the air

False aromas in the home can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor ventilation, pets, smoking, or cooking. While there are many ways to address these issues, one effective method is the use of charcoal, specifically activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal is a highly porous form of carbon that can be used to absorb and neutralise unwanted odours. Unlike air fresheners or scented candles that merely mask smells, charcoal gets rid of odours without adding any scent to the air. This makes it a great option for those who are sensitive to fragrances or prefer a more subtle approach to odour elimination.

The odour-absorbing properties of charcoal can be attributed to its large surface area and porous structure. The high level of porosity in activated charcoal is achieved through heat or chemical treatments. This treatment process increases the charcoal's ability to absorb odour-causing molecules from the air. The molecules are then held onto the surface of the charcoal through Van der Waals forces, effectively trapping and neutralising the unwanted smells.

To use charcoal for odour absorption in your home, you can purchase activated charcoal in various forms, including powder, pellets, or whole pieces. Placing these in sachets, canisters, or bowls and positioning them around your home can help eliminate unpleasant smells. Discreet locations, such as inside closets, laundry areas, or near litter boxes, are ideal spots to place your charcoal odour absorbers. Additionally, activated charcoal can be placed at the bottom of trash cans or diaper pails for added odour control.

While activated charcoal is non-toxic, it is always recommended to keep it out of reach of children and pets. With its ability to absorb odours without adding any scent, charcoal is a natural and effective solution for maintaining a fresh-smelling home.

Cleaning: routine cleaning is essential to reducing unpleasant smells

Routine basic cleaning is essential to reducing unpleasant smells in the home. While adding fragrance may mask problems temporarily, it will not solve the root cause of the malodor.

Pest control

Pest control is important to prevent infestations that can cause unpleasant smells.

Garbage

Frequent removal of clutter and garbage is necessary to keep your home smelling pleasant.

Repairs

Making repairs to prevent leaks can help to avoid damp and musty smells.

Natural air fresheners

Natural products from your pantry can work wonders to absorb and neutralise odours. Vinegar, activated charcoal, baking soda, lemon water, coffee grounds, and vanilla or peppermint extract are all great options to help eliminate unwanted smells.

Frequently asked questions