Strange gas smell ...

[Dierdra]

Oookay, so, it's a little strange, really, because I've gotten this quite a few times over the last few years, and it usually lasts a week, sometimes less, but it's never been this strong. When I breathe in and ESPECIALLY when I breathe out I can smell gasoline, but it smells a little sweeter... It's weird and it annoys me and is distracting me from my work. Anyways, I've developed a very dry throat, my eyes have been watering constantly, and I seem to be having a harder time concentrating than usual (like my mind has become fuzzy or something), and it's not just because of the smell ... I looked up the other nose smelly things, but it all involves mysterious smoke smells, or some symptoms that I haven't had, luckily.

I've never had asthma, nor any other respiratory problems in my life, and I haven't been doing anything strange, like drugs or a different diet ... so what the heck is this? I don't want to assume the worst, but it won't stop! It happens, oh, let's say, every couple of months, and the smell comes and goes, but now it's constant, every time I breathe in AND out. It's sickening! Any help?

[Anyc12]

I'm pretty sure this is the smell of bacteria in the sinus from a sinus infection. I have experienced this *only* when I have a sinus infection, and, this is gross,but,if I spit out the mucus I've snorted back from my sinuses, I can smell it there, not just inside my nose,  so it's pretty apparent that's the cause  of  the smell.

[TereCue]

I also have what I call the "propellant" smell. I had it last year for about 5 weeks then it went away. I have asthma and originally thought the cause was from a faulty rescue inhaler (which is the only medicine I take).After it went away I didn't think much more of it. I started again with the weird smell about 5 days ago...right after my husband used the self cleaning oven. Then I remembered that my first bout with this strange malady was right after an oven (self) cleaning. I feel like I'm being poisoned by my breath. I just found this discussion and a mention of changes in fingernails which I've had for the last several years. In fact I can no longer grow my nails longer than the shortest possible length which is a radical change from even 2 years ago. I have ridges that actually split the nail in 2 pieces when it grows longer than the edge of my fingertip. I'll be trying the sinus flushing and Mucinex in the next day or so then will report back.

[ZRif]

I'm amazed by similarities of everyone's comments. I've experienced phantom smells for well over a decade. Initially, I thought it was part of my PMS but since I'm peri-menopausal now, I am looking at this another way and believe that it is related to gut permeability and bacterial overgrowth. I also have the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the effects of which are well documented in my health history. Some things that I am becoming more aware of include the healthiness of the soil where food is grown. While I am not vegetarian, I have found it useful to limit hard proteins (meat, eggs, cheese) and to consume a lot of vegetables, especially green, leafy and raw. Also, since 2008 have been grain-free, very low sugar. Since 2016 have been dairy free and do not eat legumes. I am not opposed to a mono-diet to resolve symptoms. I seem to be entering a phase of candida overgrowth and believe that the phantom smell I'm currently experiencing is related to that. While I have not found a definitive cure, I have experienced episodes of being symptom-free which usually last between 3 and 6 months. I will admit that when I am in remission, that my diet does tend to become less focused on eating foods that I know are beneficial to managing my underlying EBV. I do find symptom relief with high doses of vitamin C. Also, calcium, magnesium and zinc all seem to be complimentary. I avoid pharmaceuticals at all costs and focus on natural remedies. The standard American diet is a sure way not to see symptom resolution.

[KatieK1234]

I have been getting the same thing. Comes on roughly twice per year, lasts about a week. Burning/petrol smell, stronger in the evenings. My eyes burn & watery, sore throat at night. Feeling lightheaded, kinda disconnected at times. Driving me insane! I'm 34, no major health problems but have allergies which started at around age 30.  No medications. I first thought it was laundry detergents/fabric softener. Every time I remember having the smell, it was when I changed powders to a different brand. But this time (currently have it now) I rewashed everything in vinegar, rinsed my washer a few times & still have the smell. It's so bizarre. Been to specialist doctors, had MRI, even see a psychologist. No answers :( really over it! You're not alone!

[Herbalcure]

I was baffled as to why I kept smelling gas when there wasn't a gas leak anywhere and no one else could smell it. When I googled the problem and read that other people were also experiencing this strange phenomenon, I was relieved to find I wasn't alone in this. Someone suggested that it was due to the presence of fungus or bacteria in the sinus cavity, so I put a small dab of Tea Tree oil in my nostrils and this cured the problem. I haven't smelled the gas smell since I did this and it's been almost nine months. Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic available at most health food stores and it really worked!

[boyturok]

Is anyone on this post on a keto/low carb diet? I think that could be a factor.

[Sammie490]

Folks, I sincerely believe what we are smelling is gas from our stomachs as a result of acid reflux.  So, smaller meals, add acid reducer, or try something Natural like apple cider vinegar. It dawned on me tonight after my third experience with thisgas smell. I remember reading that body gases trying to escape can even use Ear canals and cause swelling there too.  Good luck!