Constant smoke smell in nasal passages.

I am a non-smoker. We are a non-smoking family. I am not around smokers at all. Why do I have the constant smell of smoke in my nose. It used to be just an occasional thing, but lately it seems to be all the time. I am concerned that this is a symptom of something I don't know about. The smell is strong. I used to notice it about a half hour after taking my Allegra-D 12 hr. tablets, but now I smell it much more often. Am I going crazy or is there something to this I'm not aware of. Has anyone else experienced this? Please help?

[jesussavedme]

I have had that same smoke smell in my nose from time to time. I also get the sensation that one feels after they have been punched in the nose, but not very often. Probably only about 3 times a year or so. I do have sinus problems and always have, but I have never really taken anything for it other than something over the counter during a cold. I have regular stuffiness and pretty much always have. I just have learned to deal with it. It would be nice to know were that smoke smell comes from. No one else smells it when I say I do. I have never smoked nor have I lived in a home were anyone smokes either.

[PN904]

Thanks so much for your comments. At least I know I am not going crazy. I found out after I wrote my message that my mom also used to experience the same thing.  She says she is sure that it has something to do with impacted sinus tissue. The doctors still think I'm imagining it but one day I'll find one who takes me seriously and we'll figure out exactly what causes it. Thanks again and I hope you stay well.

[Duchess47]

HI, this happened to me one day out of the blue.  All of a sudden the sensation that someone just lit a match and the sulfur smell just went up my nose.  I did become sick a few days later with sinus issues.  Very strange.

[JDanMan]

The only other thing I have heard concerning this, and I do not mean to be an alarmist, is that a smell of something burning can be related to brain tumors. I suppose if you start smelling it all of the time you should probably be concerned.

[PN904]

Thanks to Duchess47, Wepst and JDanMan for your comments and suggestions. I will seriously look into all of your suggestions and hope that it's just some seasonal allergy thing. Thanks again.

[carlincharleston]

i just started smelling smoke about 2 days ago.  it seems to be getting worse.  it's really starting to bug me now.  i have never smoked, and i'm smelling the smoke when no one else can smell it.

[RHCountess]

FINALLY a name for this.  PHANTOSMIA.  I found some links regarding this when I did a search for olfactory damage since I had a cat-scan done and the ENT specialist said that although the scan did not show anything - that it sounded like my past illness had caused some olfactory nerve damage.  There also has been some mention of possible damage being caused by certain medications.  I am going to talk to ENT again regarding possible surgical solution to this since I have seen some info on this being successful before.  This is becoming unbearable at times and even makes my eyes sting.  I am SICK of putting Vicks Vapo-rub under my nose in order to be able to sleep a night.  Have gone through a round of Cipro - but it has not helped.  Has actually gotten worse lately.   My best hope at this point seems to be prayer - but will still keep checking on medical options also.  Please let me know if you have any new info.  ***@****

[RHCountess]

I FINALLY found a name for this.  PHANTOSMIA.  It seems to be olfactory nerve damage that can cause phantom smells (smells without a physical source) such as rotting flesh, smoke, or some other unpleasant smell.  This seems to be a connection to viral infections, some medications, or sometime less frequently neurological reasons as a possible source for this condition.  I have seen an ENT specialist and had a cat-scan which did not show anything out of the ordinary - but the specialist said he thought that I had suffered nerve damage which could take months and possibly up to a year to heal - if it ever did heal.   Some mentions of possible instances of surgical solutions without loss of sense of smell - but not sure how proven this path is.  My case seems to be getting worse - have finished a round of Cipro - but no improvement.  Have tried sudafed / Claratin / codeine cough syrup (some relief the following day for a few hours at most).  I also have been battling a case of Thrush (a fungal infection of the tongue / throat) for almost as long as the smoke smell (a result of the Prednisone) taken while sick.
Hope this helps.  Write me at:  ***@**** if you want to discuss further or have any news to share.  Thanks - Maggie

[RHCountess]

Sorry for the almost duplicate posting - not sure why I was unable to view it after the first posting - so I resubmitted with a few changes.

[stevied]

for the last 6 years or so I have been getting these phantom smells .. but not smoking.. weird stuff like wet cement, the smell of baking,some unknown medicine.. sometimes they'll last for 6 months other times they're gone in a week. I have noticed them less often in the last year. My doctor thinks I'm nuts... I know what I smell. I don't have allergies of any kind and I'm in excellent health  and I can learn to live with the smell of fresh baked bread in my nostrils.. I mean it could be owrse.. still I think I should get someone to check this out especially as I read about Phantom smells being a possible side efect of brain tumors...

[wepst]

well i had an mri and it showed nothing.  sometimes i think it's supplements i'm taking and other times i'm not sure.  didn't have it for a while and now it's back again.  sometimes i get eczema around my nose area and i think it's that. most times it starts in my office where they used to smoke inside and now smoke outside.  but as long as i don't have a tumor i'll live with it.

[Yazzer]

I have been experiencing the smell of smoke for about one year now.  I noticed it when I was lying down at night before I went to sleep.  I thought the neighbour was smoking but everytime I'd go to the window to check, there wasn't any smoke smell coming in.  Then I'd lie down and it would come back.  I figured it was smoke coming through from the floor above (although I knew the folks upstairs didn't smoke).  It didn't have a distinctively cigarette, cigar, pipe, food, or marijuana smell but just something I described as "smokey".  I don't smoke and rarely do I burn something while cooking.  Recently, while travelling I got the smell again when going to sleep, so I knew it was something I was 'carrying' with me.  I have since returned home and still get that smell when I'm lying down, even in the day.  I don't know if I'm just noticing it more or if, in fact, it is increasing.

[Belasco]

Hey there, found this message board today after noticing the phantom smoke smell for the past week. The thing I notice I have in common with some of you is that I recently had a bad cold I caught while travelling. The talk of possibly being a symptom of neurological problems and brain tumors is worrisome since this coincided with me discontinuing a prescription of Lithium that was making me break out in acne. Anyone know if the two could be connected some how? I rarely have colds and don't have allergies per se. I do have mild sinus issues that are aggravated by changes in the weather, but nothing major at all. The smoke smell is driving me crazy!

[daisysmom]

do you still having the problem with smelling smoke?  Any ideas on what to do?

[jazbetaiv]

I'm glad I found this message board, I thought I was losing my mind.  I've been smelling some sort of burning for about six months now.  It comes and goes completely at random and at different severities.  When it started I thought it was the baby's diaper pail on fire.  Anyways, does anybody know if this is going to go away or if anything can be done?  

[shellbell.g]

I, like you have to being smelling smoke for about one year now. I have gone crazy trying to figure this out. When I try to explain this to people, I have said that I smell smoke. Just recently, I have narrowed the smell similar to that of mascara. Being that our eyes and nose are connected, I am wondering now if when my allergies bother me, somehow  the "residue" of the mascara goes into my nasal passage because my eyes burn to???? I have been to an ENT, no concern apparently for a CT scan. I have been to an allergist and he seems to think that my nasal area is being compromised by "something"...possibly chemicals??????????? I will post any further info and wish us all luck in finding the never ending solution.

[1val]

I started smelling cigarette smoke back in April when I finished taking some heavy-duty pain meds for a bad back sprain.  That is the only thing new or different that I introduced to my body.  Now ever since  then I will randomly smell smoke.  My family  thinks I m nuts but it is so real it is like someone sitting next to me smoking.   I have mild seasonal allergies.  I was prompted to get on the net and find out about "phantom smells" after watching and episode of "LOST".  They mentioned the symptoms of brain tumors as being headaches and phantom smells.  It really freaked me out because I am not a hypocondriac.  Is this something relatively new in this generation or has it been complained of for 100's of years?

[shellbell.g]

I think I am on to something!!!! I was at work the other day and spoke with a co-worker that I don't often see because of our different shifts. I explained to her that I was recently off work for a month because I would get burning eyes and an odd smell of smoke in my nose that seemed to happen only when I was at work. When I am off on vacation or days off, the smell of smoke would disappear after a couple days. We both were surprised when she to said that she has being experiencing this same smell of smoke. She to thought she was going crazy! Turns out, this smell of smoke began almost a year ago for both of us. To make a long story short, certain cleaning chemicals were removed from our work place. (floor stripper and baseboard stripper). Both these products are very harmful. Since the removal of these products, there has been NO smell of smoke for either of us!!!! For all you smoke smell sufferers, consider the cleaning products that you are being exposed to either at work, home and even in stores that have shiny floors. Just recently  and after being smoke free for a couple weeks, I was shopping in a department store and it began again for me. Sure enough, I looked down and saw a shiny floor and realized that this floor to gets waxed and stripped! And so you know........... once you are exposed, the smell does not disappear once you leave the area. For both me and my co-worker, it can remain in your system for up to 2 days before it completely disappears. Of course if you are continually exposed on a daily basis, you get no relief. It took me almost a year to figure this out. I hope that this information is helpful.

[dawnro]

wow!  cannot believe that i found others.  I have described it as if a ghost were following me around.  Something that smoked ciggys, either real harsh ones, or the regular kind that is smoked right up to the filter.  Stinging my eyes sometimes, it is so bad.  Doesn't seem  to matter WHERE I am, home, car, grocery store, or outside.  I have been afraid to talk to any doctors about it for fear of the 'you're nuts!" look.  After reading your comments, I am less afraid to make the leap and tell someone outside the family.

[Debbadoo]

Man, is it good to know I am not alone. I have been asking everyone around me if they can smell something liek cigarettes and no one ever smells anything. I have been thinking I was losing my mind. It does not matter where I am, home, work, the beach or the mall I feel like Im surrounded by people smoking when there actually isnt.  Yesterday it was so mad that I was light headed and dizzy, kind of off balance all day. So far this morning I feel fine but I know its just a matter of time before the smell is back. I do have a Dr appt to see what I can do so hopefully I can get some relief. This is enough to make ya want to climb the walls.

[isuefig]

I have been having this sensation of smelling or experiencing a burning acrid feeling in my nose for a few months. It isn't like a smell I can identify but the feeling one would get when smelling something like a burnt match or wet burnt wood maybe. I couldn't understand why others didn't smell it until I realized I was experiencing the samething at home, in the car and at work. I don't know if this is the same as what everyone here is talking about. I am trying to find some answers, I go to the Dr. Sept. 13th and want to be able to express this problem in a way that won't lead to dismissal.

[strega]

Same thing for me but I awaken from the smoke smell.  I have actually found people smoking outside a couple times, yet other times no.  3:30 am is the most common time for me to notice the smell.  I've been going outside to search for it.   Sad.  I live in a detached home in a decent neighbourhood.  My neighbour's son smokes in his garage.  I've been blaming him.  The times when he's not outside I blame my neighbour 2 doors down.  Let's face it, their cigarette smoke is not reaching through the cracks in my home.  It's me, something is wrong with me.  I was hit by a truck while driving on the highway a couple years ago.  Actually today is the 2 year anniversary.  My neck and shoulder are not normal anymore.  I ache and get headaches that shoot up my neck.  I had an mri to check my nerve involvement.  Now I have to find out more since I know I'm not inventing the smell.  I have been under an immense amount of stress and can't figure out this smoke thing.  It's only occassional.  Or, I'm just not waking up every time I smell it.  I actually feel a crackly throat the next day like I really   had smoke in my room.  I had a loser family living on the other  side who had a grow up going on in the house.  That is a totally different smell all together.  This is definitely coming from me.  

[powderedtoastman]

i have been experiencing some smokey smells too but they are accompanied by tingling and ringing ears, i think its a brain tumor but my mum thinks thats ridiculous, but they match perfectly to a brain tumor, wat should i do? ( ive been to the doc's on a previous occasion and he said theres nothing wrong) but these sensations wont go away)

[Horse N. Buggy]

I think you may be on to something.  I have experienced this off and on my entire life (I'm 34).  I notice that it is worse after going out in public.  When I was a teenager, I always associated this lasting cigarette smell in my nose with a trip to the mall.  I am looking this up right now because I just spent 4 days at a convention held in 3 hotels.  Both of those places are very likely to use the kinds of cleaning products you're talking about.  I've read all the theories on brain tumors, colds, and sinus infections.  I don't think those explain my problem since I don't have any other symptoms related to those things (and since I've had this smell problem my whole life).  I do have a condition where the pressure in my head is elevated for no apparant reason, but I don't really think that is related since no one else has mentioned it.  Typically, I will experience this cigarette smoke smell for a few days after being out in public and then it will go away.  I guess that I do notice it sometimes after travelling.  I guess I could have "picked up" the smell in the airport or in a hotel.  I think I'm going to keep a log and try to notice floors and surfaces.

[rufalee]

I don't want to scare anyone- but you may want to ask your doctors about a seizure disorder.  I've been smelling smoke for about a year also and about a month I had a grand mal seizure.  I was told it is an uncommon but possilbe link so just mention it.  I think the term for a "phantom smell seizure" is a partial seizure.  Once again, this is only to help you ask questions and not to scare you.

[Oldthing]

[Oldthing]

I can't believe I found this site! I have been experiencing the tobacco smell off and on for the past several years. I have never smoked and my husband quit over 30 years ago and didn't smoke in this house.  My husband and anyone else I have told this to thinks I'm crazy.  It is so good to know that other people are experiencing the same problem and it is not just me, even if some of the answers/causes are kind of scary.

[wingnuts]

I'm a healthy, active (work out 4-5 times a week), 33yr old male who has never smoked and never around those that do but like all of you have the "smoke smell."  I wouldn't get scared by the brain tumor nonsense, this is definitely a sinus/allergy issue. I first got it last fall, went to my doctor who thought it might have something to do with mold but was otherwise pretty much clueless. I was given nasal spray and some other meds which didn't help. It went away after a month and was fine throughout the rest of the winter, spring and summer, but as of 9/15/07 have it again. I feel great otherwise, no other symptoms. I did get over a cold a few weeks ago so not sure if there related. I wasn't actually able to see my own Doc last year so will probably try to get in to him if this continues this year. One thing I did try with a little success last year was a Neti? Pot which you can purchase at your local drugstore. It is a little pot you fill with luke warm water and mix in a saline packet then tilt your head to the side, insert in one nostril and it will eventually flow out the other nostril, cleaning your sinusus...I renamed it the snoti pot :)  I was hesitant at first but actully works great and feels good...almost gives you the sensation you've been swimming all day if you know what I mean.  Good luck to all of you nose smokers, I'll report back on any info from my Doc.

[hillbillinanny]

I am glad to find this site. I am a nose smoker also. It all started a few years back when the forest close to us was on fire..The fire lasted 3-4 days and I smelled the smoke everywhere. After 3 months I was still smelling the same smell..No one else could smell it. Every since then, every few months the smell comes back and just this week it has started again..My sinuses burn and feel like they are cold and I have a headache in the middle of my forehead.. It is hard to explain but it is a miserable feeling.. I was recently on penicillin for a bladder infection and my mouth was so sore I could not eat. I am wondering if certain meds trigger this re-action. I am 71 years old and have had a few allergies and sinus problems, but otherwise in good health..I wish you all the very best and hope we can find something to stop this...

[Betsycrnfa]

Well, have I got news for you all!  I cured myself of the constant smoke smell!   I have been an OR nurse for 26 years and know that "the solution to pollution is dilution".  So I took an empty nasal spray bottle, rinsed it well, filled it with sterile saline (like for eyes), tipped over forward and filled my nares (nose) with saline.  I stayed there for a few seconds and then stood straight and blew my nose.  I repeated that once.  I then did a single instillation twice a day for a week and poof my symptoms were gone.  They have NOT returned for 2 months.  A simple non-harmful solution that is basically FREE!  

