Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

constantly smell cigarette smoke

I have been experiencing the same thing for about a week or so--smell cigarette smoke when no smoke exists. Thought it was coming from the AC vent in my office but then started smelling it in car and at home. The strange thing is that when I inhale, sometimes the odor is so real I feel my eyes slightly burning as if I were sitting next to someone smoking. I am 40 yrs. old, never smoked, have been off depression meds for about 8 mos. No recent sinus infections.


This discussion is related to constantly smelling cigarette smoke.
132 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hi,

Do you mean to say that there is no possibility of smoke after smell in the AC or blowers in the car and at home?

There is a possibility that the smoke is already present there. Then there is perhaps the need to get the AC cleaned out in both of these places.

However, if no on else feels that there is any smoke at these places, there might be some other trigger here which is associated with cigarette smoke which is triggering this reaction in your mind and tells your body that there is smoke when actually there is none. This may happen due to Association of one stimuli with another response.

I think you should first get these places checked for any smells and get it cleaned out, cigarette smoke may be retained in the furnishings and linen.

Thereafter we may consider any other treatment for you.

let me know if this helped.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
There is no smoke in the air vents or around the house. It is someting within us. You are not alone.

I understand exactly what you are going thru. I have the same exact problem. I'm going on 3 months now. Sometimes I find myself taking little shallow breaths of air to avoid the full impact of the smoke smell.  

In search for some relief  I had found that the carbon dioxide that we expel during our breathing cycle is definitely an immediate relief for me from the smokey smell.  I find myself just raising the neck potion of the shirt or t-shirt I'm wearing right over my nose and continue to breathe normally. I do the same with the bed sheet when I go to bed. I just lay it over my nose and mouth and breathe. And even after I remove the shirt or the sheet, I am smoke free for a while.  The carbon dioxide stops the smell for me. I'm going to guess that if you use a paper mask (like a dust mask), poke a few holes in it for a little exchange air, it will work just the same. It works , it really does.  

This may or may not work for you as some other member found it did not work for them.

But there's more, I went to the Dr this week and very hessitantly brought the subject up if he knew what Phantosmia was. Not immediately but did not look at me like if I had 2 heads and a tail. Anyway, he asked if I suffered from acid reflux and I said yes, sometimes. He said that acid reflux does not always presents itself as a gulp of acid rushing up your throat. It can be non symptomatic. He gave me some medication and said if that did not take care of the problem he'd send me for am MRI to rule out anything serious.  

And another thing. I am a Paxil user.I've been on Paxil for over 12 years I recently started to reduce the amount of Paxil that I take from 5mg a day to 5mg every other day. The smokey episodes have decresed but not totaly gone.

Keep me posted
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I have saw multiple doctors regarding this condition. Smell of smoke came from too much acid in my stomach. I stopped dirking coffee and avoided high acidic food. Smell of smoke is GONE! my dentist figure it out.  I hope this helps
Avatar universal
This happens to me all the time too ~ I feel like someone is actually sitting beside me, smoking a cigarrete right into my face.  I am a non-smoker and so is the rest of my family.  Sometimes the smell is so strong I feel like my chest is heavy with smoke and my eyes are a little foggy  I really hate it. After reading through some blogs, I'm happy to see there are others have have experienced this so I don't feel crazy, but I'm surprised there are no one has any real answers to what this is.  
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Why You Smell Phantom Cigarette Smoke When Nobody’s Smoking
Nobody around is smoking, so why do you smell cigarette smoke? Is this crazy or what? There are some explanations for this phenomenon.

“There are many reasons that cause people to have phantom smells and/or bad smells (known as parosmia),” explains Jordan S. Josephson, MD, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in NY, Author of Sinus Relief Now, Director of the New York Nasal and Sinus Center.




Unfortunately, some causes of smelling cigarette smoke
when nobody is smoking are very serious:


“These phantom smells can be caused by damage to the olfactory nerve by chemicals, or infection with a virus or bacteria, or trauma. A tumor of the brain or the olfactory nerve can also cause phantom smells. Or it can be caused by the infection itself. And the resulting sensation is then confused in the brain with the smell of cigarette smoke.”




More about parosmia: Dr. Josephson notes, “The bottom line is that many people may get this sensation at one time or another. If it comes and goes, then again, there is probably nothing to worry about. However, there are a few conditions that can cause parosmia, and this lasts longer than a fleeting moment, or recurs more frequently, and this is something that needs to be looked at carefully.”




