Unusual Scents: Why Do I Smell Strange Aromas?

Experiencing strange aromas periodically could be due to a phenomenon known as phantosmia, or olfactory hallucinations, where individuals detect smells that are not present in their environment. Phantosmia can affect one or both nostrils and the odors may be pleasant or unpleasant. While phantosmia is often temporary and non-threatening, it can sometimes indicate more serious health issues.

Phantosmia, or olfactory hallucinations, can be caused by colds, allergies, nasal polyps, or dental issues

Phantosmia, or olfactory hallucinations, is a condition where people perceive odours without an identifiable source in the environment. The odours can be pleasant, but most people with phantosmia describe unpleasant smells, such as a burnt, foul, or chemical scent. Phantosmia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Upper respiratory infections, such as colds, or other infections
• Allergies
• Nasal polyps
• Dental issues, such as gum disease or dry mouth
• Medications
• Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as mercury or lead
• Neurological or central nervous system problems, including epilepsy, seizures, migraines, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia
• Trauma to the brain or head
• Viral infections, such as COVID-19
• Sinus infections or other nasal congestion issues

While phantosmia is usually temporary and resolves on its own, it can be distressing and impact daily life, including a person's sense of taste and appetite. In some cases, it can indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as a brain tumour or stroke, so it is important to consult a doctor if phantom smells persist or are accompanied by other symptoms. Treatment for phantosmia depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, surgery, or other interventions.

Phantosmia can be a symptom of more serious health conditions such as Parkinson's disease, strokes, or brain tumours

Phantosmia, or olfactory hallucinations, are phantom smells that are not actually present in the environment. They can be pleasant or foul odours, and they can occur in one or both nostrils. Phantosmia is usually temporary and often goes away on its own without treatment. However, in rare cases, it can be a symptom of more serious health conditions, such as neurological issues or brain-related conditions. These include Parkinson's disease, strokes, and brain tumours.

Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive degeneration of the substantia nigra and basal ganglia, which are areas of the brain that control the rhythm and smoothness of movements and muscle tone. One of the early symptoms of Parkinson's disease is a loss of the sense of smell, which can happen years before other symptoms such as tremors, slowness of movement, and rigidity develop. Phantosmia, therefore, can be an early warning sign of Parkinson's disease.

Strokes, particularly small vessel strokes, can also cause phantosmia. These strokes are typically not catastrophic, and it usually takes several of them to produce symptoms. They are caused by a lack of blood supply to the substantia nigra or basal ganglia regions of the brain. Diagnosis of small vessel strokes can be confirmed with brain imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans.

Brain tumours are another potential cause of phantosmia. These tumours can be cancerous or non-cancerous and may require surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. The treatment for phantosmia caused by a brain tumour will depend on the specific type and location of the tumour.

While phantosmia can be a symptom of these more serious health conditions, it is important to note that it is often not a cause for concern and can be related to less severe issues such as nasal infections, allergies, or dental problems. If phantom smells persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

COVID-19, colds, and sinus infections can cause smell dysfunction, including phantom smells

There are many reasons why you might smell a strange aroma periodically. One possible reason is phantosmia, a condition that causes people to detect smells that aren't present in their environment, also known as olfactory hallucinations. Phantosmia can occur in one or both nostrils, and the smells can be pleasant or unpleasant. While phantosmia is usually temporary and not a cause for concern, it can sometimes indicate a more serious health condition such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, or a brain tumour.

COVID-19, colds, and sinus infections can all cause smell dysfunction, including phantom smells. Smell dysfunction is a common symptom of COVID-19, affecting 50-75% of people, and is often the first symptom that appears. While the precise cause of smell dysfunction in COVID-19 is not fully understood, it is believed to be due to damage to the sustentacular cells that support olfactory neurons. These cells can regenerate from stem cells, which may explain why smell typically recovers within a few weeks for about 90% of people. However, some individuals may experience a permanent loss of smell.

In addition to COVID-19, common colds and sinus infections can also cause smell dysfunction. Upper respiratory infections are a common cause of phantosmia, and sinus infections are a frequent cause of smell-related disorders. If you are experiencing phantom smells, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

To summarise, COVID-19, colds, and sinus infections are common causes of smell dysfunction, including phantom smells. While this symptom usually resolves within a few weeks, it can be distressing and impact daily life. If you are concerned about smell dysfunction, it is recommended to seek medical advice and take preventative measures such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and getting vaccinated.

Medication, vitamin deficiencies, and exposure to toxins can alter your sense of smell

Medication, vitamin deficiencies, and exposure to toxins can all alter your sense of smell.

Medication

Some medications can cause phantom smells, a condition known as phantosmia. Phantosmia can also be caused by problems with the nose or nasal cavity, such as sinusitis, or conditions of the nervous system or brain, including migraines, strokes, or schizophrenia. If you are experiencing phantom smells, consult your doctor, who may recommend switching medications.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can also cause a reduced sense of smell. For example, research has shown a possible correlation between vitamin D deficiency and a loss of smell. Additionally, deficiencies in iron, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, or niacin can cause changes in taste and smell.

Exposure to Toxins

Exposure to toxins, such as toxic chemicals like mercury or lead, can also alter your sense of smell and cause phantosmia. If you suspect exposure to toxins, it is important to remove yourself from the toxic environment and consult a healthcare professional.

If phantom smells persist, consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist

If you are experiencing phantom smells, you may have a condition called phantosmia. Phantosmia is a term used to describe olfactory hallucinations, where the organs related to your sense of smell sense odours that aren't really there. The odours may be foul or pleasant, and they can be noticed in one or both nostrils.

If phantom smells persist, it is important to consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist. This type of doctor is known as an otolaryngologist. They can help diagnose and treat phantosmia, especially when it is caused by damage or a head injury.

Before consulting a specialist, it is recommended to talk to your doctor about the issue. They may perform a thorough physical exam and ask about your medical history to rule out any underlying causes, such as a brain tumour. Your doctor may also want to rule out another similar smell disorder called parosmia, where your nose detects odours that are different from what is actually present.

In some cases, phantom smells may be caused by infections of the respiratory or breathing system, dental issues, sinus infections, or exposure to toxins and chemicals. These issues can often be addressed by a primary care physician or a specialist such as a neurologist.

If the phantom smells do not go away and continue to affect your quality of life, it is important to seek further clinical treatment. This may include certain medications such as anaesthetics, drugs that narrow the blood vessels in the nose, or steroid creams and sprays. In more severe cases, surgery may be considered, but it is not recommended unless necessary as it carries its own set of risks.

Frequently asked questions