[beachgirl30]

Wow!! I too thought I was crazy. I've been suffering with this problem for a long time. Whe I lived in NY I would smell the odor of Raid. I would ask around and no one would smell it. Soon after the smell I woud get a migrane (migraine).  That smell went away and now I have been smelling smoke and at times my eyes would burn. This has gotten worse in the last 2 weeks and now it is almost constant. This last week I went around the house checking all electrical outlets thinking that there was a slow fire inside the walls. I knew this was ridicilous. I started having the smell outside the house.No one else smells it. I decided to do do some research before calling the doctor and stumbled on this site. Thank you every one now I know I am not crazy. I will give the neti pot a try and also call the doctor since I hace a few other sumptoms that could indicate a sinus infection.

[soosiewong]

I have just had a slight cold but the worst cough I've ever had. Since the cold went and the cough came I have had this sensation of smelling smoke/toast. It comes fom time to time and lasts only a few seconds. Very weird but am I glad I found this message board!!

[spungybaby125]

I have only been experiencing this smell for a week or so, on and off, and it is driving me crazy! I don't know what to do anymore. If anyone has any suggestions at all, I would greatly appreciate them!!!

[[e-mail]]

Well just like everyone else everyone thought that I was nuts.  I kept going around work and home asking everyone can you smell that smoke???  Everyone answered the same NO with a weird look.  It has been 5 days now of constant smoke smell.  Before the smoke smell started I had 3 days of horrible migraines not sure if the two are related.  I was very interested in the possible connection to the floor waxing and cleaning products.  I work in a grocery store where they wax and clean the floors often.  I am a blonde and find myself allergic and sensitive to many medicines. I don't care for strong smelling candles, perfumes, cleaners ect.  Does anyone else have these sensitivities?  I would just like a break from this horrible smell of smoke.  I feel horrible and my stomach is so upset.  It smells like I'm sitting in the middle of a casino surrounded by smokers without the fun of the slot machine. Actually I never go to the casinos because I hate the smell of smoke I guest know would be a good time to go.  Why does know one ever come back to explain what they find out at the doctors? I will promise that I will.  Thanks for listening I sick of friends and family being less than sympathetic.  Good luck everyone........

[Timnikers]

I am thrilled to have found this site, I have been smelling smoke for about 4 months, on and on off.  I am just getting over a very bad sinus infection so I am assuming the 2 are related.  As noted above I as well have use dthe Niel med, netti pot.  They are wonderful.  I find the smoke smell really bad the last couple of days, used to only bea "whif" here and there...Has anyone you know of been diagnosed of a brain tumor that had these sensations?  I am an extremely paranoid person and when I saw it could be related I instantly panicked, however the more I read I don't think that this is the case.  Thank you to everyone who shared, I am so thankful that this information was available....

[soosiewong]

Well, a week from my 'confession', and I still have a cough, but getting better and smoke/toast smell is not so frequent. I am convinced it's sinus related and my advice to anyone who is concerned about any other reason, especially if you have other symptoms, is to get it checked out.

[onemorething]

I have been smelling smoke for about 6 years.  I first remember it when I moved into a new apartment and I complained to the management that it smelled of smoke.  The carpet was new and the place was clean and newly painted.  I bought an air cleaner which seemed to help a little.  Since then I have relocated to the south.  I have started to smell the smoke almost all of the time, but it's worse at night.  Forgetting that I first smelled it several years ago I thought that it was left over from many brush fires that we've had in Florida.  However, I smell it at work sometimes also.  I wonder if any of us have other medical issues in common.  I have restless legs syndrome, osteoarthritis, MVP, Barrett's esophagus, eczema.  I always have an ache somewhere but seem to have episodes of all over pain.  Some days I feel very fuzzy, have had a little bit of a balance problem lately with increased pain in the neck area.  I also am having a major problem with TMJ and can't open my jaw enough to eat a sandwich.  I'm under chiropractic care for this.  
About a year ago I was sent to a neurologist because of headaches and was found to have a very small calcification in my brain.  He said it was nothing to worry about.  The smoke smell wasn't bothering me at the time so I didn't mention it.  I'm going to schedule another appointment.  I am blown away that there are so many people with this same phenomenon...will let you know what the outcome is....

[Levi212]

What you're talking about sounds like something that is possibly already there in the air of your home, but you aren't smelling it consistently. Airflow in the home is strange thing, but it's consistent with the fact that it keeps moving.

One thing you can do to help out, with any particle like that of smoke is, you can put in a whole house filter. The best in the business for price and efficiency is the Polarized Media Filters made by Electrobreeze. I would suggest these because I've had a friend that had problems with stuff that she was breathing in, and now doesn't have that problem any more.

To get some more information on these I'd visit www.airlifeone.com. I'm no specialist, I just saw it work with other people and decided to research it. It really does help to improve living conditions inside the home, so I would easily suggest it for you.

Hope this helps.

[smokenose]

This article surprised me because I didn't think I would find anyone who is experiencing phantom smoke in the nose like I have been the last couple of weeks.
I don't smoke, never am around smoke at all.  It's light, like being in a bar the night before and the residual smokey smell stays in the nose....but I've not visited a bar in 7 years.
I have migraines.  I wonder if that has anything to do with it.  This is the first time this has happened.

If two posts show up, please disregard.  I had to register for it and I think it knocked my first post out, but I could be wrong.  :-)

[DMGolfer]

Hello all,
Like many of you I was very happy to find this site and really appreciated the effort all of you took to outline the condition.  Like many of you I smelled smoke, needless to say it’s a little uncomfortable.  I’m going to tell you my story in hope that it might help someone else.  Also I sense the best way for all of us to approach this is very systematically.  We all have the same condition in some form or another and my guess is that the same set of circumstances triggers it for each of us.  If we work together maybe we figure out the trigger.  First I had the condition for about 3 months and have managed to miminize it to a point where it’s much less of a problem then it was when it started.  Of course it could come back.

1. Facts – I’m 61 no high blood pressure, no diabetes, not overweight and never any serious sinus problems.  
2. Clues: - I would get an attack at almost the same time every day.  Mid afternoon at work and watching TV in the evening.  It seemed to come only when I wasn’t moving or seriously concentrating on something.  Sometimes driving the car.  This went on for three months until I found this site.
3. I found it hard to believe it was a brain tumor because everything was so consistent and regular, so I decided early on it was some form of allergy, so I approached it from that angle. I looked at everything that gave allergies, milk, did friend get a new cat, did I drink red wine the night before, was my immune system low, are the certain plants in bloom, did I eat something the night before, coffee, etc. etc.
4. What worked so far….as one person on this blog suggested, stop using deodorant.  It worked…strange as it may seem.  The attacks became less frequent and were more mild.   My wife says that certain cosmetics can cause allergies, maybe something to look at for women.
5. I also noticed I could put my finger under my nose just as an attack was starting and I could get it to stop…maybe some form of biofeedback….who knows.

I’m still working on this and I realize this is a bit crazy but if everyone gives facts maybe we can find something that causes this and please if you found something that works please come back to the site and let us all know.  

Good luck all.

[lizzie70]

This blog has been so helpful to me.  I too thought I was nuts.  Am going to a ENT who told me I had an acute sinus infection - swelling, etc. I did not know I even know I was have a big problem as I had no typical sinus headache.  I do have alergies (allergies) to various environmental stuff.  I was on a heavy duty antibiotic for Bronchitis preceding this smell - which, by the way is with me always - has been for about 1 week.  I will go to ENT Thursday and question  him about this Phantosmia and see what he has to say and report back. I also had lost my sense of smell and taste for a while but that is returning.  Thanks for all your postings - it has enlightened me.  It pays to "advertise"!  lizzie70

[manfid69]

I too have this smokey smell thing going on.  I'm 56 female and have been having it for years.  I've been to many ENT's who can't figure it out.  I'm a Medical Transcriber for 35 years and have never even heard anyone else mention it so thought I was the only one with this silly problem.  

I noticed it today again while driving my car home from tap dancing class and like most of you it comes and goes.   It is not as frequent as it use to be though it appears.  

Also I have had plugged ears for 30 some years too.  The ENT's say that is all in my head - some say it is from having ear buddies in my ears all day with air "voices" hissing though them, I dunno but it sure is annoying.  Its like getting to the top of  the hill and my ears are plugged then they don't unplug when I come down.   Actually too, they get worse when I do that.  Ho-hum...

Anyway, glad to hear about the smoke smell.  That was something that I really wondered about.
I will continue to monitor this site and see whats up.  

Thanks for your comments everyone..

[beachgirl30]

I received the following info from the MAYO clinic -FYI. I'm following through with medical follow up and they are runing tests to rule out temporal lobe tomor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original Article:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/phantosmia/AN01684
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Phantosmia: What causes olfactory hallucinations?
Q. What causes olfactory hallucinations (phantosmia)?
A.
Many people are sensitive to certain smells, but in an olfactory hallucination (phantosmia), you detect smells that are not really present in your environment. The smells detected in phantosmia vary from person to person, but may include foul odors such as rotting food or pleasant odors such as fresh flowers. Phantosmia may progress to olfactory delusions, a condition in which you persistently believe that the smell and its source exist, even though they do not.

Most often phantosmia is due to temporal lobe seizures, but it could also be caused by a brain injury. If you have a temporal lobe seizure, your phantosmia may be brief and you may lose consciousness or have other symptoms of epilepsy.

The combination of phantosmia and olfactory delusions is often due to a psychiatric illness, such as depression or schizophrenia. Phantosmia and olfactory delusions may also occur in people with Alzheimer's disease. Although rare, phantosmia can occur as part of the symptoms that you may experience before a migraine headache.

Because phantosmia could be a sign of a serious illness, talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms.



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By Mayo Clinic Staff
Sep 21, 2007
© 1998-2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
AN01684

[lizzie70]

I cannot believe that this cigarette smell has anything to do psychiatric illness.  As they say, I'm not crazy. Anyway, I believe it is involved strictly with my nose and the fact that I've had a sinus infection, acute say the doctor.  I did purchase a nasal cleanser - peti pot - and have started useing it.  It may not cure the smell but it sure is helping my sinuses. Will keep you all posted.  

[hillbillinanny]

I feel the same way you do..If I had not had this several years before it might scare me, but if it was as serious as the last post or signs of a tumor...., I would be dead or completely nuts by now..It has been really bad today..It is not all the time but comes on suddenly like someone is sitting beside me smoking.I will keep checking this site also..I am going to make an appointment with my family doctor but I do feel it is a waste of time..He is young and may have never heard of this..lol lol  

[NILSAJC]

[NILSAJC]

SORRY, SEND 1ST MESSAGE TOO SOON.......BUT I TOO AM SMELLING SMOKE, MORE LIKE CIGARRETTE SMOKE, NO SMOKERS IN MY HOME.  I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SMELL AND TASTE, CANNOT HAVE ANY COFFEE,CHOCOLATE, JUICES, MOST FOOD HAS A FUNNY TASTE.   I HAVE HAD SEVERAL SINUS INFECTIONS, AND TAKEN PLENTY OF ANTIBIOTICS.  I AM VERY FRUSTRATED SINCE I CANNOT EAT, HUNGRY ALL THE TIME.  WAITING ON TEST WITH HOSPITAL ON 11/12/07 NOT SURE HOW MUCH LONGER I CAN WAIT.........HELP...............

[hillbillinanny]

I wish I could help ...My husband  had that problem a few years back and it was from steroids he had taken for an upper respiratory infection...Everything smelled terrible and he could not stand the sight of eggs or onions...My smoke smell does not affect my appetite and I do smell other things as well but once an initial smell is gone the smoke smell returns..I have been keeping a candle burning all day and it seems to mask it and at least the odor is some better than smoke...Let us know what the test shows. Gool luck and God  Bless!

[lizzie70]

Correction on nasal cleanser-it is called a neti pot.  Am having CT done tomorrow -dr. is doing it cause of my loss of smell and taste - he said a tumor could affect nerves that control smell - but he doubts I have a tumor - how nice!  He also hadn't heard too much of my smell problem although he came up with the name right away - how strange.  After having had this smell for quite a while and the sinus problem along with it - and lack of taste and smell -I can honestly say I think they are all clearing up - the smell is no longer constant -although quite strong at times.  I'll keep you posted.  Saline spray or the neti pot with saline wash is very important if you have sinus problems.  Lizzie70

[lizzie70]

Well, I found out that I have pansinusitis - inflamation (inflammation)/infection in all sinuses - knowledge gained from a CT.  That might account for lack of smell/taste and the cigarette smell -since sinuses are partially closed especially in right side.  If you google pansinusitis you get many hits.  When it gets better I'll report back. Lizzie 70

[psk444]

Hi, the cigarette smell started about 3 days ago for me, I smelled it the house where no one smokes, and I first thought it might be some incense I had burned earlier.  The next morning the entire ride to work (1hr) I smelled it in my car. I kept spraying frebreeze as I drove.  At work the same thing, I would keep putting on hand lotion and placing my hand close to my face.  I couldn't concentrate.  I found this forum and the one on EHealth.  So I saw my ENT, there is no sinus infection, no polyps, no anything.  He is treating me with some allergy meds I am taking 5mg of XYZAL at night and using Veramyst nasal spray in the morning.  I only have taken one dose of each so of course I still smell the smell.  I asked about possibility of a brain tumor and he said he wouldn't worry about that yet and if anything it would be a benign growth on my pituitary gland...I go back in 10 days, I'll keep everyone posted.  Please everyone keeps posting with update

[Shabo]

hi, i'm 47 / totally healthy / no meds / no illnesses.  have had this "smoke smell" in my nose off and on for 2 years.  first noticed it after i left panera ... they were burning bagels or something and after i left i couldn't get the smoky/burning smell out of my nose.  kept asking people if they smelled it but no ... it was just me.  it stayed off and on for about a month then gone for six months and back again when i went to another coffee/bagel shop.  same thing .. except i noticed the burning smell in the restaurant before my girlfriends and left ... but it still came.  gone for another three months until the other night at friends house and we were sitting outside around the firepit and boy did it come back.  does anyone seem to have it when they are around burning toast / fires or such?  i am finding it is only coming when i smell these strong burning smells.  have been to panera since and it didn't happen.  right now ... it's driving me crazy .. it is worse when i am just still and not moving - also not when i take a deep breath .. just short or shallow breaths.  feeling like i'm crazy along with the rest of you all.  appreciate any help!

[hillbillinanny]

My smoke is gone...Been gone for a week now..I am afraid to say too much, so afraid it will come back..We took a vacation  for a few days and did not smell it the whole time we were gone....and it has not returned. I do think it is connected with smelling strong odors like burnt stuff especially if you have a sensitive snoot like I do...I stood over our burn barrel just to make sure..lol lol  When I came in the house could not smell it...so I will wait 6 months and see if it comes back..I will keep reading the posts on here and I wish you all the best of luck and maybe yours will just disappear like mine did..Good luck all and God Bless each and every one of you and keep you safe and FREE from smoke...

[laurie57]

Wow this is weird......i thougth it was just me smelling this cigeratte smoke...i get such nasty headaches and i don't know what to do...No one else smells it but me and we are a non smoking family...Any idea's
Thank you Laurie

[LilAli]

I'm so glad I found this site. My weird smell problem is when ever I get around cigarette smoke, the smell seems to stays in my nose. I mean hours after smelling the stuff, I can still smell it. It's not on my clothes, it's just in my nose. And the smell makes me sick. I'm glad i'm not the only one around here.