Why is cigarette smoke usually the phantom smell? “The parosmia is often described like the smell of smoke or cigarette smoke or like something that is burning. Overall this symptom is poorly understood and we don’t know why people relate this to cigarette smoke. It may be that the neurologic signals sent to the brain by the damage is closest to what we have learned is the smell of cigarette smoke or something burning.”  




If one has parosmia, when should he seek medical attention? “If the parosmia lingers, worsens and does not get better or it occurs with increasing frequency, you should probably see a board certified otolaryngologist and a neurologist and get studies to evaluate the cause of this problem. The good news is there most likely is a solution for most of these sufferers.”




What is it about phantom cigarette smoke and being alone in a car and nobody’s been puffing tobacco? “Many people report that this sensation of parosmia is brought on by dry heated air.  That is probably why many people report this to occur in the car because of the heating system in the car blowing dry air.


"Boiling water and forced hot air from a furnace have also been reported by many patients to induce this sensation as well.  It is probably that there was damage to the nerve, and the heat causes the nerve to fire and cause this sensation of parosmia.  However, this is not well understood.”




Other causes of smelling cigarette smoke are infections that can invade the sinuses or throat. These can harm the nerves that pick up scents. Dr. Josephson explains, “This is usually following a sinus infection or an upper respiratory tract infection.”




He continues, “If it is a bacterial sinusitis it needs to be treated with antibiotics, irrigation with saline and topical steroid sprays.  Furthermore, viruses that attack the olfactory nerve or taste nerve can lead to this sense of something burning. Migraines can also be related to an aura that brings on the sensation of something burning or a smell described like there is cigarette smoke when there is none.”




If you continue to smell cigarette smoke, Dr. Josephson urges a comprehensive workup which includes a smell test and CAT scan. “Then appropriate treatment has to be instituted. And the cause may be multi-factorial and therefore the treatment may need to be multifaceted.” Unfortunately, two more causes could be neurological conditions including stroke.

I have saw multiple doctors regarding this condition. Smell of smoke came from too much acid in my stomach. I stopped dirking coffee and avoided high acidic food. Smell of smoke is GONE! my dentist figure it out.  I hope this helps
Avatar universal
Hi,

You could be having sinusitis or rhinitis which could be allergic in nature. Do you have associated symptoms of cough, wheeze, breathlessness, post nasal drip etc?

You should try steam inhalation, saline nasal drops and oral antihistamine medications for your complaints and see if it helps with the symptoms.

You should see your doctor and get a clinical examination for a diagnosis and to evaluate if any investigations are required including blood tests, chest xray and CT scan of the sinuses.

Are you allergic to any specific substances or have had allergic reactions in the past? Are you on any medications currently?

You could read the following link -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinusitis

Let us now about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have experienced the same sensation of smelling cigarette smoke intermittently over a number of years. It generally occurs, or is enhanced, when I am tired or very sleepy. At first I attributed it to being out with people who were smoking and that there were particles lingering in the hairs in my nose, but it happens when I have not left my apartment and stayed up too late.
Nice to know I'm not the only one, but the answers offered seem to pander a bit.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

This also possible because of the ability of the brain to associate different stimuli and then combine various responses to it. In your case, association with various agents in smoking, sensitized the body and therefore interaction with even one of the various components that make up the smoke may have induced this sensation of smoke around you.

