It’s been 10 days since I started smelling nothing but this horrifying fume like smell in my nose and throat. It’s sort of like a mixture of snot, blood, rotten onion, burnt cable, dead flesh, ammonia type smell which is hard to describe. Not only this is all I smell now but everything tastes the same way too. I feel it in my nose and throat 24/7. It’s a pain to even brush my teeth. Anything I attempt to smell like food or perfume only intensifies this horrid smell more. I don’t even need to smell anything, just breathing is enough. What is more disturbing is that I still couldn’t find any satisfactory answers to what exactly is going on.
The doctors I’ve seen so far have been pretty useless. I’m going to try a new ENT specialist on Monday. They finally called from the Smell and Taste Clinic in Richmond with an appointment date after taking a whole week to get back to me. It is for June 4th! I have over a month to suffer before they can even start doing any tests on me!!
I hope I can survive this death gas and not lose my mind in the mean time. Not only it’s gross and nauseating but it also burns my tongue, throat, nose and ears. It makes me choke and makes it very difficult to breathe. I feel like I am stuck in a bubble with no escape. I am so tired of smelling and swallowing fumes. Everything I eat tastes like poison just like the smell. I am so desperate to find a cure, yet so in shock to see no doctor seems to care or understand the urgency of the situation.
My palate also got sore last Saturday all of a sudden for no apparent reason to me. The skin right behind my upper front teeth is all wrinkled and sore to the touch which makes it even harder to eat, drink or talk. There’s a constant burning sensation on my palate. I tried to get some answers from the doctors and the dentist but nothing so far. No one seems to know anything or even care. I might have to end up getting in the medical field myself to maybe find a cure or at least some answers!
How an ENT doctor doesn’t know the relation of the ear and the nose is beyond me. He didn’t even know of the smell and taste clinics in the area. He doesn’t do any smell tests nor did he even look into my nose once to check it!?! He kept saying, “I don’t know why the nose would be affected from a fall next to the ear!!” He thought I should have lost my hearing, not the smell. Just a basic search on the net was enough for me to find out that ‘head injury’ was one of the leading causes of sudden smell loss. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to reach more detailed answers or specialists who could help.
423 comments
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May 21, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Jeanette
Oh how I feel for you I’ve been dealing with it since the beginning of 2006, It seems to get worse whenever it is warm or when I have the heat on… so I just stay as cool as possible I hate being cold but it sure seems to keep the putrid smell down a little bit and every little bit helps when all you smell is rotted meat. I don’t know if you read the other post I put up but I had a brain aneurysm clipping in November of 2005. And in the early part of the year I think it was actually February that the smell arrived and has been with me ever since!!!!
October 3, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Robin
I had all those symptoms too. I found out I had a fungus invading ALL of my sinus cavities.
I had to have surgery, but I also needed some dental work I couldn’t get taken care of, due the cost. I need a bridge on a back tooth, so I was saving for it. But I am now just having that tooth pulled, and will get to the bridge when I can afford it. I believe that the tooth is causing the problem. I have really gross slug like mucus coming from my nose. So I think the infection is still with me. I will post if that is the problem. But I think if you have any tooth on the top that is not healthy, it might be a mainline to infection in your sinus.
Best of luck,
May 21, 2015 at 1:13 am
Anonymous
I have had the the very same problem since December or maybe longer that that It’s so terrible to deal with What the Hell is causing this?! This is consuming me and ruing my life! ENT drs. just shake their heads and are either patronizing or just don’t care. I just had a ct scan yesterday and won’t hear back from them until friday It will probably be normal and dr will say it’s all in my head or give me Venlafaxine(anti-depressant) supposedly it helps to fix some kind problem with that sort of thing blah blah blah. Will snorting a line of Vicks Vapor Rub help LOL other than going to medical school and become a doctor to cure yourself ’cause other doctors are incompetent and/or just don’t care GOD BLESS I WILL PRAY FOR ALL OF US
September 29, 2015 at 3:56 pm
barb
what was diaganosis i have it too had ct normal might have to get mri
May 21, 2007 at 10:51 am
Ipek
I totally agree that heat seems to worsen the bad smell. Hot food smells and tastes worse too. I try to eat cool and refreshing things like salad which don’t add much extra smell to intensify the stink. I don’t like being cold either but even the hot air in the car that’s been sitting in the sun is unbearable. It almost makes me choke when I open the door.
