Abnormal Smell: Causes and Solutions

The types of smells that people smell are different from person to person. Some may notice the smell in only one nostril, while others have it in both. The smell can come and go, or it can be constant.

Phantosmia is a disorder related to a person's smell. It happens when a person can smell something that is not there.

The odor may appear on only one side of the nose, or it may affect both nostrils.

Phantosmia is relatively rare. It represents about 10 to 20% of disorders related to smell. In most cases, phantosmia is not of concern and will go away on its own.

However, phantosmia can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, so it's best to discuss this symptom with your doctor.

Some phantom smells are pleasant, but people with phantosmia more often describe unpleasant, foul-smelling, or disgusting smells. These may include:

• Burnt toast
• Burnt rubber
• Cigarette smoke
• A chemical or metallic smell
• A spoiled or rotten smell
• An outdated or moldy smell

People are often unable to identify the specific smell, or it may be a smell they have never encountered before.

Phantosmia can be overwhelming and interfere with everyday life. It can influence a person's sense of taste, leading to decreased appetite and weight loss.

What Causes Abnormal Smell?

People can experience ghost odors for many reasons. They may be associated with the nostril, while the situation is referred to as peripheral phantosmia, or the brain, which is known as central phantosmia.

Problems with the nostril or nasal cavity are the most common reasons for odour-associated disorders, including:

• Phantosmia
• Nasal polyps
• Tumors
• Chronic sinus infections
• Hay fever or allergic rhinitis
• Non-allergic rhinitis

Otherwise, ghost odours may arise due to problems with how the brain understands odours. These include:

• Epilepsy or seizures
• Head injury
• Migraines
• Parkinson's disease
• Schizophrenia
• Depression
• Stroke
• Certain medications

Causes related to the nose include:

• Common colds
• Allergies
• Sinus infection
• Irritation from smoking or poor air quality
• Nasal polyps

Other common causes of phantosmia include:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Dental problems
• Migraines
• Exposure to neurotoxins (e.g., lead or mercury)
• Radiation treatment for throat or brain cancer

Phantosmia Vs Parosmia

Phantosmia is frequently confused with parosmia, which is a distorted sense of scent.

People with parosmia smell real-life smells, however, they're distorted. For example, the smell of flowers could trigger a chemical smell.

Many people with parosmia also describe distorted odours as unpleasant.

Parosmia can be unsettling, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Severe parosmia can be debilitating. People with severe parosmia may find it difficult to cope with their symptoms, even temporarily.

Are Smell Disorders Serious?

Like all your senses, your sense of smell plays an important role in your life. In a few cases, odors from uncommon sources could make you appear to have phantosmia. These include:

• Dirty air vents in your home or office
• New laundry detergent
• New bedding, especially a new mattress
• New cosmetics or personal care products

Problems with your chemical senses can be a sign of other serious health conditions. An odour disorder may be an early signal of:

• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Malnutrition

When to See a Doctor?

The abnormal odor can be caused by colds, allergies, or sinus infections that usually go away on their own. If not, or if the symptom persists, medical treatment may be necessary.

See a doctor if:

• You have persistent or worsening phantom smells
• There's no identifiable cause
• It interferes with appetite, weight, or quality of life

How is Abnormal Smell Diagnosed?

To diagnose phantosmia, a physician will:

• Perform a physical exam of the head and neck
• Ask about symptoms and the nature of the odors
• Test other senses
• Use an endoscope to examine the nasal cavity
• Order imaging tests like MRIs, CT scans, or ECGs

Treatments For Abnormal Smell

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Phantosmia due to infection may resolve after recovery. If persistent, treatment options include:

• Saline solution rinse
• Topical anesthetics
• Medications to narrow the nasal blood vessels
• Steroid creams or sprays
• Oral medications (if necessary)
• Surgery (in rare cases)