I smell exhaust fumes all the time

[jerry1957]

I have been smelling exhaust fumes where none exist for about 2 weeks now. I can be in the shower or laying in bed and the smell won't go away, it smells like i'm in an enclosed garage with a gas powered vehicle running. Is this common?, I have never had any allergies.

[Valentine11]

I smell exhaust fumes for a couple of days after going on an extended drive, especially if I drive on an interstate/highway, however I do not smell the exhaust while I'm in the car. I will only smell these fumes after I come home from a long drive (over an hour). My husband does not smell it at all, and neither has anyone else who has ridden with us. The smell completely fades away after 2-3 days.

It is so awful to have to smell something you simply can't control. In my case, I feel that perhaps my nasal passages somehow slowly absorb the smell of the exhaust fumes, either from my own car, or from other cars while in heavy traffic. I have never had any sinus issues and haven't broken my nose, but your ENT's theory is interesting. I now wonder if/how the smell is getting trapped in my nasal passages. I do have a very sensitive sense of smell and that could also be contributing to it.

One thing that helps is smelling fresh coffee grounds. Put the grounds in a bowl and  keep them right next to you, close enough to smell them. The smell of vinegar can also be helpful, but of course it's very strong. When the exhaust fumes smell is too much to take, I open a bottle of vinegar and slowly breathe in the smell and hold it in my nasal passages for a few seconds. This seems clear out the exhaust fumes smell faster, but then you might be stuck with a vinegar smell!

[SGlavin]

This is so bizarre, thought I was going crazy. I have also been smelling the exhaust and have light headedness off and on all day. I am going to bring it up next week at my physical. I have been doing some checking up on all that I have read on here to bring up to him. My prayers go out to all of you. I know what you are all feeling and am really curious on what is going on. Thank you for making me feel as if I am not the only one.

[teepee621]

I'm not only smelling the exhaust fumes, but also tasting them too.  This is not the first time I've experienced this.  It seems to come and go and I'm not sure why it comes and why it goes away.  That would be helpful to know what the trigger is.  It's extremely annoying but I have to hope that it will go away on it's own like it has in the past.  If not, I have an appointment with an ENT in September just in case.  It's good to have other people to bounce ideas off of and know you're not crazy...thanks!

[DeLaineO]

I also have been smelling an odd smell. It's hard to describe. I would say it is spicy like incense but chemical too. Burning wood also comes to mind. Let me start off my saying I do have a brain tumor. But I believe this smell is related to the AC and heater unit. I didn't smell this at the last place I lived. And her I only smell it when the AC or heater is on. Don't go diagnosing yourselves with anything. If you smell it everywhere, try using a nettie pot. If that doesn't work see a doctor. If you only smell it at home. Try airing the place out, use a nettie pot, and check if there are other explanations. If you live really close to other people all types of smells will go through the vents. I'm scared to use the a/c now and it's hot.

[Shari122]

This is just bizarre. I am smelling these exhaust fumes everywhere too! Initially I thought it was my central air. However, I smell it in the shower, when I am at work, in the grocery store, everywhere. So I have concluded the obvious, it's me. I do not take meds, no inhalers, no smoking, I'm not around smokers, and I don't have animals. What the heck is going on?! I called my Dr today to ask him what he thinks. I said an appt isn't necessary because how is he going to examining my sense of smell? I'm at work now, in a college, and I feel like I am sitting in a mechanics garage.

[Datone784]

I feel like I'm sitting in a bus depot! I've lived in the same apartment for 6 years and this just began about a year ago. Must be me. I've asked at least a half dozen people if they smell it and none do. Recently had lab work done and found out that I have a vitamin D deficiency and I'm having some kidney issues. Too much albumin in the urine. I live downtown in a large city but never smell it outside. As someone else here noted, If I'm busy doing something I'm OK. Sitting reading or watching a movie it's just about always there. Didn't think I'd find anything about this when I searched this but wow! Guess I'm not alone.

[Lynaecd]

I'm having the same problem. Do you all use inhalers??