Imaginary Smell (phantom smell)
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 perceived, as in phantosmia, or actually real you might be giving off and detecting a body odour, for example.
You'll have a head and neck examination, to see if there is any obvious problem such as something in your nasal passages. The GP will want to know if the smell transmits through one nostril or both.
You may be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist for further tests, which may include:
- a nasal endoscopy , where a fine, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end is inserted up through your nose and images are viewed on a television screen (read more about an endoscopy )
- an MRI scan or CT scan of your brain and nasal cavities , to rule out tumours, infections or obstructions
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
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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