Help!!

I am an ex smoker. I was at a party when I found myself down wind from a smoker who was smoking. I moved as fast as I could get away and found that the smell is trapped in my nose! It is driving me crazy and I feel as though I take a puff every time I breath! Help me get rid of it please. I am having breathing problems too it literally feels as though I have just smoked a pack myself. I wouldn't dare! Help please! Any tips?? My dad said to take a shower and clean my nose right after while steam is coming off me and around me in the tub. I am trying tomorrow. Pray it works and I will pray it helps others in my situation. Blessings..

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, smoky or such strange smell can be present in certain conditions and it is termed as Parosmia (abhorrent odor perception).

It is usually associated with rhinosinusitis, head trauma, viral infection, or oral problems. It frequently disappears with successful treatment of the above mentioned conditions.

You can use scented wax or incense sticks before sleeping. You also need to maintain good sleep hygiene.

Apart from treatment of the cause or in conditions wherein the cause remains unknown, in such conditions Anti seizure or anti epileptic medication like clonazepam against prescription is sometimes helpful esp. in persistent cases.

I suggest you to consult ENT specialist to rule out the cause. Take care and regards.