Wierd Problem

I have had a strange problem for the last year or so.  I would go to my Doctor, but I get the feeling that she would just blow me off.  The problem is that I have a strange, unpleasant smell that seems permanently lodged in my nose.  It's reminiscent of really bad, strong stale cigarette smoke.  It's obviously not life threatening, but it's really annoying, persistent, and it makes it hard to eat because the smell really puts me off.  It's like constantly being surrounded by smokers 24/7 and not being able to get away.  I don't have a respiriatory condition, obvious sinus problems, or anything else that I could attribute it to.  Any thoughts?

[National Jewish]

It is difficult to tell you the exact reason for this.  You have eliminated a few in your note.  Sometimes someone with a sinus infection or an allergic problem has drainage with a foul odor attached to it.  In small children a foreign body can do the same.  Probably it would be worthwhile to have your doctor do a good examination in your nose to see if there is drainage or an obvious reason for the symptom you have.

[glorya90]

I don't know if your still reading this or not, but a seizure can cause you to smell phantom odors.  You might look into this

sillysue

[knute]

I too have had some problem with smelling smoke (cigarette) that wasn't there.  I smell it in my car and office, everywhere.  It used to just come and then go but then I smelled it for about two weeks straight and it was hard to eat and made me sick at my stomach.  My doctor did sinus x-rays and they were fine, then he did a CT Scam with and without contrast and it was fine.  Then a week ago the smell just left and I had a tremendous sense of well being and clearity.  I went back to the doctor for my follow up visit and he said I had lost a little weight and my heart rate was still up (not as high as the first visit 135) but he still hasn't sent me to a neurologist.  I had an episode last night of smelling smoke for about an hour and then it left.  I hate to just ignore it (because sometimes I can't).  I am worried it could be something in my pituitary gland since I was post menopausal at age 47.  I think it could be effecting my hormone production...  Let me know if you find out anything.
Thanks

[LucyB]

I was interested in the comments.  At times I have been sure that I smelled cigarette smoke.  Just last night I awoke and smelled (or thought I did) the smell of burning sugar or maple syrup.  I didn't know what might trigger such things.  I do retain fluid and take blood pressure medication and a "fluid pill."  
LucyB