Phantom Cigarette odor

[malaikaz]

I know this sounds very bizarre but I have this cigarette smell and taste. I've never smoked and Im not around any smokers. No matter how much I brush my teeth or spray perfume it wont go away.

This happened to me one year ago. At this time, I was also experiencing dizziness and vertigo. I was in Tanzania and chalked it up to something the air. The dizziness and vertigo ended up being an inner ear issue (Superior Canal Dehiscense & Perilymph Fistula).

I dont know this is from but it is driving me crazy! I feel crazy mentioning it to anyone

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, as you know the cause you should focus and work towards clearing the nasal blocks. Sinusitis can cause the chronic nasal block. If you do have a chronic sinus infection, typical antibiotic treatment is for 4-6 weeks.  A nasal steroid spray is also beneficial as well as oral steroids.  Nasal saline irrigations over the counter like NeilMed or Neti pot are very effective, but worsen Eustachian tube dysfunction (water in the ears or feeling of fullness in the ears).  The best diagnosis for this problem is a CT of the sinuses.  Surgery is recommended to patients that fail maximal medical treatment. Take care. Regards.

[malaikaz]

Thanks! I did have allergies the whole time I was in Tanzania (5 weeks). When I returned home I had Neurology work up and saw multiple ENTS & Neuro-otologists to diagnose my the cause of my dizziness. I also had a brain MRI and brain CT/Angio. It was all normal except some clogged sinuses. I do have a history of Acid Reflux and allergies. The smell seems to come and go. It was exactly 1 year ago I had this first occurence in Tanzania.

Thanks for replying!!!!!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, if you read the other posts, you will see that this sensation of altered smell is quite common. Any infection or blockage in your nose can cause you to smell something that is not there.

Your symptoms could be due to olfactory hallucinations. Phantosmia most often occurs as a result of a head injury or upper respiratory infection. It can also be caused by temporal lobe seizures, sinusitis, brain tumors, migraine, Parkinson's disease and stroke. You may need proper evaluation by your GP, please consult him for a neurological assessment. He may then refer you to a neurologist if needed. Regards.