My parosmia/dysosmia started about 3 weeks after my head injury, whereas anosmia started immediately. Some doctors say it might be a good sign that the nerves could be regenerating; that some smell is better than no smell but no one really knows for sure. This rancid smell seems to take over your life, as that deadly stink is ALL I smell and taste.
The last ENT I saw gave me a sample of Nasonex for my congested nose. Some say Nasonex helps with their phantom smell. I am not sure if it’s helping me or not yet. I still smell the stink at all times. I hope you can find something soon to help with your bad symptoms. Hang in there!
May 6, 2013 at 7:15 am
Anonymous
Hello Ipek, I just came upon your post as I was researching my predicament.
My name is Jean, I am a 53 year-old man, I live in Montreal. My situation seems to mirror yours. Needless to say that it has been an awful experience for the last five weks.
I wonder how you faired in this? I Hope that things have gotten better since then. Please try to email directly if you can provide some feedback and progress report. Warmest regards..
jbleica@gmail.com
August 9, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Bill Apfel
Carry a bag of coffee beans with you.
http://www.bellasugar.com/Why-Do-We-Smell-Coffee-Beans-Between-Fragrances-2671566
July 8, 2014 at 8:10 pm
Anonymous
I have had a similar problem but I don’t taste the stink, it just smelled up the whole house. I started drinking hot green tea and eating activia yogart which is really great for bacteria and fungus and Candida which can invade your mouth throat and sinuses. Try the activia for about a week and incorporate the green tea in after a week. It will neutralize the smell.
May 17, 2017 at 6:03 am
Belinda Frew
Hello ipek I was just wondering if you could please please let me know how you are going? If ur smell has returned?? I had a head injury in jan. And have ur exact same symptoms, anosmia straight away then this horrible smell constantly weeks later, it has been 4 months and I’m so depressed about it, it’s killing me if you could please reply I would be so grateful 🙂 I feel so alone in this nobody I know has heard of it let alone experienced this! Thank you so much Ipek frewbean@hotmail.com 🙂 🙂
May 21, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Jeanette
Yes I haven’t been able to smell anything other that that and it is 24/7 and wakes me up in the middle of the night, Lately I’ve been tasting it also, I can still taste my food as long as I over power it with seasonings.
As for the whole picture, The last thing I smelled was the operating room which as I’m sure you will remember that smells like !!!It didn’t really hit me that I couldn’t smell until about 4 days after my surgery, I was looking at all the flowers that my friends and family had sent me and someone said that they were really strong smelling and it hit me then……..I couldn’t smell, I just figured that after a major brain surgery that I was just really out of it. Which I was.
Yes it does seem to take over my life. My family and friends say that I am a different person and I seem crabby alot….. and on occasion I say” Well if all you smelled was rotten meat or burnt flesh you would be too. They at times forget that I can’t smell anything but that. Oh well Thank you for letting me talk to someone who understands about what I smell, hopefully your Dr will figure it out for you. Maybe there is hope!!!!!!!!
January 9, 2010 at 5:17 pm
LJ
What if there is hope in a different form? Would you be open minded to collect data in order to make an informed decision? I had serious loss of smell suddenly. I smelled nothing but dirt. I tasted nothing but dirt. Gas at the gas station smelled very horrible… can’t describe it. I could not smell firework when my boys were playing with them. I couldn’t cook large meals anymore. I thought I was loosing it. I went to the doctor and was given no hope. Of course we don’t have insurance either.
I found the answer… and it was literally under my nose!
I have been slowly but surely regaining smell, things I could not smell, and it has continued to get better over the last year and a half. It is kind of like healing like breaking a leg…. it has not been over night and I no longer taste dirt, or smell dirt. I am starting to enjoy certain perfumes again. I can enjoy cooking/tasting again.
If all you want is to smell again…I can share what has worked for me. I truly did not believe it could happen. I thank the good Lord above, for the gift to smell again. All I want to do is offer hope to those that may want it~I have a moral obligation to pay it forward!
I want to wish all of you a Happy New Year.
January 25, 2010 at 1:38 pm
sherry
Are you looking for money or something? Why would you not just post what worked for you when you know we are all suffering?
February 18, 2010 at 4:15 am
Simba
“If all you want is to smell again…I can share what has worked for me.” Please share with me.