[steve80]

hrm, this is an interesting subject.
stumbled upon it accidentally.

I have had a handful of occations where I had a strong smell in my nose,  but this lasted only for very few minutes if even one minute. It would be like, I come into another room, the smell starts, no one else smells it, I go outside to get fresh air, smell remains for a while and I notice that it can't come from outside.

I've had this only a couple of times, a few years ago, and again one year ago for a couple of times. It would only occur once a day for a minute or so, and not return before a few months or so later. This whole year I did not have one singel instance of it.

The smell is not as many described here like smoke.
It's more like a strong smell of chlorine, like chlorinated water in a natatorium, even accompanied by the nasty feeling inside the nose like the chlorine is attacking the nose's mucous membranes.

Because I do not consume animal products and did not know whether the sort of vitamin-B12 pill I was taking worked for me, I thought it could be neurological symptoms of a deficiency, although unlikely just after 3 years with that diet.
Had a blood test done, blood was perfect all in all, while B12 on the low end, but still considered "normal".

What's also interesting is that I have a sensitivity to some chemicals I have not certainly identified, but it's not an allergy. My throat will be scratchy or even burn if I am anywhere near a smoker, or in newly built houses, or in shops where bicycle tires' outer rubber things (don't know english name) are sold and openly "stocked". This also affects my voice, alas....
I don't know if this has anything to do with the smell thing. But if this is a chemical sensitivity, who knows.

[colleend]

[colleend]

Sorry about the last empty post.....call me the newbie! This is a very interesting issue we have.  I have been accused of being nutty when I ask my husband if he smells a sooty fireplace smell.  I have have been noticing this for about 3 months.  I have researched sinus issues and came up with the possibility of a fungal infection.  I am going to investigate  an anti-fungal treatment that I read about on another site. I also notice the smoky smell is very strong especially when I get emotional, tear up at a movie or just want to cry.  I frequently have severe headaches or migraines around these episodes too.  Thanks for sharing...it has really made me feel sane.

[wingnuts]

DM Golfer - You mentioned something interesting in that it sometimes pops up when watching TV. This also happens to me although I still have gotten it only in the fall which seems like a seasonal allergy/fungal problem. But on another forum (Medhelp?) about this topic, there were quite a few posts about getting this after being in front of a TV or computer monitor for extended periods and wondering if it was an "electrical" problem. Sounds weird but who knows!

[wingnuts]

Sorry. I meant e-health forum had posts about people having the smoke smell when watching TV or on the computer. This is Medhelp!

[beachgirl30]

I went to a neurologist who did an MRI and EEG I get results tomorrow. He said I may be having a form of migrane (migraine) headaches and put me on Topamax. It has been 3 weeks and no more smoke smell since I started the pill.

[Shan411]

If anyone or any doctors are reading this, please help.  I have been having the smell of smoke, headaches, and light headness  and shortness of breath for the past 5 years.  This time right now, it's really been a problem.  It's so bad that it consumes my everyday life.  Especially at night, I have to sleep with the cover over my head just to get some quick but very temporary relief.

Most doctors seem to look at you like you have a problem when you tell them your symptoms.  Someone should have a solution now.  Especially all of the comments I've read.  I'm just glad to know I'm not the only person in the world that's have this problem.

HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!

[shekles]

Thank you for letting me know I am not going nuts. I started smelling phantom cigarette smake after staying with friends who smoked. After about 10 days, the smell changed to what I can only describe as car exhaust fumes - very unpleasant when it's constant. If I breathe deeply, I can't smell the phantom smell, but it comes back as soon as I breathe normally.

I will check out the sinus infection angle with my doctor.

[beachgirl30]

My tests all are negative. My nerologist says it is the aura to a  migrane (migraine) headache. I do not have severe migrane (migraine) pain but I feel a constant dull to bothersome ache sometimes slightly throbbing ache on my right temporal area and behind my r eye. I do have a history of severe migranes (migraines) which had stopped when i reached menopause. I never related the presure behind the eye as a migrane (migraine). I took the Topamax for almost 3 weeks, the smoke smell stopped and the ache was almost gone. I did not take it for 3 days thinking that I was having side effects and the ache, pressure returned worse than before and the smoke smell returned as well. I returned to the doc and I am now back on Topamax. The symptoms I was having could be related to my back problem. We will see what happens. I hope this helps someone out there.

[shellbell.g]

hey all

[shellbell.g]

hey all, i really think that you should seriously think about the chemicals that are around you. I have been reading all the posts since I wrote last and I honestly believe that our problems are chemical related ie: cleaning products which are used EVERYWHERE!!! I wrote above explaining how both me and a co-worker experienced this smell of smoke for almost a year. It took alot of trouble shooting and alot of questions to the janitors, fellow workers in my store as well as our other stores. It's amazing the feed back one gets when you ask around and constantly talk about it. To make a long story short, after one year of these chemicals being used in our store and one year that we both had this smell of smoke, these "floor" cleaning products were removed from all our stores and our smoke symptoms have disappeared completely for both of us. Our other coworkers who for one year were experiencing other symptoms (because everyone reacts differently) are also now better!!! Chemicals affect people differently and at different levels. I believe that we smoke sufferers are the "canary in the mines" and good that we are because we are sensing this before it really strikes and does long term damage to our systems and others as well!!! Please, take what I say and really think about what chemicals you are being exposed to that is dangerous to your health!

[thogandev]

I have read each and every post from as many websites as I can find and if I've learned anything it's that there is no magic bullet that can "cure" us, we are not crazy, and we need to keep talking to different people to try to get someone interested in finding out what causing this.  In my case I don't believe it's related to cleaning products.

I do think it's interesting that so many people had a cold prior to the onset of symptoms.  I have had a strong smell of cigarette smoke constantly for the last 5 days and was very sick for a week prior to that, I still have approx. 4 days worth of levoquin (antibiotic).  Was it the illness or the antibiotic that caused this condition?  I don't think it's cleaning product related, although my wife does clean.  

I am a 41 y.o. male in good general health.  I was in an auto accident approx. 9 years ago that left me a C-6 quadraplegic.  I live in northern Michigan and since it is fall and rather cold outside, I spend most of the day indoors.  Alot of you reported that your symptoms increase while watching television, I do spend alot of time in front of t.v. or computer screen, possible correlation?  I smell the smoke whether I'm home or somewhere else.

What the hell is causing this?  This is the strangest thing I've ever heard of...if I find anything on another site I'll report back, or if the odor goes away after I'm done w/ antibiotics.

Take Care...Nose Smoker

[xammax]

My burning smell was caused  by hypothyroidism and I also had an acid taste in my mouth. I had this for a couple of years and of course was told it was in my head and put on antidepressants. When I started talking Eltroxin for my thyroid the smell went away along with many other unexplained symtoms (symptoms). The thyroid can be checked with a  simple blood test

[xammax]

Left out a link I was going to include. It mentions the thyroid.  http://www.tasteandsmell.com/clinical.htm
Most  people who are hypothyroid have low body temperature. Mine averaged 97.5 degrees. This is what led me to have my doctor do the blood test for the thyroid. It is important to have them check TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 and the thyroid antibodies.

[Stranabrade]

I too regularly smell smoke (seemingly cigarette smoke) when there is none there.  I appreciate everyone's posts on the subject.  It's nice to know that either I'm not crazy, or I am but equally so to several nice, smart folks.

[oz50plus]

I have lost my sense of smell I can't smell anything.  I have been to a doctor to find out why I lost my sense of smell and he can't find a reason and I have done all the work like a cat scan all anything else he has put me through but has found no reason for the lose.   Anyway for two weeks now all I smell is smoke.   Not cigarette smoke but smoke like from a fireplace that kind of smoke and it is getting irritating to me I don't understand why.   At first I thought I was crazy but from reading all of these comments I see I am not alone but I also see there doesn't seem to be an explanation either.   I am hoping that this will go away but I am thinking not.   I am hoping that someone out there has a solution.  

[kcollaloha]

I am wondering - there was a post above about TV watching and Computer usage.
I hate to say it - but I am in front of a computer all day and then at night the TV is on in the house...usually I read a book and hubby watches TV - but I am in the same room with him.

I wonder if there is any correlation - I am thinking that it could be affecting part of our brains that "turns on" this smoke smell. They mention that this phenomenon comes from something affecting a specific spot in our brains. I wonder if electronics - or prolonged exposure to the electronic devices has any affect. Would love to hear if anyone has this symptom but does NOT have prolonged exposure to computers of TV like some of us.

FYI - I don't however have the smell when watching tv or when I am in front of the computer - it is ALL DAY LONG.

Someone also mentioned other symptoms etc. I have had no colds, my thyroid is perfect, I eat super healthy (vegan), dont use deodorant (no I am not a hippie), I dont feel like i have a sinus infection (feel pretty good actually), have not taken an antibiotic in over 8+ years...and since I havent eaten meat for 10 years - drank organic milk for the last 4 yrs and no dairy now at all - I dont have any random antibiotics coming into my system. I find this really odd and frustrating that in the past 7 years of posts - not one of us can come up with a solution.

I wish you all well. I will post ANYTHING I find of merit and value to getting us all over this. :)

[thogandev]

I'm back and, thank god, the smoke smell has disappeared.  As I mentioned the smell started a couple days after I began taking an anibiotic.  It disappeared a couple days after  I was done.  I waited a week before coming back to post this just to be certain it was gone.  What a miserable two weeks, my heart goes out to those of you that have been dealing with this on a long term basis.  

Keep the faith.

[Saralee1803]

Hello!
I first experienced the smell of smoke in 2004 while sitting in class. I thought it was the vents and I thought "why is no one else smelling this". The years went on and the smoke smell is still here now almost on a daily basis. I have frequent headaches and migraines. I had an MRI and that was ok, but I havent seen a specialist yet. I have noticed when I wear certain perfumes or when I am in the shower I smell a very strong smoke smell. It is like walking around in a vegas casino and it's disgusting! I have recently realized that what I was smelling is cigarette smoke, I really did not pay attention to what I was really smelling. I would try to blow my nose thinking I had dirt or dust in there, but of course that wouldn't take the smell away.

I am glad to see I am not alone, but I hope there is some sollution to this annoying problem! I think it may be connected to my headaches.....

[kathy1219]

OMG!!! IM NOT CRAZY!! i have a huge headache right now..it is associated with the Smokey smell. but in the last few days i have been bleeding from my nose and throat, it might be the heat in my place i am in NYC. anyway i started experiencing this around the age of 12 and it was one day at a mall. always in public and then it goes on with me through out the day. but its so weird because its on and off, it went away for years one time and recently it came back, wow i cant believe i am NOT the only one. i am going to call my Dr and get it checked out to make sure its nothing bad...it was so annoying when i was younger that i went to a church and got blessed thinking it was sulfur from the devil...LOL...I LOVE GOOGLE

[TINANANETTE]

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.  THE SMOKE SMELL THOUGH IS NOT THAT UNPLEASENT, IT'S LIKE SOMETHING THAT IS COOKING THAT IS GETTING REALLY BROWN, YOU KNOW JUST BEFORE IT STARTS TO BURN.  OR LIKE THE SMOKE FROM A BARBEQUE CHARCOAL NOT GAS.  THE ONLY THING THAT I HAVE DONE DIFFERENT, WAS I STARTED TAKING IODINE PILLS ABOUT 60 MILLGRAMS A DAY.  AFTER A MONTH THE ODOR SHOWED UP COMING OFF AND ON SOMETIMES LASTING FOR DAYS THEN LEAVING. KNOW ITS SEEMS TO BE CONSTANT.  THE IODINE PILLS GIVE ME ENERGY SO I WOULD RATHER SMELL SMOKE THEN GO BACK TO BEING SO TIRED ALL THE TIME.  COULD EVERY ONE ELSE BE OVER  USING IODIZED SALT, MAYBE IT IS THE LINK TO THERE SMOKE SMELL

[NM_Shooter]

Please try taking a vitamin D supplement.  I had symptoms of this, and was tested for Vit D deficiency (for a different issue).  I came back as deficient, and the doc put me on heavy duty Vitamin D for 8 weeks.  During that period the smell issue went away.  

I mentioned this to a friend who was also experiencing the same problem, and he took a Calcium / D supplement and his smell issues have subsided.

Just yesterday mine came back, so I am heading to the pharmacy this a.m.

Good luck!

-f-

[Budblast]

I read most of the postings on this site. Very interesting. I have been having the smoke smell now for a few weeks. I live in Florida near the east coast and we have been having a bad case of red tide from the Atlantic Ocean. I don't know if it's coincidental or not, but I've had a cough that past month from it, and just recently started smelling the smoke smell. It's very faint but there and quite annoying at times. I'm just so relieved to see that it's pretty much not life threatening and I'm not the only one with it. I'm fairly healthy and really have no other symptoms to speak of. Maybe I'll try the saline. All I really take is One-A Day multivitamins and glucosamine pills for my knees. No other medications or conditions exist. I'll check back to see how everyone else is doing. Thank you for all the info and posts.

[daisysmom]

I first had this smoke thing about 7 months ago when I put my nose to a burning Lampe Berger lamp that was lit, went to doc, she didn't know, sent me to ent...he put a rod up my nose to look, and thought it was trauma to my olfactory nerves in my nose, gave me Medrol (corticosteroids) and a nasal wash that you can buy at a pharmacy, it went away!  But bam, 7 months later here it is, it came back after a walk on a cold morning when fireplaces were going everywhere....I don't know if that has anything to do with it.  I am so frustrated!  I am not going back to the ent only to spend anohter 500.00!  Somebody help, I'm gonna try Vitamin D.....keep the posts coming, maybe we can figure this out.  My thyroid was checked a while back and ok.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Parosmia is the larger class for this problem which includes:
— Abhorrent odor perception either
1. without an odorant stimulus (phantosmia) or
2. with an odorant stimulus (distortion or troposmia)

Phantosmia is what most people are describing here.

Parosmia is more frequently seen with:
Obstructive phenomena (rhinosinusitis, rhinitis (allergic and nonallergic), nasal polyps, cancer)
Upper respiratory infection
Head trauma
Facial trauma
Central olfactory damage (edema, brain compression, and hemorrhage)
alzheimer's & parkinson's
Sjögren's syndrome
Kallmann syndrome
Turner's syndrome,
hypothyroidism
diabetes mellitus.
Nutritional abnormalities (malnutrition, pellagra, pernicious anemia, and vitamin deficiency)
toxic agents, tobacco, and drugs (methacrylate vapors, ammonia, benzene, cadmium dust, chromate, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, nickel dust, solvents, and sulfuric acid)
Medications (beta blockers, antithyroid drugs, dihydropyridine (calcium channel blocker), and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors)
Intranasal zinc, used as an over-the-counter remedy for the common cold, has been associated with anosmia

[daisysmom]

Could you explain exactly what you put in that solution....I have used Ocean and also a sinus rinse from the pharmacy, still there!!!!

[daisysmom]

Please put your doctor results and outcome in this forum so that we can find out what is going on with us! Thanks.....

[shellbell.g]

Hey Lady smoke sufferers.....how many of you have irregular periods? If you do, can you link this to any cleaning products that you have used or have been exposed to? The reason why I ask is that I am still trying to troubleshoot this and I believe that cleaning products may be the cause along with other weird symptoms I get, mainly the smell of smoke or exhaust that was mentioned above.

