[Elysium]

I CAN'T stand it anymore!!! I am experiencing "phantosmia" and it is driving me nuts!!

For those who don't know phantosmia, it's when you experience phantom smells. For me it comes as a smell of cigarettes. YUCK!!!

I can't get the smell out of my nose!! It can go on for hours and even days!!

I've heard that phantosmia can be a symptom of sinus problems/head colds, and somewhere I thought I heard it could be a symptom of a brain tumor....but it could also be a tactile hallucination, or in my case (I think) somatic?

All I know is it's making me insane and it even makes me cough and choke from time to time. Anyone else experience this type of thing? If so, have you had any success in treating it or making it stop? I've even gone so far as to put a dab of toothpaste in my nostrils just so it will override the smell of the smoke!!

[lonegael]

This sounds really disturbing. Um, have you gone to a Gp and had the usually culprits checked out? Tried a saline solution spray (like the ones they sell to use when you have colds and stuff)? If it doesn't turn anything up, he should refer you up to a NET specialist, and then further. make sure that all the somatic stuff is cleared before they start assuming it's all, well, in your head (ouch, since that's where your nose is).
Have you had this before? How long have you had it? Has it started coming on in bouts that get steadily longer? Does one person in your grouping get it more than the others? This is stuff you might want to check out and write down before you go see someone. Good luck, Elsium! HUUUUGGGGSSSSS!

[Sabrina]

Oh wow, of all the things to smell!! I am sorry this is happening to you.

[Yoda]

Hi Elysium

I am sorry you are so bothered by this. I have experienced this also but it was infrequent. Still it was a PIA because I would try to find the source of the smell especially when it smelled like something burning. I had more hallucinations when I was emotionally stressed, it seemed. How are you doing settling in since you moved?

[jazper]

Hi There, Yes I have experienced this too and it made me think I was going crazy because everyone around me could not smell the choking smoke, and they all looked at me as if I was nuts. Now that you mention it I have not had it for a while now but it did last several months at the time. Hopefully it will go away for you too very soon. I hope I haven't jinxed myself and it come back. :-) Cheers.

[sabby]

So sorry this is happening to you Elysium. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for you.

The only thing I can think of that might help until you can be seen by your doc is to maybe use some vicks vapor rub up your nose a bit or even sucking on a vicks cough drop might help. Just becareful with the cough drops as they can burn your tongue and mouth if you eat too many

I sure hope you get it sorted very quickly!

Good Luck!

[lizardlady]

Yes, I've had this happen to me. I equate it with getting a song stuck in my head. Eventually it goes away. It's a pain while it lasts, but (for me) it does go away.

If it's bothering so much why don't you see your doc and get it checked out?

[nice girl]

i'm sorry to hear about what u r going through.. i had no idea about phantosmia..
It must be soo hard for u.. have u shown some doctor who may be able to help u out of it..
I pray things get better for u.. Have a great day..