Simba
October 3, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Robin
Was it in your sinus?
March 20, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Anonymous
TELL me YOUR CURE—tHANKS
July 3, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Dad
So what is the answer? I have no sense of smell since a head injury a year ago. The phantom smells come and go. I was a great cook; but now, I cannot smell and as a result taste spices anymore. I have asked God for healing. No doctor offers any encouragement. I am willing to try something.
Father and husband wishing for healing
anonymouslysmith@yahoo.com
October 15, 2011 at 6:48 am
Beverly Porter
Hi my name is Beverly and suddenly last month out of no where i started to smell cigarette smoke. It happened 2 days after a friend came over and smoked on my terrace with the door open. I went to the Dr. and he said that it was possible to get scents trapped into your sinuses. He gave me antibiotics for a bacterial infection and the scent went away. Unfortunately it’s only been about 2 weeks free of smelling the smoke and it’s back! I went to my daughters house and she had a smoker there but we were outside while the person was smoking. I immediately moved away from the strong scent but later walked right by her smoking again. 3 days later i started to smell the smoke again. My Dr. thinks it’s allergies but if that so…why did the antibiotics help the first time. This scent is really upsetting me and i’m losing sleep. Can you please tell me what you did so that i can try it. Please.
Beverly
November 11, 2011 at 10:40 pm
Anonymous
I am now suffering from this. It has been almost 4 months now. I threw up every time I smelled anything. I went to the ER for dehydration and they put me in the hospital for fluids and metals. After testing they did emergency gallbladder surgery. That did not fix the problem. I was throwing up right after surgery and it has not stopped. I am now seeing a neurologist who is running test. I have had an upper GI, stomach emptying function, MRI of the brain, a ton of blood work, and will have a spinal tap next week. I found out that if I wear a swimming nose piece that I can eat and the vomiting has eased. I have lost over 25 pounds and can not even clean house or cook. I am just now getting strength to walk around and do little things for myself. Now we are just waiting!!! How are you?
December 21, 2011 at 8:35 pm
stephanie
please tell me your answer my mother is suffering with this
January 9, 2012 at 6:14 pm
missy
try zinc i had a relief of symptoms not totally gone but i can smell differently now it’s weird
December 12, 2013 at 4:22 am
Diane Stevens Carroll
please can you share with me the way to get rid of this awful smell and taste in my mouth and my skin even smells of it I cant eat or sleep its driving me crazy
February 23, 2014 at 3:17 pm
Anonymous
It’s your
February 23, 2014 at 3:22 pm
Anonymous
If it’s your ‘moral obligation to pay it forward’ please do. These folks may still need your information. Or, is the answer right under our noses?? Do you suggest that we pray? Or maybe you simply left the solution out of your post by mistake.
September 6, 2014 at 9:09 am
Chris Gurl
Lj. Please help. I haven’t been able to smell for over 5 yearsit’s killing me and putting my family in danger.I couldn’t smell a gas leak, or when something was burning. HELP!!!!! What do I have to do?
May 21, 2015 at 1:32 am
Anonymous
What was your answer what did you actually do? You seemed rather vague. No disrespect but i need to know. Did it just heal on its own???
I’m glad for you GOD BLESS YOU!!!
July 11, 2015 at 11:15 am
Anonymous
Please please share what you are doing! My husband has been suffering with this for nearly a year with no hope!
May 17, 2016 at 9:46 am
Marilynn Braile
what can you share for all of us sufferers???????
December 24, 2017 at 7:07 pm
Kitty
Lj. Why would you post something like this and not tell us the solution when we are all suffering so badly. That is very mean and cruel.
November 18, 2011 at 11:37 am
Anonymous
Hey All, I sympathize with all who have this issue. I had it for a whole year, 24/7!!!! Made me sick to my stomach and found myself running outside to get fresh air to soothe it a little. All from nose burning, to loss of apetite, nausea, etc… In my case it was a result of anxiety, depression!! My doctors confirmed it and you will find many references to it on the internet. Psychological related issues may sometimes be difficult to identify. Once you learn to identify the triggers you will be able to control the smells. After 4 years, i still have the occasional smell (a few times a week) but nothing like it used to be. My doctors have told me that I may never be able to get rid of the smell. It would seem that my body has developed this extra sense. The smell usually appears when i have some form of physical pain or something is causing me some form of anxiety. Believe it!!! its true!!