[abaycj]

WOW, never knew many people had this problem too. My wife thinks Im nuts. I smell smoke randomly throughout the day but I do know what triggers it. Anything cooked does it EVERY TIME !!!.
It doesnt even have to burn. Just cooked so there must be a correlation or somethign in the air like particals when you cook that trigger it. It starts and almost never goes away unless I go outside and get frssh air. I have to sleep with my window cracked open just so I wont get a bad headache. Also using afrin spray when its really bad just so I can breathe because it feels like I am in a room full of smoke and can barely take a deep breath. Does anyone have anythign that halps this>

[Enoch Choi, MD]

watch out for afrin (oxymetazalone) spray, it can be addictive after as little as 3 days of regular use.  Stop or you'll get dependent on it!

[Imdette]

I'm so happy I found this site--I'm not crazy!!  I've been suffering with this smokey smell since the summer when I had bronchitis.  It had gone away but now I'm getting over pneumonia and it's back.  
I've also lost my sense of taste.  I get the sensation of salty, sweet, bitter from food but not the actual taste.  Food is now just textures.  Could the smokey smell and loss of taste be connected?
I've had the MRI, etc. recently due to some memory issues (all negative).

[shellbell.g]

FIRSTLY, IT'S NICE TO KNOW THAT THERE IS A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE, THANKYOU DR. CHOI FOR YOUR PERUSAL. AFTER READING ALL THESE POSTS AND PUTTING MINE UP, I THINK WE ALL KNOW THAT WE ARE ON THE SAME PAGE HERE...WE ALL SMELL SMOKE!!!
HERE IS A SUGGESTION FOR EVERYONE WHO READS THIS POST..........LET'S ALL TRY TO LIST EVERY SYMPTOM WE GET WHEN WE HAVE THIS SMELL AND WHAT WE THINK COULD HAVE TRIGGERED THEM. EXAMPLE: IN MY CASE, THIS SMOKE/EXHAUST SMELL IS TRIGGERED AT WORK (SOMETIME AFTER I DRIVE MY CAR) COULD IT BE SOMETHING IN MY CAR, EXHAUST FROM OTHER'S  THAT MAYBE IS A DELAYED REACTION??? OR.....IS IT SOMETHING IN MY WORK PLACE ie: CHEMICALS THAT BRING IT ON AND WORSTEN WHEN I GET OUT IN MY CAR AND BREATHING IN EXHAUST?? THE SMELL CAN LAST ALL EVENING, RIGHT UNTIL I WAKE UP IN THE MORNING..........AAHHHH I CAN BREATHE AGAIN!!! I GET BURNING RED, GLOSSY AND ITCHY EYES. (THIS IS NOT ALLERGIES.......I HAVE HAD ALLERGIES ALL MY LIFE AND NEVER HAD THE SMELL OF SMOKE WITH IT....IT'S CHEMICAL LIKE) ACTUALLY THE SKIN AROUND MY EYES BURN.S,  MY BREATHING CAN BE AFFECTED AND ACTUALLY, SOMETIMES I FEEL TREMOR-LIKE. MY NASAL PASSAGE GETS VERY DRY INSIDE, SO DOES MY THROAT. I ALSO DEVELOP SKIN RASHES  WHEN I HAVE EPISODES OF THIS SMOKE SMELL. THINGS IN MY BODY JUST SEEM TO EXASPERATE OVERALL WHEN I HAVE THESE EPISODES. NOW, CAN ANYONE RELATE????

[Enoch Choi, MD]

I'd suggest you all get a good primary care doctor to coordinate: ENT evaluation, if that gets you nowhere, neurology, if that fails to help, endocrinology, then rheumatology, then behavioral medicine...

[lynn500]

SO WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE CAUSES OF SMELLING SMOKE?

[Enoch Choi, MD]

i repeat:

Parosmia is the larger class for this problem which includes:
— Abhorrent odor perception either
1. without an odorant stimulus (phantosmia) or
2. with an odorant stimulus (distortion or troposmia)

Phantosmia is what most people are describing here.

Parosmia is more frequently seen with:
Obstructive phenomena (rhinosinusitis, rhinitis (allergic and nonallergic), nasal polyps, cancer)
Upper respiratory infection
Head trauma
Facial trauma
Central olfactory damage (edema, brain compression, and hemorrhage)
alzheimer's & parkinson's
Sjögren's syndrome
Kallmann syndrome
Turner's syndrome,
hypothyroidism
diabetes mellitus.
Nutritional abnormalities (malnutrition, pellagra, pernicious anemia, and vitamin deficiency)
toxic agents, tobacco, and drugs (methacrylate vapors, ammonia, benzene, cadmium dust, chromate, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, nickel dust, solvents, and sulfuric acid)
Medications (beta blockers, antithyroid drugs, dihydropyridine (calcium channel blocker), and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors)
Intranasal zinc, used as an over-the-counter remedy for the common cold, has been associated with anosmia

[irishgal40]

Wow, I'm not nuts after all!!  Last night I woke from a deep sleep (this is always when this happens to me) to the smell of smoke (like mary-j).  I have three teenage sons and when this first happened approx one year ago, I actually banged on my oldest son's door and demanded to know what he was doing!!  Needless to say, he had been sleeping and no one else in the house smelled the smoke.  I've been searching for answers on the internet, to no avail.  Frontal lobe seizures and brain tumors seem to be the most common sites I'm finding.  I'm wondering about the seizure thing, because I also have had episodes where I've startled myself awake by a body part twitching (usually my hands or arms).  Well, I guess the safest bet is to see the dr.  
I'm so happy that I found this site.  My husband (who I woke up last night during my episode) and my sons, who were watching a movie in the family room.... think I'm losing it!    

[Enoch Choi, MD]

if you startled yourself awake that's not a seizure, which leaves you confused for a period after the whole body shaking.

[shellbell.g]

i AM A REAL THINKER AND A NOTE TAKER......HAVING SAID THIS, I AM QUITE SURE THAT I HAVE THE ANSWER TO ALL OUR PROBLEMS!!! ************CAFFEINE*************** I HAVE READ THE POSTS AND HAVE GOOGLED "CAFFEINE AND IT'S EFFECTS"......I HAVE ALSO DONE MY OWN TROUBLESHOOTING AND HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT CAFFEINE IS OUR PROBLEM. CAFFEINE'S SENSITIVITY VARIES FROM PERSON TO PERSON AND CAN BE STORED IN THE BODY FOR UP TO SIX HOURS. WHY DO YOU THINK WE SMELL SMOKE EVEN AFTER WE HAVE GONE TO BED???CAFFEINE STIMULATES THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND SENDS MESSAGES TO THE BRAIN. CAFFEINE IS FOUND IN MANY THINGS THAT WE DIGEST.  HOW MANY HAVE COFFEE OR TEA IN THE MORNING WHICH WOULD ONLY CONTINUE THE EFFECTS THROUGHOUT THE DAY. CAFFEINE IS ALSO IN SOME MEDICATIONS. I AM RECOMMENDING THAT YOU ALL TRY STAYING OFF CAFFEINE PERIOD, "GOOGLE" CAFFEINE AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY RESULTS.  I HAVE BEEN MAKING THE CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO STAY AWAY FROM CAFFEINE AND CHOCOLATE...I HAVE NOTICED THE DIFFRENCE! WHEN I LOOK BACK AT MY NOTES AND SOME "SMOKE EPISODES", THEY ALL SEEM TO BE TRIGGERED BY THE USE OF CAFFEINE! LET ME KNOW IF THIS WORKS FOR YOU.........PS: DR. CHOI......THANKYOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE. I HAVE SEEN MY LONG TERM FAMILY DOCTOR WHO FORWARDED ME TO AN ENT AND A NEUROLOGIST. THEY ALL THINK, INCLUDING MY FAMILY PHYSICIAN WHO KNOWS ME WELL THAT I AM A VERY HEALTHY AND WELL BALANCED PERSON. NO TUMORS, JUST THAT NAGGING "SOMETHING" IS CAUSING THIS. I WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP NOTES AND WISH US ALL SMOKE FREE:)

[desertbaggie]

Hi
Im a 43 yr old guy. Good to see so many sharing this forum, ive also been having smokey smells for 3 days now. Its like a chemical burnt paint mixed with cigarette smoke. i suffer from migraine attacks about twice a year and have had no smell or taste for a few years. Im going to see my GP and see what he says but i think ill give it a few days first - put it down to lifes little growing old aches and pains

[Trinity777]

This smelling smoke thing started four days ago for me. I have about 12-15 migraines a month. I have had the following migraine interventions, occipital lobe injections, cervical facet injections and Oblation (ablation) of the ganglion nerves at C-2 both left and right. Migraines actually got worse,

The smelling cigarette smoke is a horrible addition to an already challenging life. I do not smoke, nor does my husband. We do not allow others to smoke in our home and we don't frequent "smokey" places.

Dr. Choi, is it possible this is linked to the migraines in any way? I was in a motorcycle accident some 30 years ago, I had severe head trauma with Left hemisphere dysfunction. The migraines started after the accident and have continued. I am an insomniac and the normal scripts for sleep do not put me down. ie: Ambien, Lunesta etc. I get about 4 hours of sleep a night. I had Cat Scan and MRI done about 1 1/2 years ago, all clear. Sinus cavity cat scan, all clear. No seizures noted. I have been taking allergy shots once a week for a year for "dust and animal allergies". No animals and I am trying to keep the house dust free.

The only other thing I can mention is that all of my sensory components, are intensified ALL THE TIME. Extreme Sense of smell, touch, extreme sound sensitivity,taste and extreme light sensitivity. It seems like all of this is in hyper state. If I could just shut it all down for a bit. The cigarette smoke smell is so foul, I feel like my skin is dirty all the time and the smell comes constantly. I bathe twice a day and shampoo almost daily. What is this?????
Trinity777  wburt33926 at roadrunner dot com

[mddwest]

I too smell smoke in my nose. I am 42 yr old male, very healthy, no illnesses or problems, no prescriptions, etc. I have had allergies all my life. As a kid took weekly injections, and daily medications through college. I quit all the drugs and my allergies have mostly subsided. I used to get sinus infections routinely at the same time year after year, several infections a year, treated with the strongest antibiotics. I no longer get sinus infections either, i do a few nasal irrigations at the first hint of one. The smoke smell for me seems to have coincided with a raw foods detox diet i started mid November 2007. I eat fruit for breakfast, salads for lunch, and good quality foods for dinner. I have stopped all fast foods, processed foods, and eat only organic, whole foods. I am wondering if it signs of toxins being released from the body. I smoked mary jane all through college and several years after, but not in the last 5 years. Just wondering if anyone else had dietary changes? Also, maybe if people could post where they live regionally. I live in the midwest, Indiana. Very bad air here.

[shellbell.g]

JUST WANTED TO TOUCH BASE WITH YOU ALL AND LET YOU KNOW MY RESULTS WITH ELIMINATING CAFFEINE, INCLUDING CHOCOLATE.....NO SYMPTOMS!!!! INTERESTING, I WAS AT MY ENT THE OTHER DAY AND ASKED HIM HIS ADVICE ON THIS. HIS RESPONSE....CAFFEINE CONSTRICTS THE BLOOD VESSELS, MAKING IT EASIER TO BREATHE/SMELL, VERY SIMILAR TO NASAL SPRAYS. I GUESS WHAT COULD BE HAPPENING WITH US IS THAT WE ARE SUPER SENSITIVE TO SMELLS. WHEN WE INCORPORATE THESE THINGS THAT MAKE OUR BLOOD VESSELS CONSTRICT, THEN WE REALLY TAKE IN THE SMELLS  OF THESE THINGS ie: CHEMICALS, EXHAUST FROM CARS, ETC. I REALLY RECOMMEND EVERYONE TAKING MY ADVICE, ELIMINATING THESE THINGS AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. WOULD LOVE TO  HEAR YOUR RESULTS....MY FINGERS ARE CROSSED!!!
PS: DR. CHOI....WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS???

[MPB22]

I thought I was alone on this, glad I found this site.  I too have had bouts with smoke smells where there was no physical evidence around anywhere.  This started about 3 months ago with no real trauma to any part of my body.  Have not gotten ill nor have had sinus infections, just the constant smell of smoke...as if someone was sitting next to me smoking away.  I too ask friends if they smell smoke to which they reply with a confused look....No.  I thought I was alone on this one...glad to hear I'm not, sure hope someone narrows down the root cause.  
Tired of smelling smoky....:D

[mddwest]

My post is the post prior to yours. Interestingly, when i started this new diet i stopped drinking coffee and started smelling smoke.

mdd

[jrroasio]

I've been smelling smoke for over a month.  Thought I was going crazy, nobody else smelled it.  Someone told me to use a neti pot to rinse out my sinuses with salt water.  Tried it last night and again this morning and haven't smelled smoke since.  I believe I have sinus issues or maybe sinus infection.  Try it, it worked for me and I feel so much better that I don't smell the smoke anymore.

jrr

[nuts50]

I have this problem on & off, very mildly, for years. It seemed to worsen if it was very dry in the house. But for the past 2 weeks, it has gotten so bad!  I don't know if I actually smell smoke, or if it just seems like someone is blowing cigarette smoke in my nostrils. I sometimes gag, and choke when I am trying to speak. I find putting Vaseline in my nose helps somewhat. I have begun to use my Flonase again also. I have a long history of sinus infections - my Cat Scan ( from a few years ago) showed a deviated septum & polyps.  From reading what's been posted here, and some other places I found on line, it seems the majority of people have sinus problems. I can't help but think there is some correlation with that. Sometimes I'll go all day, and it is almost gone, then bam, it's back. Strong smells can seem to trigger it, and again, if I feel really dry (even if my hands are really dry), it seems worse. I don't know if a brain tumor would cause something to come & go - I think it would be more consistent. I just got a neti pot, and used it once - so far, no difference. My Flonase seems to help somewhat.
I feel like I am going crazy!!  When it's really bad, even my eyes burn & tear. I am so happy I found out I am not the only one feeling this way.

[gnt122]

I just started smelling the smoke about 2 weeks ago.  I have noticed it is worse for me when I sit down with my laptop.  I have only recently started using the DELL but it is and older model (2003 I think).  I smell it at work but it is not as intense, I also smell it in the car (2004).  I spoke with a nurse about it and they were looking at it more from the angle of your brain is triggering the smoke smell so it is probably some sort of allergy rather than a sinus infection.  He went this route because I mentioned to him that the smell is so real that often feel a tickle in my throat and the urge to cough or clear my throat like when you are exposed to real smoke.  I haven't been to a doctor and a fter reading these post I am not sure it would help!
Thanks for sharing, it's great to know it is real!

[iccemum]

I too have been suffering this strange 'illness' for a few months now and also have the teary eyes and cough with the smell sometimes, it does come and go though and recently i have started to get migranes (migraines) which i have never suffered from before, i have suffered with my sinuses off and on for a number of years but never go to the docs, just usually ride it out. Around the same time as the smoke smell started i had what i thought was a chest infection (out of breath and hyperventilating) but as i had no other symptoms thought that maybe it was a panic attack (of which i had never had before) again didnt go to the docs so im still none the wiser. As for caffine i only ever have 1 cup of tea in a morning and dont eat chocolate much.?? I think the time has come to visit the Dr's though because its really starting to get on my nerves now!!

