What is wrong with me?

[Kathy13]

I have suddenly within the last two weeks started smelling smoke when I breathe almost all the time. It is a really strong smell and I am not around any type of smoke nor do I smoke. I have blown my nose and actually cleaned out my nostrils with alcohol to see if something was in there causing the smell. I have asked some nurses if they had any idea of what it means but everyone thinks that I am nuts. I don't even know who to go ask about it or if I should be concerned. I have no other symptoms but the strong smell of smoke...sometimes I can even feel it burning like in my throat. Has anyone ever heard of this or know what it means?  I am not crazy...I hope!

[National Jewish]

It is not easy to explain why you are experiencing these symptoms. Having a smell for a short period of time frequently occurs.  You may want to speak to an ENT to get a better explanation for this problem.

[billyspr]

I am desperate.  My throat hurts so bad sometimes i cant talk.  I eat cough drops like M&M's.  I cough so hard i get dizzy, sometimes having to pull over.  The dr says is just a "common cold" but for 6 months??  finally i went in last week and my blood pressure was up so high he put me on a narcotic cough suppressant.  I just dont know what to do.  One wonders if its cancer?  worse?  what could it be?  For heavens sake whats the worst im looking at??? What should I ask for?  The "common cold" thing is worn out....please help me~!

billy

[MLWTR]

I've heard of people reporting unusual smells when suffering from migraine headache with aura. The possibility of migraines might be something to look into. This can also happen with olfactory seizures, but in that case the smell tends to be very transient, not long-lasting like you report.

Hope this helps.

[Spockie]

Billy, for heaven's sake see a specialist.  You need to at least have a chest xray to see what is going on  It is probably nothing serious, but get the right tests to put your mind at ease about this.

[heartstart]

I have heard some people say they can smell a smell like mouldy or burning carpet when they have pneumonia. They claim it is real and up their nose too. Chest xray would rule this out