November 18, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Tony
Hi all,
Something that may help some of you!
I’ve been getting temporary relief by keeping a glass of espresso coffee beans on my desk at work. Whenever it get a heavy whaf of the smell I put the glass to my nose take a wiff and it goes away for a while.
Same effect when you go to the perfume counter at the deparmnet stores and use the coffe beans to clear your nose from all the scents.
Hmmm, wondering if the onset of this was triggered by some environmental stress such as a chemical in colognes which I seem to be sensitive to or something else.
-TU
May 21, 2015 at 1:43 am
Anonymous
Are you taking Anti-depressants and/ or anti-anxiety medication I have been under a ton of stress since December. I sprained my left wrist then a couple of days later i sprained my right knee then my computer shut down on me then Christmas came and I had to shop like a maniac. make cookies I thought January would be a good start for the new year but then my Mom passed away So hard!! I’m so glad for you that things are going better for you! Maybe there’s hope I had a ct scan yesterday and ENT dr. will be able to tell me the results then I have dentist apt in June I’ll pray GOD BLESS YOU!!!
June 1, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Jeanette
Hey I have an update for my nasty smell I go see a Doctor on Thursday the 7th at the Rothman Institute. WWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO
I’m hoping they might be able to figure it out!!! My Neurosurgeon says he is the best in the area on loss of smell and taste. Ipek I hope ghe comes up with something for me and maybe for you as well, Neurosurgery and injury to the head are pretty close!!!!! I’ll let ya knnow what happens. Jeanette
May 17, 2017 at 6:12 am
Belinda Frew
Hello how’s it going I was just wondering how u were going with the smelling? I would be so so grateful if u could let me know how you went, im a 28 year old cook, who fainted and hit my head in January, It is now end of may and I have no answers and still have anosmia and this constant horrible smell 24/7 😦 please write back thank you so much xox
June 2, 2007 at 11:19 am
Ipek
Hi Jeanette. I am glad to hear that. Who is this doctor? I have my appointment at the Smell and Taste Clinic in Richmond on Monday. I’ve been waiting for over a month now. Hope we can make some progress! Best wishes..
June 3, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Jeanette
I was so excited about the appt. that I forgot to confirm the Drs. name but I think she said Pervickin, I will call Monday to find out for sure.
I know the Rothman is an Orthopaedic place and I’m hoping that they lease out offices to other Drs. Otherwise I’m going to the wrong place.
Won’t that be a bummer? OK back to work.
June 3, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Jeanette
Gosh I forgot to say good luck with your appointment, so good luck
June 17, 2007 at 7:20 am
Alan
Hi, i recently went to doctors for blocked nose ears and throut felt like i my head was ready to blow up, he said it was a “head cold” and my ears was blocked with wax, so he gave me some pills and made any appointment to have my ears cleaned, i took all the pills, no i cant taste or smell anything except this nasty smell and taste (my gf said said my breath smells too, which i am guessing is the same thing i smell/taste 24/7) i am drinking all the time just to get rid of the taste for a few seconds eating currys and still cant even taste them, its driving me insane, the doctors dont have a clue what it is, everyone just looks at my like i am making a mountain out of a mole hill but if it doesnt get cured soon i think ill go insane 😦
Anyone help??
June 19, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Ipek
Hi Alan. I am sorry to hear about your problems. Unfortunately, smell disorders do exist and very little is known about them. Have you tried saline solution? It helps some people with the horrible smell. It doesn’t get rid of the nasty smell but it makes it a bit more bearable. Yours sounds like a viral problem so you should have a better chance of recovery. What pills are you taking? Keep us updated.
June 24, 2007 at 5:54 am
Alan
i been to the doctors, and he gave me some nose spray (nasonex) and some decongestants and said if it doesnt help come back in 2 weeks, at the moment it has made no diff what so ever, going abit nuts with it now, its really had to explain to people what its like they just think u are making a big deal out of nothing, but its like having a REALLY bad smell 24/7 like sniffing a rotting piece of meat non stop or somthing 😦
June 25, 2007 at 11:58 am
Kat
Hi,
I just recently started having this “rotten, rancid” smell and or taste. It started after a head cold in which I used Zicam.
I was hoping it was tempory, but I have had it over a month now.