[iccemum]

Oh yes i forgot to add, last night and all of today i started to feel really unusual, cant really describe it but it was a really weak and headachy feeling like i hadnt eaten in ages (but i had) i imagined that if i was diabetic (which im not) that this would be what it feel like at the onset of a hypo???? Also felt slightly sick at times, felt so weak last night that i wouldnt get out of bed incase my legs gave way! feel slightly better today but the smoke smell is stronger than it has ever been??? thus my reason for researching it and ending up here! Also ive been having a strong pressure feeling in my head and ears...anyone else have these symptoms?

[sandstress14]

I too am smelling smoke for the a few days - in the beginning it was sporatic, but today it is all the time.  I am otherwise healthy.  Our office just recarpeted a very large open area of the building.  Previous posts suggest my smoke smelling could be from the chemicals they use to cure the "glues".  Some of the posts link the smells to Caffiene and Vitamin deficiencies - I drink about 20oz of coffee a day so that is definitely a consideration for me.  Using a neti pot is definitely interesting, and coming from an OR nurse is something I will try.  I will be making an appointment with my doctor to rule out more serious issues.  I used to have migranes (migraines) many years ago.  I cut out lots of things in my diet and found they were caused by Nutrasweet.  I do consume a fair amount of Splenda so a dietary component is possible.  I will post a response when I know more.  I'm glad I'm not alone as I've done what many of you have done - ask other if they smell the same things.

Another interesting thing - my office building has been working on the heating system and I first noticed my symptoms at work.  Hmmm, interesting....

[angkoi08]

It's reassuring to know I'm not crazy. I'm 47, healthly, and not on any kind of prescription drugs. I take alot of supplements a day and yes I do drink coffee, but I always have. The only thing I can relate to my cigarette smoke smell, is that it started 4 days ago after a 2 week pereiod of a really bad sinus cold. I guess a sinus infection is a possibilty. I'll give the nasal wash and medi pot a try. It's driving me crazy this smoke smell because I'm not a smoker. If I'm put on any kind of medication by my doctor and have any results I'll keep everyone updated. thanks for sharing your stories. Never knew anything this crazy could exist.

[pinkcornflake]

i have been smelling smoke for months but just started realizing that it is indeed a phantom smell, as no one else around me can smell it. that, and the fact that i smell it in my office, my bedroom, the car, and even outdoors.  it's driving me nuts!

i do drink a fair amount of coffee, but i always have--would this be something that would cause phantom smoke smells all of a sudden? i doubt it.

all i wanna know is why now, after almost 45 years, do i start smelling smoke EVERYWHERE?!?

[Wolf1951]

I've been smelling a strong 'fireplace smoke' smell almost all of the time for the last week. It initially started as a faint smell of an odor like diesel exhaust, then turned into a stronger smokey smell. Sometimes it is overpowering. I had a short but severe cold a week before the odor started - and my nose has been sore from the dry winter air for a couple of weeks. I went to my family practicioner the other day and he gave me some anitbiotics for a sinus infection - I've been on them for four days now with no change. The smell goes away in the night as I sleep (makes me think perhaps a sinus is draining when I lay down that cannot drain when I am upright?). The odor is very distracting and will probably drive me insane if I can't beat it. I plan to start Vitamin D today & stop all caffiene righ away (to see if it helps). I'll be going back to my doctor in a few days if it doesn not stop. Will keep advised.

[skybunny]

I have been smelling smoke the past week.  I have had no other experiences with until now which is weird.  But along with the smelling of smoke I'm having a hard time breathing with it.  Shortness of breath like I am intaking smoke and it makes me have coughs.  Does anyone else have shortness of breath?  I have an appt with my ENT next week.

[Spunky2]

I too have been smelling a strong smoke smell where ever I go.  At work, at home, in the car at the restaurant.  I appreciated finding that other people have experienced this; however, it is beginning to drive me craze.  It feels like I have no fresh air to breathe.  And, it actually makes me nauseous because the smell is so bad.  It will not go away. I am certain that my physician will put it down to craziness.  I don't have sinus problems, I am taking vitamins so I am going to quit and see if it goes away.  I am desperate.

[gothmother]

Over the past couple of days I have been smelling phantom smoke. It has happened in the past, and I can usually relate it to stress. I have been under a lot of stress lately at the job. I have also hd really bad sinus in the past, but not currently. Anyone else relate their phantom smells to stress? Mine is definitely stress related.

[gothmother]

sorry,

I am an idiot and hit post twice.

[nuts50]

Mine comes & goes. Sometimes it is there all day, other times it is gone all day. Most days it is sporadic. I have tried antibiotics & the neti pot, with no real change. I do not know if I should describe it as a smell, maybe I should say the "sensation" of smoke in my nose. I too have trouble taking a deep breath thru my nose, and sometimes my nose burns & I sneeze. I also get a funny metallic taste in my mouth, but not too often. The only relief I get is putting Vaseline in my nostrils!?!

[Wolf1951]

My smelling smoke all the time has begun to stop! I went to the Doctor the other day and he prescribed a nasal spray - Nasacort AQ - and I have used it once a day for a few days. The smell of smoke began to diminish almost immediately. It has been four days and I only rarely smell the smoke smell now - usually after sneezing or blowing my nose. Note: I have also been taking Vitamin D, but I doubt that has had much effect. I will stop the Vit D to make sure its not the cause. I also had a CT scan done yesterday - will advise if any results. I'm sure its the nasal spray that is ending this nightmare. Regards.

[SIFlash]

I thought someone had been smoking in my car. Then I began to smell it everywhere. Does anyone have ringning in your ears and TMJ too. My nose started to bleed for no reason a couple of weeks ago and then I began to notice that I was breathing through my mouth more often because my nasal passages were swollen. I'll try laying off caffeine and dose up on Vit D and let you know the results. I'm going to my Doc on March 4th and ask him. Good luck.

[gothmother]

I have TMJ, hmm, and chronic ear infections from it too. I never put the two together, but maybe. Also, I remembered I primed a wood floor with Kilz (oil based) I wore a NIOSH respirator, but seem to think that the fumes may have led to the smell of smoke. Who knows, Anyway it is starting to subside. I think it may have to do with the paint.

I don't know what to attribute it to. Whatever way, it's annoying and disguting.

[shellbell.g]

IT HAS BEEN AWHILE SINCE I HAVE POSTED BUT WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW UP WITH MY RESULTS...AT THE TIME I QUIT CAFFEINE, I BEGAN USING A SALINE NASAL WASH EVERY DAY AND HAVE CONTINUED SINCE.... NO SYMPTOMS!!! I FREQUENTLY CHECK THIS SITE ALONG WITH ANOTHER AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A PATTERN DEVELOPING. WHEN ANYONE OF US HAVE USED A NASAL "SOMETHING," SYMPTOMS SEEM TO SUBSIDE. HMMM.....

[bellebibasmom]

My mom stopped by tonight.  She lives only a couple blocks away from me.  She asked if my husband could stop by and check under her crawl space.  She said she had been smelling cigarette smoke and wondered if someone could be lurking around.  My mouth dropped open.  I had never mentioned to her that my husband has already checked our crawl space. (I insisted he go under with a hammer & flashlight to see if there were signs of someone living under there.  But nothing, of course! )   It was a couple years ago I started smelling smoke now and then.  It does not happen often.  But it is not a faint smell when it does appear.  It is usually on the end of the house where my toddler's room is.  Strongest in her closet.  It does not last long.  I thought it was creepy though.  Noone has ever smoked in our home since we lived here (7 yrs) as I am very allergic to it. And the the home was only built a few years before we moved in.   I am not the only one who smells it in our home.  It had not happened in a while but a few weeks ago the smell was strong out in the garage. I am not trying to rain on anyone else's parade or beliefs but I don't buy the ghost theory.  And I doubt it is medical when my mom, husband and I (& others) have smelled it.  Can there be a problem with the electric company or gas company? Or some reaction with the soil and new homes being built?  Any ideas on who we contact to find out where this comes from or what is the cause?

[nuts50]

I find a lot of independent posts/comments here, but not a lot of talking to each other.
Has anyone had any testing done for this? What were your results?
Has anyone received any treatments that worked? What are they?

Does anything make it worse? I find mine is worse in bed at night, and when driving in a car. Don't ask me why. I find putting Vaseline in my nostrils helps a lot.  Saline sprays, Neti Pot, Flonase don't seem to change things much.

How many here have documented sinus problems? I have terrible sinuses & a nasal polyp.

Hope to hear some answers!

[Oilytex]

T

[Oilytex]

T

[Oilytex]

   Thanks to ( shellbell.g ) and all of the others who took the time to share their circumstances. I have had the same problem ( SMOKE SMELL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ) especially at the Computer, TV Set, or Lying in Bed for about 3 months now.
   Shellbell, after reading your 3 e-mails, I got excited. I told the wife no more 2 pots of coffee a day, and chocolate candy bars to test your theory out. I literally live on the stuff, I suffer deep depression, and have a very demanding job ( Drilling Rigs ).  So I was planning to start right now and go Cold Turkey without the Coffee and Chocolate as a test.  But I may not have to do the Cold Turkey thing now.
   I took your advice and ran out and bought a spray bottle of ( Saline Nasal Moistureizing Spray ) Good Neighbor Pharmacy Brand. The insturctions said twice in each nostril. There is a saying in the Oil Patch, if a little bit is good, then a whole lot is better.  I douched out both sides of my nasal cavity like crazy. Blew my nose really hard, and then hit her again, real good.  Set down at the Computer for the ultimate test, always worse in front of the Dell, than any where and Wa-La, No Smoke Smell !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   Oh yeah, I can breath a lot better to. I know everyone is going to say it's just to early to tell, but literally, the smoke smell was gone after the 1st couple of snorts. I am so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I will not have to give up the Coffee and Chocolate, unless this is just temporary and I have a relapse, or develope diabetes.  Thanks again to everyone and especially you Shellbell.g.       Oily-Tex  
  

[moonphaz]

I have the same problem as all of you - I smell smoke 24/7. It is driving me crazy & has been going on for 1-2 mo. For those who suggested it could be chemicals, I had already removed all cleaning products & replaced with "green" cleaning products from Whole Foods so that is not my problem. I even changed the clothes detergent to Whole Foods brand - everything I clean with - period. I too use a Neti Pot for sinus' as someone else uses, but that doesn't help either. I am going to see my acupuncturist today to see if she has any suggestions. I will let you know if that helps.

Let me know if anyone comes up with a solution....I do not think this is stemming from me being crazy, but it sure is "making" me crazy!! :-)

Debbie

[nuts50]

Let us know if & when you learn of any new suggestions from drs, etc.  I was telling someone I work with today about this smell, and a girl came running over, saying she has been smelling "a menthol, burny" smell for about 1 1/2 months. Like me, it is much worse at night. Just thought it was weird. I wonder how many people really suffer from this??

[Oilytex]

   OK, it's been over 24 hours after the 1st use of (  Saline Nasal Moistureizing Spray ) Started taking it around 5:30 PM Tuesday after reading  ( shellbell.g ) advice. Smoke smell instantly gone.  Woke up after midnight 12:30 AM Wednesday Morning, and had a trace of Smoke Smell. Took a couple of quicky hits and the smoke smell was gone again, till 12:00 Noon on Wednesday when I Had a faint trace of smoke smell and wiped it out with a couple more hits. So its been over 28 hours now and have only had a hint of the smoke smell.
    In my above message I said that I have had smoke smell for 3 months. The wife says is has been since October, so that would put it closer to 5 month. She is never wrong about anything.  Don't know what else to say but ( Doctor shellbell.g ) has at least given me relief for the last 28 hrs.  Thanks Doc SB.           Oily-Tex  

[shellbell.g]

I am so happy that the saline spray is working for you!!! Now try to eliminate the caffeine as I have explained before as caffeine constricts your blood vessels in your nasal passage therefore enhancing/manipulating any smells that you are already bothered by. Try it for a few days and see what happens. Look forward to hearing the results... keep us all posted:)

[dooboo]

Just at the end of my 1st week smelling smoke.  Started right out of the blue.  At first I thought it was coming from the fireplace - smelled like stale ashes (or wet ashes).  I have read everyone's comments and find this so odd.  I had never heard of anything like this until I experienced it.  So, I am going to give it another week and then talk to my doctor.  Like others, if I breathe deeply I don't notice it.  It seems to be worse in the evening.  It happens at work as well as at home.  It saddens me when I read that some are giving up chocolate and caffeine and trying all types of nasal sprays.  We live in such a chemical laden world that it could be almost anything causing us to react.  In the meantime, I will keep checking back to this site.

[Jennacan]

This has been a very interesting forum for me as I really thought I was going nuts with the intermittent smelling smoke.
I have been having the sensations of smelling smoke for over 2 months now, they are intermittent, very strong, sometimes wake me up.  I spent the first few days asking my co-workers about the smell, searching my house for something burning, etc.  Then I realized I was the only one smelling the smoke, so I stopped talking about it and stopped looking for the source!  I found it disturbing though.  I tried saline rinse, antibiotics for sinusitis, nasonex nasal spray.  This week I had a CT scan of my head and sinuses. It turns out I have what looks like an arachnoid cyst  (R) front and also acute sinusitis. I have been told the arachnoid cyst has likely been there for a long time, maybe since birth as they are congenital, but it is not known whether there has been a recent increase in size which would cause some kind of symptoms.  Perhaps the smell is related to the acute sinusitis.  The plan is that I will have a two week course of Ceftin antibiotic for the sinusitis, and then have another CT scan, this time with contrast.  The first one was without contrast.  The contrast CT will further define the presumed arachnoid cyst area.  With good luck, the sinuses will be cleared up, I wont have the smell of smoke, and the cyst is arachnoid and would just have been an incidental finding.  I'll keep you posted.

[nuts50]

Please do keep us posted!

My smell had subsided about 80% for several days - I was so happy. Now it's back as bad as ever. It really is making me stressed & depressed.

[moonphaz]

I went to my acupuncturist twice since I posted last. She is working on my shoulder & back first because I am in pain with that. My back is fine since the 1st treatment & my shoulder is about 80% so should be completely corrected by the next treatment. Then she can focus on the smell issue. She said she thinks she can fix it so I will keep you updated. She is really good & has been able to correct issues that medical doctors have not so I trust her. This is a very weird issue though, so we will see. I have never heard of this in my life. Hang in there & I will let you know if the acupuncture works.

[shellbell.g]

PEOPLE....I CAN'T STRESS ENOUGH, THE SMOKE SMELL I'M SURE COMES FROM THE CLEANING CHEMICALS THAT YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED TO EITHER AT HOME, YOUR WORK PLACE, MALLS ETC...I WAS JUST SPEAKING TO A CO-WORKER TODAY AND ASKED HER IF SHE WAS STILL SMELLING THE SMOKE THAT WE ONCE DID NOT TO LONG AGO. SHE SAID THAT AT WORK PERIODICALLY BUT MAINLY WHEN SHE CLEANS AT HOME WITH CERTAIN CLEANING PRODUCTS (MR. CLEAN IS ONE OF THEM).  WE WORK IN A GROCERY STORE...CARSENOGENIC CHEMICALS WERE BEING USED TO CLEAN OUR FLOORS. THESE WERE REMOVED BY WCB (THIS IS HOW BAD IT WAS). AFTER A YEAR OF SMELLING SMOKE IN SILENCE AND THINKING WE WERE CRAZY, THANK GOD THIS WAS SORTED OUT. APPARENTLY WE WERE NOT THE ONLY ONES IN OUR WORK PLACE TO SMELL THIS SMOKE ONCE WORD GOT OUT! AND FOR THE RECORD...YES IT TO WORSENED ONCE IN THE CAR AS I AM CERTAIN ONCE CAR FUMES WAS BREATHED IN...OVER EXPOSED AND SENSITIZED! MY SMOKE SMELL IS GONE AND ONLY APPEARS WHEN I CLEAN THE BATHROOM AT HOME AND USE HARSH CHEMICALS. THE CAFFEINE THAT I SPOKE OF EARLIER HAS MERIT AS WELL (READ ABOVE). TAKE MY ADVICE AND TRY WHAT I HAVE SAID. ASK ABOUT THE CHEMICALS BEING USED IN YOUR WORK PLACE...READ THE WHIMIS SHEETS AND FIND OUT THE TOXICITY OF THE PRODUCTS! .REALLY AT THIS POINT, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE?

