Imaginary Smell (phantom smell)

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 the illness.

Otherwise, if it persists, the following treatments may be tried:

Rinsing out the nasal passages with saline solution , which may provide temporary relief for short periods of time. This may temporarily block the smell signals going to your brain, but you'll need to keep doing it.
Nasal drops or spray you may be prescribed oxymetazoline, which narrows blood vessels in the nose to help reduce nasal congestion, a spray containing an anaesthetic, which numbs the nerve cells, or a nasal steroid spray .
Sedatives, antidepressants or anti-epileptic drugs, which may work for some people.

You must always weigh up the benefits of these treatments with the possible side effects speak to your doctor about this.

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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