It is driving me CRAZY! I am not able to smell or taste anything “good”. Even brushing my teeth is horrible!
The smell/taste never stops.
I also worry about my own body odor. I can’t even tell if I have any! This is a night mare.
I haven’t been to the Dr. yet, but I intend to go as soon as I can get an appointment.
July 7, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Ipek
Unfortunately I know how you feel Kat. You’re not the first one to have smell disorders caused by Zicam. There are lawsuits against them I believe.
Did you try saline? It helps some with the rotten smell. In my case, nothing seems to help. Smell loss due to head injury seems to be the hardest to recover from. Other causes like viral or sinus problems have more chances. How did the doctor appointment go?
August 29, 2007 at 12:39 am
Molly
I am saddened for all of you, as I am suffering from the same thing. I had a bilaterial sinus lift in February 2007 and have been very ill ever since. I have this horrible smell also. I had an MRI on August 26th, 2007 and I’m waiting for the results. It has been devastating. Try this website, it might help you in some magical way. I pray all of you will find a solution to this terrible problem. http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/surgery/otolaryngology/nasal/types.htm
September 13, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Anthony
Hey I got a cold recently like yesterday actually. The only thing i have took to help my cold was 1 Advil and those tablets that dissolve in the water. I just started getting this bad smell in my nose like an hour ago and decided to check it out the internet. Seems like a lot of people here and there have had this problem for years. I hope mine doesn’t last that long =( …. Ive always had somewhat of a cloggy nose my whole life and minor sinus problems but I never had to take any medication for it. I’m just confused right now.
September 13, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Anthony
I have not had a head injury though or anything like that. This kinda just started out of nowhere I can still smell things to but my nose is kinda cloggy so not that much.
October 28, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Anonymous
Since your mouth is sore and peeling, might you want to check your vitamin B12 level?
November 8, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Louise
I have that smell and I found out it was because of a rotting tooth, luckily its fixed now today and the taste of the rotting tooth as the dentist didn’t clean my mouth out properly made me quite sick. But it’s going.
December 26, 2007 at 11:43 am
Thom
I have experiencing phantom smells(mostly of a smoke like smell) and rancid tatses that my doctor says is due to my kidney deisease. I am hopefull that someone has a suggestion as to what to do to get rid of it or lesson the symptoms.
February 21, 2011 at 2:21 pm
according2joanne
Smoke smell….rancid and putrid and completely overwhelming.
I started smelling cigarette smoke in my home for almost a year now. Nobody smokes as it is a completely smoke-free home!
I absolutely know that it is cigarette smoke as I used to be a smoker and I am now a reformed ex-smoker. I quit 3 and a half years ago.
Anyway, I am going insane to say the least. I cannot take it anymore!!!
Here are the symptoms I have everytime the smoke invades my home:
1. a rancid, putrid smell enters my nose and lands in my sinus cavity and the smell is so overwhelming
2. then it hurts my brain as though it is being squeezed
3. a taste of tabacco lands on my tongue and down my throat
4. I get very very nautious
5. It gets difficult to breathe
6. Mucous forms down the back of my throat
7. My nose gets congested
8. I feel somewhat dizzy
9. …and I get extremely angry as though an automatic button gets pushed. I can’t even help myself…even when I tell myself, “this time I will take it and not react!” Noway….that anger feeling comes no matter what.
I believe that my body recognizes the cigarette smoke as a “huge toxin” to me and reacts similarly like a bad allergy.
I also am very sensitive to other smells such as:
a) perfumes
b) cleaning products
c) anything with a fragrance in it
d) gasoline and other types of gases
e) exhaust
f) oil smells
etc…..
Sometimes I think I am “part” Bloodhound!
If bears can smell from 4 miles away…….why wouldn’t I be able to smell somebody smoking down the street or in the neighbourhood?
Help….please!
September 27, 2014 at 5:41 pm
Anonymous
Just wandering if you have ever had an MRI of your brain. I recently discovered I have a Chiari Malformation. It causes the symptoms you are describing
December 26, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Anonymous
I have had a bad smell and taste experience for some time now that really causes nausea I wish I could find the cause everything smells terrible and taste bad also, help!!!
December 26, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Anonymous
I have had a bad and taste for sometime food,perfumes make me nausus I always have this nausus feeling can anyone help?