[llwill]

Just found this forum.  Very interesting and I'm also glad we're all not nuts.  I had experienced fairly persistant phantom smells for over two years.  This was not a smokely smell as described by most of you , but more of a mild herball/chemical smell which was more noticeable in the evening hours.  I had been taking Vesicare for urgent bladder and complained to my doctor about the dry mouth sideaffects.  He suggested trying a couple different drug samples and after trying two, I decided on Detrol.  After being on detrol a few days I noticed that the phantom smell had changed to a different odor.  I discontinued taking the med and have not had phantom smells for over two weeks.  At this point, I'm reasonably confident the smells were caused by the bladder contro meds.  Has anyone else experinced this effect?

[dooboo]

I am also leaning towards the chemical-thing.  Because it hit out of the blue and I have not been sick I also thinking it is chemically related.  This is only the end of my second week experiecing this and as luck would have it, it is hardly noticable at all anymore.  A few moments in the early evening and that's it.  Nothing during the day at work anymore.  Because I am so aware of it now, I am going to monitor any reactions I experience with cleaning products, or products in general.  So, compared to others writing in who have suffered with this for months/years, I feel pretty lucky only having for 2 wks.

[Curly521]

This is actually my very first comment to ever post on any topic !!!

BECAUSE, I'm amazed at how many of you out there are having the same exact experience I am....

This SMOKE SMELL is driving me crazy !!

I've read most all of the comments posted, but has anyone found a definate cause? I'm not too sure about the "chemical cause theory" because I'm a truck driver (have been for twenty years) driving many different trucks (so it's not a chemical exposure at my job). Been married for twenty three years to the same woman that is very particular about her household cleaning products (been exposed to these chemicals for years), but my smoke smell just started about three months ago. Also, I'm not sure about the nasal wash eliminating the problem because I too have had sinus problems for years and tried all kinds of washes and the like. Dr. Choi, if you read this, I actually laughed out loud when you advised against using AFRIN for more than 3 days because it could become addictive. Are Ya'll ready for this...I've been "hooked" on AFRIN since my Junior year of high school. In case you're wondering that was in 1981, TWENTY SEVEN years ago.....
Yes, 27 years of nose spray on a three and four times a day and night schedule. I've joked to family that if I were tied up or involved in an accident and couldn't respond that I would literally suffocate without my AFRIN. Anyway, I was afraid this smoke smell might be linked to my afrin addiction and my wife was gonna say, "See I told you so".

Thanks to all for your comments, I'll definately check back to see if this is resolved...

BY THE WAY, I'M SMELLING SMOKE RIGHT NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nuts50]

I am feeling better!!!
I tried my Flonase & antibiotics with no relief. I was using saline a
few times a day, with no relief. Then I read (either here or a
different message board) that someone used the saline, blew their
nose, & repeated this a few times. So I started spraying saline (I use
Ocean Nasal Spray), a few big squirts each side, blow my nose, and
repeat 2 more times. My smells are just about gone (after 2 months),
except for a few random times, and then it hasn't lasted long. Thank
goodness - I was about to lose my mind. I don't know if it was
coincidental or if the saline really helped. Just thought I'd let you
know.

[Wolf1951]

I have continued the Nasacort AQ, and the smoke smell is mostly gone - but it still pops up unexpectedly now and again. I usually get it when 1) I am really stressed out, 2) my nose is stuffed up, or 3) when stitting in front of my computer with little air movement. Though the frequency has decreased drastically (now once every day or less, then all the time) I still smell smoke occasionally.

My ENT told me that he couldn't do anything about the smell - I don't think he believes it is real. All he wanted ot talk about was a deviated spetum & doing an operation. I will be meeting him on the 27th to look at my CT scan & will let you know if there is anything that pertains.

I have been taking an antibiotic for ten days that seems to have helped (along with the Nasacort AQ). Can't remember the name - but the pills cost about $25 each (one a day). If the smell is caused by something that can be killed with an antibiotic then hopefully this will take care of it.

So: Nasacort AQ helped immediately, the antibiotic is still working on it - but I still smell smoke occasionally (the times I smell it now are not as overpowering as before.) Of interest, my Mother says she has smelled an oily smell on & off for years. Maybe its genetic?

Wolf1951

[Kellyrn]

Hey!  I too am suffering from smelling smoke on and off, for about two weeks.  No pattern, no triggers, just comes and goes.  The smell varies from strong smoke to a dusty smoke smell.  I do suffer from chronic headaches, however I don't know if I would call them migraines.  Also, when I was pregnant I smelled odd things, such as my husband's armpit smelled like cinnamon and a shopping bag smelled like the most horrid body odor.  I was telling one of the Physician's Assistants in the hospital I work at and he said that he believed I was having olfactory migraines at that time.  I don't know, but it was really strange.  I have an appointment with my family physician today, maybe I'll get some answers about the current smoke smell.

[moonphaz]

I have been going to an acupuncturist & spoke with my allergist. He had me use the neti pot, 2 sprays of Afrin & 2 sprays of Flonase twice a day - I am to do this for 5 days. I am not completely over the smoke smell, but it is less & less & today I have not seemed to have it at all. I do not know if it is the acupuncture or if it is the treatment from the allergist or a combination of both, but I am feeling better & things smell a lot better!! You might try this to see if it helps you.

Good luck - I will update you if things change.

[mockturtle]

I've been 'lurking' with interest on this forum for a while and though I'd make myself known.  I've been having smoke smell in my nose several times a year [usually for about two weeks each time] for several years now.  I do have a history of sinusitis, allergies and had sinus surgery in 1994.   I do occasionally have migraines, as well.  I use nasal cortisone spray and allegra [fexofenadine] tablets.  Although I have not until recently kept a diary of these episodes, they seem usually to follow a cold or case of acute sinusitis.

The smoke is more than a smell, in that it actually burns my nose and eyes, just as if there were really smoke in the area.  

Glad to hear I am not alone in this bizarre affliction.
--Pat

[Oilytex]

Guys, I started using the Saline Nasal Spray almost one month ago, as stated in my March 4th & 5th above e-mails. After the 1st week my smoke smell was reduced 90%. After the 2nd week 98%. The 3rd and 4th weeks have been totally free of smoke smell. ( knock on wood ). All I did was load up on the Saline with a few big hits, blow like crazy, and instantly the smoke smell was gone. I don't see how this salt water concocktion took away my smoke smell but I promise you it has. For the last two weeks totally no smoke smell. I still rarely use it anymore, but do occasionally for fear of the smoke smell returning. Thanks you guys for the comments.  PS the stuff is cheap, just $2.50 for a 1 1/2 oz bottle.  Thanks alot Oilytex.

[mockturtle]

Seems to me that what is needed here is some kind of poll to determine if there are certain common factors among us, e.g, how many have migraines, how many have a history of allergies, sinusitis, etc., or have taken similar medications.  I can't help but think there must be a common thread.  

[Jennacan]

This is in followup to my post of March 12th,  I have had two weeks of antibiotic treatment with Ceftin, and nasonex nasal spray twice daily.  I have been free of the smoke smell for over a week - what a relief!  I did have a week free earlier this winter too, so I am crossing my fingers that it doesn't come back. I haven't gone back to have a repeat CT scan to define the arachnoid cyst, because my symptoms have resolved for the time being - seems to me it was related to a chronic sinusitis, and the arachnoid cyst was an incidental finding.
Jenna

[kimi77]

NO! we are not nuts - thought so but no!  I first logged on here back in February and could not believe there were others either! And Yes I do believe if we took a toll we'd all have things in common!  I was in the process of moving so I went to my ENT first.  He sent me for the CT scan (negative TG!) I did four booklets of a "scratch and sniff" test and went back for follow up.  He confirmed that I was not crazy and fortunately did not have a brain tumor. We are all suffering from what they refer to as "dysosmia".  With me anything with a chemical odor (soaps, perfumes, detergents, fruits too, etc.) all have the same odor.  As far as food smells that has changed too!  I miss the smell of fresh coffee grounds!  Just not the same.  This may sound gross but your does your own poop smell differently too!  Thought that was an intestinal thing - but no, all related to the "smelling distortion".  

So, my doctor did explain that mine stemmed from a sinus infection I had back in October. I was afraid he would tell me that I OD'd on Neosynephrine!   What ever virus I had damaged the nerves in the sinus area.  He also explained it to me like if you have Bells Palsy (look it up) or shingles (again, look it up) they are conditions that come from nerves being damaged in one or another AND I - we - may or may not get full sense of smell back.   Here's a good web site to look into      http://www.lifesteps.com/gm/Atoz/ency/smelling_disorders.jsp
This may or may not help.  I really dont believe cutting out caffeine is the answer.  But to each his own!  I continue to have my two mugs every morning.  

I had to look you guys up cause my "smoke smell" came back yesterday after not having it for about 6 weeks :(

Good Luck !

[shellbell.g]

INTERESTING...TODAY AT WORK THE SMOKE SMELL CAME BACK FOR ME AND A CO-WORKER! WE WORK IN A GROCERY STORE THAT HAS FLOORS NEEDING OF WAXING AND STRIPPING. THE STRIPPER THAT THEY HAVE USED IN OUR STORE "ATTAC" IS CARSENOGENIC AND IS BANNED IN CANADA....IT WAS REMOVED FROM ALL OF OUR STORES AND TOLD NEVER TO RETURN. A REPLACEMENT WAS BROUGHT IN "FREEDOM"..WAS USED IN SOME OF OUR STORES AND AGAIN, PEOPLE GOT SICK. WORKERS COMPENSATION HAVE WRITTEN AN ORDER REGARDING BOTH THESE STRIPPERS...THIS IS HOW SERIOUS THIS STUFF IS! AS I EXPLAINED IN ABOVE POSTS, IT TOOK ALOT OF TROUBLE SHOOTING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS MAKING US ALL SICK, TWO OF US WITH SMOKE SMELLS. TODAY AT WORK...WHAT DO WE FIND IN THE JANITORIAL ROOM AFTER SMOKE SMELL CAME ON AMONGST OTHER SYMPTOMS..."FREEDOM"!!! I LEFT MY WORK EARLY AT 2;30, IT IS NOW 10:10PM AND I STILL HAVE THE SMELL!!! IT TAKES TIME FOR IT TO DISAPPEAR...SO I WILL NOW GO DO A NASAL FLUSH AND HOPE THAT WHEN I WAKE, MY SYMPTOMS WILL BE GONE:(  

[nuts50]

I was smoke free for about 2 weeks, and I was overjoyed! Now it is back. Not as bad as before, but still there. It comes and goes. Sometimes I'll only experience it a few hours a day. I have gotten a bit lax about the saline. I have to start using it regularly again.

[mockturtle]

I got a prescription for Azithromycin and, interestingly, after three days, the smoke smell is gone!  This has happened before, so I'm inclined to believe it's related to sinus infection in my case.  There have been other instances where I have had a musty smell rather than a smoke smell and this, too, disappeared after antibiotic therapy.  

The doctor is starting me on Singulair for my chronic allergies [both asthma & hay fever] with the goal of weaning me off the nasal and bronchial corticosteriod inhalers, which I have used for many years and could be compromising my immunity to infection.  Hope it works!  Those things dry me out, too, which I think might be another cause of these problems.

[Ron781]

Wow!  There are "others" like me out there.  My acrid smokey smell usually is triggered by some kind of smoke or something burning.  An oil burning car can trigger it.  Exhaust from cars can trigger it. Burnt food can trigger it.  Burning leaves, etc....I suffer from the smoke smell more often now.  I am thinking that it may have started around the time I started allergy shot treatment.  I give myself a shot in each hip (fatty area) once a week.  The serim is made up of different types of weeds, trees, grasses etc...I also have a vile made up of dust mite excrement, cat hair, cockroach and some others.  I asked my ENT if I may be reacting to these serims and he says no that  I have a sinus infection or rhinitis.  So I am on an antibiotic now but it has made no difference.  He also told me to take two to three 10mg loratidine tabs daily for rhinitis.  Hope something starts to work soon.  

[drbmc]

Please.....good netiquett demands that you not use all caps --it is the written equivalent of SCREAMING at someone and it is also more difficult to read...Thanks

[Cet05]

I too suffer from smelling phantom smoke.  For years now, I've been asking people if they smell smoke, at work, stores, sports events, and at home.  No one ever smells them.  My poor family used to run around the house trying to help me locate the source of the smell, that they never smelled! Poor things.  I'm just grateful to find out I'm not alone.  I have had chronic sinus problems since I was a child.  I was diagnosed with nasal polyps this past year.  I use a neti pot regularly, and take Clariton daily.  Now that I know there are others suffering from the same thing, I feel like my Dr. will take my problem more serious.  Thank you all for sharing!

Corinne

[Cet05]

Also I want to mention I have been getting B12 injections monthly.  I am a 45 year old female with regular periods.  I am over weight by 50 lbs. I drink 2 cups of coffee every morning.  I am  a non smoker, who tries to never be around smoke.  I too, have a burning sensation in my eyes, nose and throat, as if there really was smoke in the air.  My Dr.  hasn't treated my sinus problems with any real concern, even though I've been getting at least 3 to 4  sinus infections a year.  I try not to resort to antibiotics, because I have taken so many through out my life.  Someone mentioned in an earlier post that holding your finger under your nose with a little pressure will give temporary releif,   I found this works for me.
Hoping to be smoke free soon,
Corinne

[doowah]

Hey guys, I think I’ve got the answer to this phantom smoke thing,  I started to experience this occasionally about a year or so ago, but just discovered this forum recently.  My experience has been that when my “attacks” occurred I would usually first notice it early in the work week, while sitting at my computer.  I would suddenly smell smoke and feel exactly as if I were sitting in a smoke filled room.  To complete the experience I would even notice a slight burning sensation in my nose, eyes, and even sometimes in my mouth.  This sensation was most prominent while sitting, and would usually continue for up to a week before subsiding.  After exhausting the usual paranoid list of causes for unexplained symptoms (insanity, brain tumors, mad cow, flashbacks from the 70’s, etc), I finally was able to reach the following conclusions, which are as follows:
1) The “breathing smoke” sensation is the result of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, eyes, and possibly lungs as well.  (I gather from reading this forum that most people [including myself] experience this as the “smell of smoke”, but I think the “smell” may actually just be an illusion that the brain produces to explain this experience of simultaneous burning sensations in all of the above mentioned areas.  Also, I surmise that sitting probably compresses the lungs to a degree, thus, at least in my case, making the expression of symptoms more likely in this posture.)
2) This inflammation results from exposure to environmental irritants, such as household cleaners, etc.  (I have linked my episodes to exposure to both chlorine bleach and ammonia, both of which I have encountered on different occasions cleaning bathrooms/kitty-litter boxes, etc. at home on weekends, which explains why my episodes usually began early in the workweek.)  
3) There seems to be an approximate 24 hour delay between irritant exposure and onset of symptoms, which is why the cause/effect connection is not so easily made.
4) It is possible that we become more susceptible to this problem as we get older, because as I mentioned, this only began for me about a year or two ago, and I have been using these cleaning products off and on a lot longer than that.  Another possibility that I have been considering lately is that use of those daily shower spray products designed to keep the shower free of mildew, which I have only been using regularly for only a couple of years, may have increased my susceptibility to inflammation of these areas (sort of a cumulative effect).
I saw that at least one of the earlier responders (shellbell.g) was flirting with similar conclusions, which is what actually helped my theory to finally gel.  I imagine that there are different degrees of susceptibility, so that some people get this more easily than others, but probably most everyone who smells the phantom smoke, probably does so due to inflammation of the mucous membranes. I hope everyone finds this helpful!  

