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Good evening

Rhiacat profile image
16 Replies

Am I going nuts or has anyone else noticed their sense of smell going haywire? I smell things that aren't there like burning paper or petrol and things that I hated the smell of now smell nice. I'm wondering if this is all in my head

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Rhiacat profile image
Rhiacat
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16 Replies
madonbrew profile image
madonbrew

I’ve not ever noticed that happening but maybe it can ! 😊

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana

No Rhiacat. Not in your head. It is a medical condition. Phantosmia is also called a phantom smell or an olfactory hallucination. It's usually burnt something, like burning wood, or toast it's very unpleasant.

People with sinusitis , or people who have migraine headache, in more severe cases conditions of the nervous system can cause it. In very, very rare cases it is caused by a brain tumor. If you can it's best to talk to your doctor about it. I have had it for three years and only have it in winter. Cold, dry weather seems to trigger mine. So I use a nasal rinse and keep my nose well lubricated. It helps a lot.

It can be very annoying. 😞

Cas xx 🙋

Rhiacat profile image
Rhiacat in reply to Caspiana

Oh wow thanks Caspiana. I'll contact my GP I have mentioned it but just got a. " oh really" type of response. I've had it since this breathing problem and thought it might be due to it. I will have a go at nasal rinse. You are star thank you.. I'm not going mad!

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply to Rhiacat

No you are perfectly sane!! 😊

Angelagone profile image
Angelagone in reply to Rhiacat

Sterimar is very good though a bit pricey. I believe you can make your own salt water solution but I'm far too lazy.

Patk1 profile image
Patk1 in reply to Angelagone

I've got chronic rhinosinusitis.ive b reading bout sinus rinses to help ease congestion+pain so i tried it with boiled cool water.its certainly improved airflow thro nose

With me it's the smell of burning wood. It has been happening on and off since the mid 90s.

Mary-Jo1 profile image
Mary-Jo1

Hi Rhiacat, I'm sure you've checked it's not Covid, given that a change to your sense of smell can be one of the symptoms. It must be extremely annoying for you - sorry

Lynneypin profile image
Lynneypin

I get this sometimes but I have sinusitis and that can cause it. Usually lasts a couple of weeks. If it persists then raise it with your GP again.

Shirleyj profile image
Shirleyj

I'm having this at the moment, I'm smelling petrol or something burning. I had covid in October, my sense of smell and taste went completely , they are back now but not 100%. I put it down to that.Take care x

Tryfan profile image
Tryfan

Wow. You've answered something that both myself and partner occasionally notice. Never at the same time. It effects My wife more than me. She takes comfort in thinking it's her Dad coming to say hello. Who's to say!

watergazer profile image
watergazer

I sometimes get this too. Thanks for asking. I do suffer with sinus problems x

Jaybird19 profile image
Jaybird19

I am haunted by the smell of cigarette smoke.

O2Trees profile image
O2Trees

I did actually think the bedroom was on fire somewhere, which I couldnt trace, when I entered the room a couple of nights ago. I was panicked that there was a hidden fire developing caused by an electrical fault. We were still alive and intact in the morning though.

Gladwyn profile image
Gladwyn in reply to O2Trees

Thankfully! 😂🙏

Maximonkey profile image
Maximonkey

Hi, I too have had this problem for the last 20 yrs. All to do with my sinuses I believe. Take care, Maximonkey

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