Phantosmia Treatment Options and Approaches
Know about the phantosmia, its symptoms and causes, managing the disease, diagnosis and the available treatment options.
Introduction
Have you ever smelled something that wasn’t there, like smoke, rotten eggs, or burnt toast—when no one else could? If so, you might be experiencing phantosmia, a condition where people perceive odours that don’t exist. While it may sound strange, phantosmia is more common than you think and can be distressing for those who experience it.
In this article, we’ll explore what phantosmia is, its possible causes, symptoms, and the best treatment options available to help you manage it effectively.
What Is Phantosmia?
Phantosmia, also known as olfactory hallucinations, is a condition where a person smells odours that aren’t present. These phantom smells can range from pleasant (like flowers) to unpleasant, such as burning or rotting food. Unlike temporary smell distortions, such as when you have a cold, phantosmia persists and can significantly affect daily life.
Common Phantom Smells People Experience
Common experiences during phantosmia include:
- Burning or smoke
- Rotten eggs or garbage
- Chemical or metallic odours
- Sweet or floral scents (less common)
Consult ENT specialist for Personalised Advice
What Causes Phantosmia?
Phantosmia can be triggered by various factors, including:
1. Nasal and Sinus Issues
- Chronic sinus infections
- Nasal polyps (non-cancerous growths in the nasal passages)
- Allergies or colds that irritate the olfactory nerves
2. Neurological Conditions
- Migraines (some people smell unusual odours before or during a migraine)
- Epilepsy (certain seizures can trigger phantom smells)
- Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease (affects smell perception)
3. Head Injuries or Brain Disorders
- Trauma to the head can damage smell-related nerves.
- Brain tumours (rare but possible).
4. Exposure to Toxins or Medications
- Certain chemicals (e.g., pesticides, solvents)
- Some antibiotics, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications
5. Psychological Factors
- Stress, anxiety, or depression can sometimes heighten smell sensitivity.
How Does Phantosmia Affect Health?
While phantosmia itself isn’t life-threatening, it can:
- Cause anxiety or distress (constant bad smells can be unsettling).
- Affect appetite and nutrition (if food smells unpleasant).
- Disrupt sleep (if smells are persistent at night).
- Mask real smells (like smoke or gas leaks, which can be dangerous).
If you experience sudden or severe phantosmia, especially with headaches, seizures, or memory problems, consult a doctor immediately.
Treatment Options for Phantosmia
The right treatment depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:
1. Medical Treatments
- Nasal sprays or rinses (if sinus issues are the cause).
- Antibiotics or antifungals (for infections).
- Neurological medications (if linked to migraines or seizures).
2. Surgical Options (Rare Cases)
- Removal of nasal polyps or correcting a deviated septum.
- Olfactory nerve surgery (only in extreme cases).
3. Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- - Saline rinses (to clear nasal passages).
- - Avoiding triggers (smoke, strong perfumes, chemicals).
- - Stress management (meditation, yoga, therapy).
4. Smell Training
Some patients benefit from olfactory training, where they sniff strong, familiar scents (like lemon, cloves, or eucalyptus) daily to retrain their brain’s smell perception.
When to See a Doctor?
You should seek medical advice if:
- The phantom smells last for weeks or worsen.
- You experience headaches, dizziness, or seizures.
- You have a sudden loss of smell (anosmia) along with phantosmia.
A doctor may recommend:
- Imaging tests (MRI/CT scan) to check for neurological issues.
- Blood tests to rule out infections or deficiencies.
- ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) evaluation for sinus-related causes.
Final Thoughts
Phantosmia can be an unsettling experience, but the good part is that many cases improve with proper diagnosis and treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with phantom smells, don’t ignore it, as early intervention can help identify the cause and provide relief.
Consult ENT specialist for Personalised Advice
Consult ENT specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Nishant Rana
Ent Specialist
8 Years • MBBS. MS ENT
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Ashwani Kumar
Ent Specialist
11 Years • MBBS, DNB (Otorhinolaryngology)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Chanchal Pal
Ent Specialist
36 Years • MBBS, MS (ENT, Head & Neck), PG Certificate (Hospital Administration)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(50+ Patients)
Dr V D Kale
Ent Specialist
18 Years • MS ENT, Fellow - Head Neck Oncosurgery
Mumbai
Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai
Dr. Krishna Ramanathan
Ent Specialist
11 Years • MBBS, DNB in Otorhinolaryngology
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Jayanagar, Bengaluru
Consult ENT specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Nishant Rana
Ent Specialist
8 Years • MBBS. MS ENT
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Ashwani Kumar
Ent Specialist
11 Years • MBBS, DNB (Otorhinolaryngology)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Chanchal Pal
Ent Specialist
36 Years • MBBS, MS (ENT, Head & Neck), PG Certificate (Hospital Administration)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(50+ Patients)
Dr V D Kale
Ent Specialist
18 Years • MS ENT, Fellow - Head Neck Oncosurgery
Mumbai
Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai
Dr. Krishna Ramanathan
Ent Specialist
11 Years • MBBS, DNB in Otorhinolaryngology
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Jayanagar, Bengaluru