[mima47]

I may be throwing a wrench in the theory of allergies.  I smell smoke daily.  I don't smoke and live in a smoke free environment.  I  have never had allergies or sinus problems to my knowledge.  I rarely get sick and am not on any kind of medications.  As far as cleaning products, I have a housekeeper who comes in once a week to clean.  I am usually not in the same room. I have noticed this for a couple of years. I am a 51 years old female.  Like many of you, I am having trouble relating my symptoms to any one cause.  I am thankful for this blog.  At least I am not alone.  

[katleg]

keep in mind that allergies can kick in at any age..  my allergies started when I was 30..mostly seasonal. I just started experiencing this  "Smell of Cigarette SMoke" in the past week and it's been driving me crazee..   My family, Friends, Co-Workers doen't smell anything ....Did anyone see a ENT?

[Cet05]

I have been to an ENT and was given a nasal flushing bottle, and told to stay with the clatiron, and I had nasal polyps.  That was it...........I left frustrated!   I have been able to control the episodes a little with pressure under the nose, like someone mentioned in a previous post.  The best tip I've gotten so far!

[annettecol]

Thought I was losing my mind.  Have smelled phantom smoke for a couple of months.  Not a constant thing.  Went to ENT for sinus infection and bleeding nose.  Went again yesterday and was told I have Laryngo-Pharyngo reflux.  Was also scheduled or an MRI of brain.  Have no other symptoms such as headaches, cough, etc.  Just the smell of smoke occasionally, mucous in back of throat which I can get to go down or bring up.  Also, always have a bad taste in my mouth.  Am now of Previcid although I have no other symptoms.  Hope to God it is not a brain tumor!  My brother is suffering with astrocytoma glioma, stage 4.  Horrible thing to witness!  Please right back if you have similar symptons and have had an MRI.

[toni843]

PLEASE READ THIS--ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE REPLIED TO PN 904--IT'S SO IMPORTANT, I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH!

To you and all those who have written on your site regarding  weird smells.  I posted a question for myself a long time ago and no one answered, so I looked you up and found so many people with the same problem.  Mine started almost 8 mos. ago with constantly smelling soap 24/7.   The heat and burning sensation I had throughout my body, plus headaches and dizziness and nauseousness was enough to drive me almost mad.  After numerous local doctors and then the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL (2 hrs. away from me) and blood tests, EKG, EEG, EMG, MRI with contract, CAT scans and specialists such as ENT, Endocrinologist, Internist, Neurologist.  All stated they had no idea why I had the heat and burning and suggested Paxil 20 mgs. daily for the olfactory dysfunction.  I was basically dismissed--go home, take a pill, and you'll be happy!!????????  The tests amounted to $10,000! Just to prove I'm healthy, except for smelling soap and feeling sick!
So, two weeks ago, I flew up to Newark, NJ and went to a Dr. David Edelstein (found his name in my Best Doctors and Hospital book by Castle Connollyl) at Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital who informed me that NO, I AM NOT NUTS, I have a physiological problem, not a psychiatric one, and that he has many patients who have the same symptoms I do!!!!  I almost kissed the guy!  Thank you for making me feel "normal".  Believe it or not, his first suggestion was to take Singulair for 2 to 3 wks.  If that doesn't help, take Zantac 150 mgs./day for the same amount of time, if that doesn't work, then take Zyrtec 10 mgs. (he wasn't crazy about my taking this because I have glaucoma), then Baking Soda gargles.  If none of the above work there are other medications he will suggest, but call him in one month's time and let him know how I'm doing.  He was so nice, kind, and took a lot of time, looked at my MRI and CAT scans, and again, I had the scope up my nose.  He said that there was nothing to warrant surgery under any circumstances.  So, I guess that was a relief, as I was almost wishing I had a brain tumor that could be operated on and then I would be "fixed".  The doctor at Mayo said I should go on the TV program "House" or "Mystery Diagnosis"!  Can you imagine that?  No one there was interested/caring enough to keep looking for a reason why I feel I'm burning and heating up, in addition to the sickening smell.  So, any and all prayers out there would be appreciated, as I will pray for all of you, that you would find a good doctor and an acceptable solution to your problems.  I'll let you know if the medication works--just started the Singulair 10 mgs. (1 pill a day at night).

[Darrint]

Wow, can't believe how easy it was to find others with the same problem.  I smell cigarette smoke.  Not constantly it comes and goes.  Seems that at first it was only when I had been around someone smoking or had just walked through a cloud of cig smoke. The smell would stay in my nose for days.  But now the smell just pops up at different times. I can smell it right now!  I didn't know what to think about it.  I googled "constant smell of cigarette smoke"  and up poped this page.  Haven't got the chance to read all the posts yet, there are so many.  But will have to when I get more time.  At least I can show this to my wife, a nurse, and show her I am not alone.  Thanks.

[blinky711]

I've been smelling smoke that isn't there for over a month. Went to the ENT who prescribed Nasonex which has helped in the last 2 days. I think it will do the trick and let you know. I have been going crazy and went and had a CT scan. The nasonex seems to be helping. Hope this helps someone.

[pdarr]

I guess I messed up my last  post to this forum. Anyway, I've been on 10mgs of Prednisone for the last ten days for a rash on my legs and noticed this  nasal smoke smell on Sat & Sun at home, and now again today in the office, It comes and goes, but starts in mid-afternoon. Could this be related to the Prednisone?

[Doug705]

I have had this same problem also. It smells more like someone just put out a cigarette and i smelled the ash tray. I tryed putting on a expensive
mask that would filter out everything even smoke when I started to smell
this smell. Well I DID NOT smell the smell as long as I had the mask on.I took the mask off and WAM the smell was there again. So at least I
can rule out the brain tumor. I really think that my sense of smell is  off the charts. I think i could smell something long before it gets to me. In fact i have. I have such a keen sense of smell it's like i'm a bloodhound.
When my wife would bring home the food and stuff from the store I could
smell the hair spray IN THE CAN in the bag even before she unpacked the stuff. I did trace some of the things that cause me to smell the smoke smell. The BIG ONE is the laundry soap she uses. That Smell
is on all the clothes,bed sheets infact everywhere i go. And not only on
what i have on but what other people have on. The second is INK, thats right, almost everything thats printed on paper. I came home one day and said to the wife whats that smell and she said she did not smell anything. I found out the problem. She bought a candle, a little one and put it on the second floor bedroom table. I could smell this as soon as i came in the house. I almost have our house smell free but once i leave the house it's terror city. Or should I say SMELL city.
I hope this helps you all. I'm going to try the Saline Spray.
Doug

[dpenna]

I'm so so glad I found this forum, even if the original poster asked his/her question years ago. I have smelled smoke for almost a week now. At first I thought it was when the forced air heater was running, ruled that out. Then I thought it might be residual from my mom's visit last month - ruled that out. She only smoked outside and I can smell this all over the house, even the rooms she didn't enter. My husband and I are not smokers. We don't live near a bunch of wood-burning homes. My eyes burn. I have been having extra sinus issues lately. I'm going to also try the saline spray. I am confident our noses hold onto a lot - which is why when you're getting sick those nose q-tips with medicine on them actually work. So...good luck to the rest of you! If the saline doesn't work..I'm going to look into any cleaning chemicals I may be using. Also, I purchased a new laptop that has fan vents on the top...wondering if the smell could be coming from the electrical usage...I work on the computer almost all day. I'll be checking in here regularly. Thanks for all the comments - they'll help anyone who stumbles upon this thread in the future.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Experiecing a sensation in the absence of a stimulus is called a phantom sensation.
In your case it would be called phantosmia.It is a hallucinationi.e what you are experiencing is not real.
This could happen in pregnancy or sometime with migraines.
Allegra-d is a combination of two drugs-fexofenadine and pseudo-ephedrine.This is given to treat allergies. The latter causes the blood vessels in lining of your nose to constricti.e narrow it down.This could possibly be percieved by smell receptors in yor nose as a stimulus and trigger a central process resulting in the sensation of smell.

[Skipper47]

This is a little like "Smoke Smellers' CSI". Just to add to the body of knowledge I will give my two cents. I had a pervasive percieved smell of cigarettes recently for about 4 months. I would unconsciously try not to take a deep breath to avoid inhaling the noxious substance. At the moment the sensation has ceased. I have never smoked and no one around me smokes. I live in a remote mountain area with only surrounding forest and no exhaust or other industrial fumes. It has been at least two years since I've had so much as a cold or sinusitus. I have never had even a hint of allergies. My nose breathes with perfection! I have had a history of migraines with a visual aura prior to headache onset. I have not had the actual headache now for 15 years or so, but once every couple of years I get an ocular migraine (visual aura without the headache). I can't add much else, but apparently the docs monitor this topic, so add this to the "Smoke Smellers Mysterious Database".

[LifeSkills]

This is the 3rd day that I smell smoke intermittently, in different rooms at different times.  No one in our house smokes.  (I used to smoke for several years but quit over 8 years ago).  I don't have a particulary keen sense of smell as a result of my smoking habit.  I first smelled it in my car, which my husband drove the day previously.  I asked him if anyone who rode with him smoked and he said no.  Then I smelled it in our house later that day and again yesterday, and this morning at my computer.  I would like to see the research that suggests any relation to brain tumors, I am a Registered Nurse (working in finance now), and my husband is an M.D. (now working as a Pastor now).  This is just wierd.  It's no surprise to hear that doctors wonder whether our claims are real.   How do we convince someone this is really happening?  The only medical history I can share is that I have frequent migraines but I don't feel them.  The only reason I know this is that I once saw flashing lights so I called my ophthamologist to check for a detached retina and he said my retina was fine but that the arterioles in my brain were in spasm, so he said I had a terrible migraine must have a horrible headache.  I didn't have any pain associated with it.  He couldn't believe it.  I asked my mother if she knew anything about this, and she said it runs in our family on my mothers side, only with the females.  Odd again.  Thanks for any suggestions you have, or research supporting any relation to brain tumors.  

[LifeSkills]

Hi Toni,

Please tell me what Dr. Edlestein said about your condition being a physiologic one.  What did he diagnose it as?   How has the Singulair worked for you?  Please update us.  Thank you.  

LifeSkills

[Gina133]

I am quite relieved to find this forum with so many others who also smell cigarette smoke. I have been smelling smoke for about a year now and everyone I mention it to tells me that my house is haunted by a ghost. I am actually relieved to see it could be due to some other physical reason!  For the record, I live in a private house where no one smokes. The best way to describe what I smell is it's as if someone lights a cigarette and is blowing the smoke in my face. This can go on for hours and then just stop and start again at any time. It only happens in my house and never any place else.  I was on a calcium channel blocker for 10 months about 2 years ago, but went off it because I don't like drugs of any kind. I am into holistic health, organic foods and use only vinegar and lemon as my cleaning products, so I'm am at a total loss for why I smell smoke so often? I do use one product called Quick Shine for my wood floors, it cleans and gives them a very high gloss shine. Now, I wonder if there is a connection to the floor cleaner as another poster wrote?

[samoas]

i used to have this problem about a 2 years ago. i went to all sorts of doctors and they said it was a sinus problem but then i got immune to the nasal sprays. soo i went to some chinese herbal doctor who specializes using antigens in certain foods or objects you may be allergic to. i saw that i was allergic to a lot of foods so he treated me with herbal medicine. i continued the treatment for 3 months and i haven't smelled anything since. it's been about 6 months now.

so if you could find some doctor like this around your area he could treat your problem. it's just a little pricey.

here is his website
http://www.nasal.cc/

hope this helps.

[Melly45]

If this isn't my first post sorry, I'm technologically challenged.  Anyway, I am a 45 year old, healthy woman and I also have the smoke/nasty smell disorder.  It's been off and on (now mostly on) for 3 years.  I've ruled out brain tumor - thank God.  Now my neurologist wants to test for seizures.  I can't imagine that I would have seizures most all day long with no other symptoms.  Anyway, I was wondering if any of you have soreness inside your nose?  I do.  I also think it's all related to my "new " dog.  I got her about 3 years ago when this all started.  I know I'm allergic to her because I also have sneezing and dry cough.  The good news is Astelin nasal spray has taken the sneezing and cough away, but not this nasty smell thing.  I've tried the saline rinse but it didn't help.  Any comments or ideas.....I'm listening....and desperate for a solution!

[Doug705]

I had an post may 23rd. I found what made that smoke smell. It was two things.
One , the worst, dryer sheets. The second, ink. That's right ink. Books,magazines,news papers etc. I'm holding a magzine up to my nose right now and the smoke smell is real bad. And dryer sheets are REAL nasty. They induce the smoke smell also. We got rid of the dryer sheets and I try to stay away from freshly printed anything. As for me that did it. I don't smell any smoke smell at all unless i'm around other people who use dryer sheets or In a waiting room with new magizines about. I hope this post can help some of you. Keep looking for what triggers your highten sense of smell. good luck.

[Uberhiker]

Hello, I'm new here so I'll try to catch on quick.  I'm a healthy male in my mid thirties.  I'm a weight lifter and I stay in shape for backpacking.  I've never used anabolic steroids but did use Andro when it was legal still and until three years ago used Tribulous Terrestis (Bulgarian herb that contains plant sterols, boosts testosterone) I was in the military and I have never had asthma but I do get seasonal allergies.  I haven't used any supplements for weight lifting, including protein in about eight months.  I kind of got lazy right before I got sick and stayed sick...  My usual great blood pressure is now 145/97 but that may be from being sedentary for six months maybe?  Dunno.

I've been sick since Christmas and I'm the guy that only gets sick once a year, but with bronchitis.  I've been sick with this "heroic cough" as my Pulmonary doctor puts it.  It's mid June now and I spent the first three months of the year working and taking a lot of antibiotics and steroids to kill this coughing.  After that I was sent to a Pulmonary doctor and I spent two months in a recliner at home on antibiotics, inhalers, steroids, allergy medicine, tusson pearls and a double dose at double interval dose of hydrocodone.  My pharmacist gave me the third degree every refill time, which was every two weeks.  He kept me home another month to make sure the cough was gone and my lungs have healed.  Took me off all the meds, and returned me to work.  I got better and better each day and the cough went away but this smoke smell didn't.  

Two weeks later, the cough is back again and now it's 24/7.  I get some pretty bad headaches over my right eyebrow in an area that feels like the size of my fist.  I decided I'd go on the internet and see if I could find out what this phantom smoke smell is and if it may be bad given the headaches and the smell which was earlier this year hit and miss (for several hours to a day at a time) is now a constant companion.  It's funny too because my sense of smell normally is next to non existent thanks to a broken nose twenty years ago but I can smell smoke that isn't there with perfect clarity.

