Imaginary Smell (phantom smell)

What could cause phantom smells?

There are a wide range of possible causes of phantosmia, which include:

nasal infection some people start to perceive a smell after they develop an infection that affects their nose or sinuses (read about Sinusitis ). The smell may become noticeable after a sudden change in airflow through their nose for example, just after they've sneezed. It usually goes away when the infection clears
nasal polyps , which are abnormal tissue growths that form inside the nasal passages and sinuses (read more about nasal polyps )
migraine with aura some people smell phantom odours just before or during a migraine (read more about migraines )
dental problems
smoking
exposure to certain chemicals such as insecticides or solvents
radiation for treatment of head and neck cancer

Neurological(nervous system) conditions

Less commonly, the cause of phantosmia is either nerve cells sending abnormal smell signals to the brain, or a problem with the brain itself.

This may be the result of:

a disease affecting the nervous system , such as epilepsy , Parkinsons disease or Alzheimers disease
a stroke
a head injury
cancer usually a brain tumour or neuroblastoma (a rare cancer that may start in the olfactory nerve)

The above links will take you to more information on these conditions.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for imaginary smell (phantom smell)

Introduction

NHS Choices information on phantosmia - the medical term for an imaginary odour or phantom smell - with links to other useful resources.

How does your sense of smell work?

When something gives off a smell, it means tiny molecules have evaporated from its surface and reached your nose. High up inside your nose is tissue containing specialised nerve cells, called olfacto

What could cause phantom smells?

There are a wide range of possible causes of phantosmia, which include: nasal infection some people start to perceive a smell after they develop an infection that affects their nose or sinuses (re

How is it diagnosed?

Your GP will want to know if the problem is definitely with your sense of smell, and not with your sense of taste (it's easy to confuse these). They will also want to determine whether the smell is p

How is phantosmia treated?

Some people with phantosmia will find that the smell gradually fades over a few months, and no treatment is needed. If it is caused by an illness such as sinusitis, it should go when you recover from

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