Hope this will help you understand the cause of this strange sensation.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I read your post and I am a fellow smeller of smoke.  I also was no Paxil for about 6 years.  I recently got off it by reducing the amount over about a year.  However I never expierenced the smoke thing untill I had been off of Paxil for about 3 months.  I don't think it's related.  I do think there must be something wrong in our nasal passages.  I went to an ENT specialist today and am hoping to find some relief.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I have saw multiple doctors regarding this condition. Smell of smoke came from too much acid in my stomach. I stopped dirking coffee and avoided high acidic food. Smell of smoke is GONE! my dentist figure it out.  I hope this helps
Avatar universal
I'm smelling smoke again, for the second time.  The first time it happened, I had just gotten over being sick (which affected my sinuses).  I was exposed to smoke, and then couldn't stop smelling it.  I did go to see an ENT, but everything checked out OK.  And it ended up going away in 1-2 weeks.  It's back again (I was exposed to smoke yesterday, and now it's with me constantly), and I was sick recently, but not with significant sinus-related issues.  I'm assuming it will go away again in a similar time-frame.  So in the meantime, some things that help for me are sucking on Halls Mentho drops and using an essential oil called Sinus Rejuvenation Oil (has peppermint and other oils) that I picked up at Whole Foods, which also seems to help.  You place a drop at the edge of each nostril, and it takes the edge off the smoke smell...or helps, anyway.  Good luck!  You are not alone. :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
yes I was in a casino over the weekend and stayed up late for two nights in a row. I can't get the smell out of my nose it makes me sick. I tried rinsing my nose - I put neosporin with a q tip to see if it was the lining. Now I really try to just breathe through my mouth - not as bad that way! But will talk to my DR. soon.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have been smelling it for the last week too. I recently thought I was going to have a cold but just got the smoke smell instead. I can't stand it....it's like I smoked 3 packs of cigarettes and I don't smoke. I used to smoke.... ech ech :(
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been experiencing the smell of cigarette smoke now for 6years. It always comes across my face from the left side & always when I am relaxed ie; wathing TV or reading.My partner can never smell it , this is quite puzzling as to me it's a very very strong smell.Its intermittent from smelling cigarette smoke 2/3 days in a row or going months with nothing
maggie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am  to the point where if someone on TV is smoking the smell gets so strong I have to leave the room! If someone is smoking in a car 3 cars ahead of me I have to shut off the AC or heater in my car to keep the smell at bay. When I am away from the car I have to roll my windows down to air it out. My fried who is a smoker sat in my car for about an hour and did not smoke. But the second hand smoke smell that was on her clothes wont go away. That was a month ago. I really think my sinuses are damaged from either the de-icer that the state puts down on the roads or from what ever they have been puting in our gas since they have made it low sulfer. Perhaps removing the sulfur leaves too much unburned waste in the air.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The acrid smell I am always experiencing is more like the stale ashes in a fireplace.  For the first year, I just thought it was the old house I was living in.  Then I noticed I still sensed the strong smell in other's homes.  Now I have moved to a different home in a different city and still have this acrid, irritating smell constantly in my nose. You guys who are seeing doctors, do post the results.  I have no allergies and have never taken any antidepressants.  So those are not the connections.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i recently started smelling cigerette smoke. We lit a fire in the fireplace a few weeks back, and I kept complaining that the ashes residue was killing me. I couldnt breathe. My husband cleaned it, but the odor continued. Now its constant. In my house, at work, anywhere I happen to be. My mouth feels dry, food tastes terrible, I feel sick often. I read all these posts with NO answers. Please if anyone figures this out....post it
I truly thought I was loosing it!  Its nice to know im not alone
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have been smelling cigarette smoke for the past couple of months. Just recently it has gotten so bad that I have been having coughing fits and chest pains. I am in my early 30s, never smoked, am not around anyone that does, and rarely go any place where there is smoking. Never had allergies or sinus problems-perfect bill of health...except this problem! My husband thinks I should go to the doctor and check for mold infection, but don't want to waste my time if someone knows something better.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I know a person who went through that and it turned out that the skoer that lived downstairs from her was a heavy smoker and it came up through the floors, or cracks. Just a suggestion but sometimes I am sure, someone has a child who is smoking behind the parents back. Taking a puff here and there in the other room, or if it is raining out gets in the car and thinks he gets it out the window or you won't notice. Also there is truth to the fact that someone can smell things that are not there. Or something can smell like something else.
Example. I was an interior painter for 20 yrs. I had allergy to polyester but did not know that was my problem. And when I tried to use a respirator or dust mask, the poly in my mask made me breath to fast and feel light headed like I couldnt get enough air. So I didn't use anything. After 20 yrs, this messed up my sense of smell some. And now for the last 10 years, I can smell something sticky that to me smells like someone is cooking brownies. And other people all say it is nothing like that.  I also mis smell other things. Ususally when it is faint. My brain must fill in the blanks or something. Crazy!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello everyone!

I've had the phantom smoke odor in my nose for the past month. I also had it about 2 years ago for a few months. I had no idea what was causing it. Initially I thought it was from allergies. Recently I read a post from an MD who said he was fairly certain it was a side effect from Acid Reflux. Since I've had acid reflux problems in the past (in the form of heartburn) I thought I'd try cutting out all of the acidy food/drink in my diet. So last week I stopped drinking coffee/tea in the morning and the one glass of (red) wine I usually have every evening. Wouldn't you know it! Within two days the smoke smell was gone! It's been a week now and the smell hasn't come back. It worked for me.....you might want to give it a try.

