Phantosmia : Smelling things that aren't there.

 

Smelling things that aren't there is called phantosmia. It can be unpleasant and affect how things taste. But it isn't usually serious and may go away by itself in a few weeks or months.

what causes of phantosmia?

Phantosmia is usually caused by an infection such as:

  • a cold

  • flu

  • sinusitis (sinus infection)

Less common causes may include:

  • growths in your nose (nasal polyps)

  • migraines

  • epilepsy

  • mental health problems like depression

  • a head injury

  • a brain tumor

what can you do about it?

Rinsing the inside of your nose with a salt water (saline) solution may help temporarily stop the strange smell.

Stay tuned. I’ll teach you how to do a nasal rinse and how to make your own solution at home.

If it doesn’t go away, it would be good to come see me (or another ENT) to get a good look in your nose and find out what’s going on.

 

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Teach & Learn, NoseErin Shellenbergersmell, phantosmia, nose