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Phantosmia, or olfactory hallucinations, is a condition where people smell odors that aren’t present. It can be linked to other medical conditions and treatments are available, but it may go away on its own. It’s important to see a doctor to rule out underlying illnesses. Treatments include numbing the nose, surgery, and medication.
Phantosmia is a medical condition also known as olfactory hallucinations or phantom odor. People with phantosmia typically believe they smell perfumes, such as smoke, natural gas, dirt, or even flowers, when no such odor is actually present. It is sometimes linked to other medical conditions, such as seizures, brain tumors or Parkinson’s disease. Treatments are available for this non-life-threatening condition, but in most cases, the phantom odor goes away on its own over time.
The main concern of sufferers of this condition is not the disease itself, but the underlying disease that may be causing the condition. Because people with this problem are often diagnosed with some form of disorder affecting the brain, such as tumors, seizures, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease, it’s best to see a doctor when you first notice symptoms of ghost. Alternatively, some individuals experience the condition and have no signs of a serious medical illness.
There is one main symptom for phantosmia: a perceived odor that doesn’t actually exist. As a result, most people discover they have the disease through communication with others. For example, some affected individuals may ask different people at different times and places if they smell a particular smell. If everyone responds that the particular odor isn’t present, it may be the most obvious sign that the condition is present.
For some individuals, phantosmia affects both nostrils, while for others, it affects only one nostril. Right now, researchers have discovered ways to numb the area of the nose responsible for smell. As a result, the phantom odor can be temporarily blocked. This procedure is typically done when only one nostril is affected.
A surgeon may also permanently disconnect the sensory parts of the nose if the condition is extremely bothersome. The result is that through that nostril it will no longer be possible to smell of any kind. Surgeons typically won’t perform this form of surgery on both nostrils as it will permanently disrupt all sense of smell.
There are other treatments available as well. For example, saline-based nose drops are sometimes prescribed. Additionally, sedatives and antidepressants may be recommended. Because there are side effects to some of these medications, it’s important to address any concerns with a doctor. Additionally, an affected individual should weigh the nuisance of the phantom odor against the cost and potentially adverse effects associated with treatment.
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