Signed,

Smokeless in Seattle
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
It worked for me as well, smell of smoke is gone. Thank you. You just confirmed it.
Avatar universal
Has anyone gotten an answer from a doctor? I keep researching online and haven't found anything of what could it possibly be medically. My physical is in two months and this constant of smelling of cigarette smoke when no one else smells is is making me ill to the point of nausia, litterally interfering with my life, affecting my mood and overall mental and physical being. I keep reading post here of people having this same problem but no real answer or solution. Is thare a doctor that can post here with a real answer of what it could possibly be? With me I've had it for the past 2 year on and off. It comes for a period of 3 to maybe 6 days. Now it has gotten worse being more frequently. No one smokes around me. I smell it everywhere even in smoke free enviroments. I go nuts putting out scented candles, oils, perfumes, spray my clothing and bedding, and air to no avail. Covering the nose helps momentarily, but then I'll still smelling it after a few minutes or even seconds. It's disrupting my life. Pinch my nose while breathing through my mouth helps the most, but I can't go around like that all day long. My family thinks I'm crazy.
PLEASSSSSSSE!!!!!!! There has to be a medical reason for this and a solution.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Acid Reflux
Avatar universal
I have experienced "cigarette-smoke-smell-where-there-isn't-any" in my nostrils.  It is extremely distracting and annoying.  It began several years ago, and was sporadic.  It recently became constant.    I do not have acid reflux.  I am nowhere near smokers (I am an educator in a special education elementary school) so I know there is no real cigarette smoke.  I take an anti-depressant, but I experienced the smell when I was not on anti-depressants.  So, where does that leave us?  Frustrated!  Any suggestions would be helpful.  Thank you!    
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for allowing me to feel better. I just recently started smelling cigarette smoke constantly to. I to am a none smoker. I can be sitting in an area that is fresh as can be and start smelling it like someone is sitting next to me who just smoked, but no one is around me. What can I do? I read the one about placing menthol under the nostril. I will try anything. I can not stand the smell. It just started like a week to two weeks ago. My son does smoke and has a habit of smoking in my car with the windows down. He thinks I can not smell it, but WRONG, I can, but even when I am not in the car or not around him, I can still smell it. I to have to put my face in my shirt to get a good deep breath or take short ones. This is very annoying. Someone please find a solution or remedy.

Signed,
Never Smoked
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm 55 year-old female, just returned from Reno, where I was in casino's and thought this smoke smell was residue from that, but am beginning to doubt that.  I too have never smoked and although the odor is intermittent, it is certainly bothersome.  It has only been 5 days of it and keep hoping for it to resolve.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
YCA
Yes, it is strange but real. I am a physical scientist and given to questioning, reasoning, reading, researching. Other than an odd listing that connected "nasal inflammation" to a thyroid situation, I have only seen references to rhinitis (nasal infection).

Can a physician chime in? If it is an infection, do anti-biotics help? Thank you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Wow!  I just found out that I am not the only one who has this problem!  I cannot remember exactly when it started- it must have come on gradually, but it has been at least 2 -3 months now that I have had the sensation of smelling cigarette smoke just about everywhere.  Even in my own home where no one has ever smoked.  I can go to bed, wake up during the night , or in the morning and smell it.  I can smell it outside when I am out for a walk when no one else is around and even in the hospital where I work which is a smoke-free campus.  It is becoming so disturbing to me as I find the smell so offensive and I am unable to detect other scents normally unless they are particularly strong.  I don't know if this is important enough to contact my healthcare provider for.....?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just started smelling cigarette smoke constantly last week.  Like others, I have been looking for that hidden smoker but never finding one. I work in a convent, no smokers there.  Neither my husband nor I smoke.  We have no visitors who smoke. We live in a house, no attached apartments.  No mater where I am, I smell it.  I thought it was my clothes, or lingering in my hair, etc.  But no one else smells it.  I don't have acid-reflux. I do take a sleep aid, a few supplements and multivitamins.  I am just entering the hot-flash stage of menopause, so maybe it's hormonal?  Whatever it is, I smell the cigarette smoke, it makes my eyes burn and my throat scratchy, and it gives me a headache.  I am munching wintergreen candies like crazy and using after shoewer scents to help.  Threse things are only temorary at best.  It would be good to kow if there is an external air quality issue being caused by the city  Or if it might be hormonal.

At least I am 1-up ust finding I'm not alone.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Allergy Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms.
Find out if your city is a top "allergy capital."
Find out which foods you should watch out for.
If you’re one of the 35 million Americans who suffer from hay fever, read on for what plants are to blame, where to find them and how to get relief.
Allergist Dr. Lily Pien answers Medhelp users' most pressing allergy-related questions
When you start sniffling and sneezing, you know spring has sprung. Check out these four natural remedies to nix spring allergies.