I started smelling it about six months ago.  Hit and miss a day here maybe nothing for a few days.  It'd last sometimes and hour, sometimes the whole day.  Now it seems to be all the time.  I cough, smell smoke and get the same physical response where your throat kind of closes up when you whiff smoke.  It smells like I'm standing in a crowded bar at the end of a long night.  I get lousy headaches over my right eye that last about an hour or so, sometimes it's a dull ache all day.  

Any ideas?  Had an MRI today and the radiologist was a childhood friend.  He wouldn't tell me the results.  So I gues, if it's bad news, what part of the brain could it be in?  I'm giving myself the hoo-doo's thinking about it but I'm kind of guessing it's more along the lines of I'm allergic to something in my environment and it's making me sick, causing an in my chest or head and that's causing the smoke smell.  I've got weird scarring on my lungs too, one doctor thought I had Granulomatous Disease but the Pulmonary doctor says no.  They also took a lot of blood for tests.  The Pulmonary doctor said that it's the smoke smell he's concerned about.

Thoughts?  I'm mostly just fishing for ideas here I guess.  Looking for things to ask the specialist about when I go back in two weeks.  

[Uberhiker]

Sorry, I'm also a non smoker, quit drinking 4 years ago and quit chewing tobacco 5 years ago.  All my buddy that did the MRI today said after it was done was "Are you still chewing?"  Told him no, how long ago I quit and asked why.  He changed the subject.  

[qumungis]

I think you are on to something here.  I'm new to the forum, read all your posts, and I think this may be an answer for some of us.  I'm a healthy 33 yr old male, work out every day that I can and I run marathons and bike centuries.  I'm your average healthy person with no extensive history.  I do have seasonal allergies, though.  

However, I have recently started taking Hydroxycut to add some energy throughout my day since I don't drink coffee regularly.  If no one knows what that supplement is, it is basically a super-shot of caffiene mixed with other stuff to give energy and a thermogeneic effect in the body.  The reason I think you are right is I've smelled it for a week and usually I don't smell it much in the morning BEFORE I take the supplement.  I was in a auto shop, where it is notoriously smoky smelling, and I couldn't stand it because I think my senses were heightened, as you spoke of.  I smell it thoughout the day and it has been getting worse, as I couldn't even identify what it was I was smelling last Wednesday.  Now it is definately cigarette smoke.  I get it so bad that my eyes will even sting.  

Anyway, I will test your theory and slowly ween myself off the supplement to see if that is the case.  I like the energy but it isn't worth it.  I'll just get the energy the old fashioned way and just continue to eat 6 times a day!  I'll keep you all updated.

[qumungis]

No difference yet, however I do feel I can detect it even more acutely after the saline wash.  It is absolutely unbelieveable how apparent the smell is!  I did take out all caffiene today and I was withdrawing all day with a pounding headache and extreme exhaustion.  I'm hoping that as I enter the end of my caffiene withdrawl (withdrawal) the smell will subside as well.

[qumungis]

Well, I can smell it less since dropping the caffiene.  However, I still get it the strongest (get this) whenever I'm in front of a monitor.  It can be a computer or my t.v.  It is very potent in those situations.  The saline has not worked for me :(  The monitor thing is kind of weird to me, because that really doesn't make much sense and if it isn't the caffiene, why would I just begin to start to smell the smoke.  Which, by the way, the smoke smell has evolved from cigarette smoke to a burning electronic type of smell.  As a health care provider, and understanding plenty about anatomy and physiology, I'm not too sure what the issue is.  I'm assuming that imaging (CT and MRI) are going to tell a story.  

[alm86]

I first noticed the "cigarette" smell while working on my laptop. Like others, I thought I was smelling a neighbors cigarette through the open window.  For me the smell is (almost) entirely when seated, computer, tv, driving, etc. My guess is that this is triggered by an inflammation in the head/neck region that is putting pressure on some nerve. I clench my teeth at night and recently must be doing it a lot; the jaw joint is stiff, I have some pain around the ear on the same side and down the side of my neck.  Has anyone found relief with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like aspirin or ibuprofen?

[Wolf1951]

I've posted a couple of times. Thought I'd pass on what my latest theory is about the acrid smoke smeel I detect once in a while.

I did the ENT thing - he said that I had a deviated septum and really didn't want to talk about a phantom smell. I stopped seeing him after I got my CAT Scan report. (No tumor, sinusitus, deviated septum)

For any ENT's reading this: We really do smell smoke. We do not want to talk about other issues. You lose customers when you do not focus on our problems.

I have been using Nasacort AQ since March - can't say that it is helping any more, though it seemed to in the beginning, and I will probably not refill my last bottle. Took two strong antibiotic series - can't say that it helped either.

I stopped smelling smoke, with the exception of an occasional episode, for several weeks. Then last week while at work, under a lot pf pressure, I started smelling smoke strong as ever. I tried hard to determine what was doing it - and at first I thought it was the psycological pressure I was under at that time - but after paying close attention to the smell & what I was doing I think that I have determined what has kicked this off.

Several months ago I bought some 'berry flavored' Rolaids. I use Rolaids a lot as I get acid indigestion often. I do not normally use berry-flavored Rolaids - prefering the regular mint-flavored Rolaids. A few mionths ago my local store stopped carrying regular flavored Rolaids, but started carrying the berry-flavored Rolaids. I'm pretty sure that the berry-flavored Rolaids have caused me to smell smoke.

Not sure what the difference between the two flavors are - although it is pretty obvious that it is the 'berry' flavoring that is doing it. I will carefully track this & will not use any for a week or so and then purposfully use some berry-flavored Rolaids. If it kicks off an episode then I have absolute proof (to my mind). I'll let you all know.

George

[dpenna]

I have also posted before, and came tonight to read the latest posts, and saw George's about the berry-flavored Rolaids and a HUGE light bulb went off for me. I am also pretty much addicted to the berry-flavored Rolaids, starting back in December 07, shortly before being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. My serious symptoms have passed, but I still get an upset tummy quite a bit, and take the Rolaids with the anti-gas medicine...and now that I think of it, I probably started taking them about the time I started smelling smoke. In addition, there was a period of time when the smell went away and I did have the mint Rolaids instead...picked up the wrong bottle at the store.

However, there are a couple things that still don't make sense to me...

1) I only smell smoke in my own home...when I'm outside or visiting someone else, it doesn't bother me.
2) I almost always only smell it when sitting quietly or laying down in bed reading. For this reason I started to think it was my own inhalations that smelled like smoke.

I'm anxious to hear if anyone else is taking Rolaids, or if they think it is something they are ingesting...I am strongly suspicious that the smell is coming from my own body somehow. I remember years ago losing lots of weight really fast and how much that affected my sense of smell (ketones, etc.), so why can't the smell of smoke be from something else so simple...like Rolaids or caffeine???

Diane

[Wolf1951]

I'm sorry - but it looks like I may have reported a wrong conclusion about the flavored Rolaids. I have not had any of them since last week and today at work the smoke smell started again. It appears the flavored Rolaids experience was coincidental.

I'm convinced it it is something in my environment that is kicking this off and I will attempt to isolate it via careful record keeping & experimentation. I am assuming it is something in my office. Perhaps some of the posts regarding cleaning supplies are correct?

I will try again and try not to report erroneously again.\G

[Doug705]

Hi again. I posted before. Last post june,12 2008. Well I'm still in the process of getting rid of things that TRIGGER the smoke smell. I'm 99% smoke free. It took alot of trial and error with the help of my wife whom I greatly thank for helping me find the things that induce the smoke smell.
I found out that there are many more things that trigger them. I do have Allergies and snius problems, always did. They seem to take on a change as i age (55) they become worse. So I have made life style changes and it did make one heck of a defference. If you had test done and they found nothing ,then isn't the most logical thing to look for is an outside source that is making this happen. I think so. Now I almost faint at the smell of perfume. Years back these things didn't bother me, but now they make me have a bad quality of life. Please don't give up! YOUR answer to the smoke smell is out there, just keep going until you find it. I've been there so I know what you all are going through. It takes alot of time and effort. But arn't you worth it.

Doug705

[golfgirl71]

I started to get the "smoke" smell about 4 days ago.  I asked my husband if there were any wildfires in the area and he didn't think so.  I asked a coworker if she could smell it and she said no.  I'm so glad I found this site.  I was reading through all of the postings and I think that shellbell is on to something.  Specifically, the thing that I think is causing all of this is Formaldehyde.  While reading through the postings, I realized that I just had a new keyboard tray installed at my desk about a week ago and at first it had a really strong odor.  Then I remembered an article that I read a few months back with regards to particle board containing Formaldehyde in it that could cause sinus problems to flare up.  I found that article after I had put together a particle board shelf system in my step-daughters bedroom.  It stunk so bad that my sinuses were terrible for days.  So, I googled it and found this very helpful website.  Did you know that formaldehyde is found in cigarettes?  I think that we are all smelling the same scent from cigarettes in our every day products.  Formaldehyde is in dyes, plastics, textiles, paper and many other items that we use every day.    Ihttp://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/formaldehyde.htm  Of course, I think that some of us are more sensitive to it than others, so we must have some sort of inflammation to begin with.  For me, I have pretty bad allergies.  I am planning on doing a Nasal Flush with NeilMed tonight.

[Bocat420]

I'm 38.  Non-smoker.  I do know the smell of cigarette smoke because I smoked in my early 20's.  What I smell is cigarette smoke.  It can be faint to strong depending.  I have only experienced this a few times over the past 5 days.  I thought brain tumor and all the bad deal as well, but after reading all these posts I'm not sure it's not more simple. I suppose I could have a sinus infection (It has never effected me this way before, but my sinuses are tender.)  I suppose it could be caffeine but I haven't had any in 10-12 hours.  I might also add that I haven't had anything in 10-12 hours.  I don't take any drug.  I'm not in the best shape but I'd rank in the top 75% of Americans.    It was the roll-aids post that made me wonder.  What if this has to do with reflux?  I use to suffer from acid reflux but through dietary changes was able to get off the medication and not suffer any reflux.  Only over the past week via my birthday celebration and a weekend get-a-way I have relaxed my eating habits to only begin having reflux a few nights this past week.  As I look back the times I have suffered the smoke smell is the day after a reflux night. I plan to grip my diet a bit tighter and ensure that I am eating those foods that don't cause reflux for me to see of it will work.  If not, I'm off to the drug store to drown my nostrils with saline.  I'll try to let you guys know my progress, but as we all know once you stop smelling smoke you really don't care about the fire.

Hoping you all a great and smoke free day!
Warren

[Pamie712]

I hope this will help

I had been working at a very stressful job.  One day I smelled what I can only describe as burnt vinegar.  I thought at first the smell was on me somehow.  It was not.  I went for about a year trying to figure this out.  The doctor said no sinus infection, no brain tumor.  One day I was driving in the car with my son, and someone almost hit us.  I told my son, who knew all about my problem, that it seemed as though I can smell stress!  We both kind of shrugged this off but I kept noticing how much worse this got whenever I was stressed.  I also noticed that the smell was not always the same as time went on.  I started to realize that it seemed that I had a sort of super sense of smell.  I did some research on this and found that stress can cause this to happen.   Kind of a oversensitivity to smells.  
Has anyone else heard of this???

[Smeep]

I've had this for as long as I can remember. Glad to see I'm not the only one. Mine comes on out of nowhere, stays for a few days, then disappears for months at a time. Very strange. I have it right now which is why I was searching online about it.

[Pamie712]

Hi Smeep,
Please see my post above.  I started to realize that this might indeed be  related to stress.  I started to keep track of the times when the smell was the worst.  It was always in times of stress!  (like I said above, it seemed as though I could smell stress)   I came across a website on Hindu medicine.  It talked about this super kind of sense of smell in times of stress. Really, I started to realize that this was more or a kind of height ed sense of smell!  I started doing what was recommended and I rarely have this anymore.  I will look for the website and get back to you.

[Wolf1951]

I've been smoke free for 3 weeks now. I stopped using two things that I thought I might have started using about the time it first started: hair conditioner & laundry clothes fabric softner. Turned out that the hair conditioner probably was not the culpret. I am almost sure that it was the fabric softner ((Ultra Downy) - I stopped using it & washed my clothes without it and the smoke smell has not recurred.

Hope this is really it. Hope this helps some of you.

Regards- George

[Stevepb]

Thank goodness for this forum as I thought I was going out of mind.  The cigarette smell started about 3 weeks ago with a slight soreness/dryness to the top of my throat.  I thought I was in for a cold and didn't pay much attention to the smoke smell until I realised that I smelt it almost all of the time.  I tried Vicks vapour rub up my nose. After reading this forum I tried the saline nasal flush but with no benefit, so I visited my GP who could only suggest over the counter mouthwash and lozenges.  He did also mention stress, but I can’t say that I am under any more stress than usual, (we all have work/home issues to deal with).  My job involves a lot of talking so the dry/sore throat is becoming more of an issue with the smell more of an annoyance.

[mockturtle]

After a couple of months of being 'smoke free' I am getting it again.  And it started while at my laptop.  Could it be some form of migraine?  I do get migraines, especially with certain types of light stimulus and also when the barometric pressure falls rapidly.  Anyone else have such links?

[Bea1005]

Like most of you, I am soooo glad to hear that I'm not crazy and I really was smelling cig smoke that no one else could smell. About a month or so ago I suddenly realized that the smokey smell had suddenly stopped. The about 3 weeks ago I experienced a terrible sinus/head cold episode complete with extreme nasil congestine, runny nose, watery eyes, cough, sore throat, and fever. I went to my doctor and was put on antibiotics, decongestents, and nasal spray.  The episode cleared up within a week to the point where there was no more facial pain and I could receive air in  my nostrils.

Well it is now three weeks later and I have completely loss my sense of smell and taste.  I went to my ENT and after looking through a scope and performing a smell test, she put me on steriods for the swelling in my nasel cavity and flonase.  I have been on the medication for three days now and still no improvement. Can't smell or taste a thing.

I am scheduled for a MRI next week.  Could I have some feedback from one of the physicians who have been previously posting feedback.  Thanks.

[mockturtle]

My stepson, who is an ENT, was visiting us this week, so I asked him if he ever encountered this problem.  He replied that it is 'quite common' and that it is caused by an inflammation of the olfactory nerve system, usually from allergies.  He says if I irrigate and use my nasal steroids faithfully, that should prevent it.  He also warned me not no blow my nose.  Ever.  :-O  Anyway, I told him I use my nasal steroids faithfully but cut down to once a day--which he said should be OK.  But I'm not as faithful with my irrigation, so I'm going to do it twice a day, at least.  

[shellbell.g]

I HAVEN'T POSTED FOR QUITE SOMETIME AS I AM NOW SMOKE FREE. INTERESTINGLY, I READ THAT SOME ARE STILL EXPERIENCING THIS DISCOMFORT. I CAN'T STRESS ENOUGH THAT CHEMICALS ARE THE TRIGGER. IN MY CASE...FLOOR STRIPPER USED AT WORK. THE SMOKE SMELL...IT DOESN'T GO AWAY SOMETIMES UNTIL THE FOLLOWING MORNING. IT IS HIGHTENED BY OTHER HARSH SMELLS SUCH AS CAR EXHAUST. I IRRIGATE ONCE IN AWHILE WITH A MILD SALINE SOLUTION ONLY BECAUSE OF MY ALLERGIES, NOT BECAUSE I SMELL SMOKE. I TRULY HOPE YOU CAN FIND THE CHEMICAL SOURCE THAT IS BOTHERING YOU AND BE SMOKE FREE SUCH AS I. BEST OF LUCK