January 12, 2008 at 1:04 am
John Joerg
Check out this website http://www.emofree.com/
EFT is related to acupuncture, but it involves tapping on specific meridians, and has accomplished all sorts of incredible cures. Watch the free video, and download the free manuscript that tells you exactly what to do. If you want further help, email me and I’ll send you my phone number, and I’ll work with you.
Will it work? We won’t know until we try. But it can’t hurt, and I’ll bet it will at least help, if not cure it. EFT is quantum energy psychology. The tapping on the meridians restores energy balances, and with that comes all sorts of cures.
January 13, 2008 at 9:18 pm
B-rad
I am glad to see that I am not the only one with this horrible issue ( for as sad as that sounds). The ENT I have been going to basically started out giving my Augmuentin 875, for 20 days, no real help. Did a CT scan , a little blockage, nothing major. Tried a 14 day round of Levaquin, no real help either. I have been doing a sinus rinse up to 5 times a day with no real help. The only foods I can stand to eat are Rice crispy bars, carrots and celery. What a diet, huh! I have found most meats, especially hot dogs, taste like severely rotted meat. The temperature of food also affects the intensity of the ammonia/ rooten meat/ exhaust fumes smell. Anything that has an odor or smell is really skewed, usually really strong ammonia, especially with foods that are cooking. I have found with the sinus rinse, my sinus roughly behind my eyes holds the saline and cant drain. It is enough to hear it slosh when I shake my head! I am at the point of trying to find a smell/ taste clinic in the Omaha NE area, any suggestions??
Good luck to all, maybe we can find a cure!!
June 15, 2010 at 12:55 am
CathyZ
I have recently begun smelling exhaust fumes all the time when there are clearly none present. I mentioned this to my PCM today who told me it sounds likely allergies are acting up & gave me some nasal spray! I wondered if maybe he hadn’t heard me?! Then I thought mYbe I should not peruse this any further on the off chance that my next residence be a rubber-lined room…because at this point I wAs beginning to wonder whether the problem was my nose or my mind. Boy was I relieved to find this website! This is not a case of misery loving company- Ipray we all wake up cured tomorrow- but there is always comfort in realizing you are not alone and are probably still holding on to a modicum of sanity! The main reason for my post, however is to contact B-rad as I am also in the Omaha,NE area and ask about your successes in locating someone? Thus far I have read about a Dr. Donald Leopold at UNMC but have seen no other lists…are you familiar or can you make other recommendations?
September 4, 2010 at 6:53 am
Jeremiah
I am so perplexed that doctors seem to know nothing about this. You think with all there training and seminars and stuff they would be more well informed. Especially on something that apparently so many people suffer with. And I mean suffer!
I have also heard of a bad tooth can cause this rotting meat/bad smell as well as running nose. I have heard that it could be caused by sinusitis – an anaerobic bacterial disease of sinus maxillaris (antrum), especially as the cause of communication between root of a tooth and maxillar sinus.
I got mine from a tooth that went bad and needed to either have a root canal and be crowned or had to be pulled. Which sucks because it was the number #3 molar which is a triple root tooth. (kind of hard to pull)
I decided to pull it because have heard of a lot of stories of people with a bad tooth infection who get a crown done and later down the road the infection stayed harbored up in the top of the tooth and created more bad smells, pain, and problems. Causing them to have to re-do a root canal. My advice is to have a very good Endodontist with adequate experience if you want root canal when having a bad tooth infection. Remember usually costs about $995 for root canal. Although pulling a tooth is usually around $200-300. which you can always have an implant done in future. Preferably with good dental insurance. Because implats cost around $4000 a pop without insurance. OOuch!!!
I have fungal sinusitis, which is chronic. Most doctors will not recognize this as a condition because they assume that yeast infections are controlled by our immune system, unless you have HIV or another auto immue disease.
The Mayo Clinic has done much research on this. It appears by their data, and other labs have verified it, that everyone who has chronic allergies and sinus infections has fugal sinusitis. The fungus grows, the esinophiles in your immune system attack it and kill it, but in the process the proteins released by the esinophiles tear tissue in the sinuses and opens them for bacterial infection.
When you think you are having allergies, it is the yeast being attacked by the esinophiles, not histamines. So allergy meds often don’t work well. Then after your so called allergies stop, you are left with a sinus infection.
The use of antibiotics and steriods will make this condition worse. The antibiotics change the body chemistry to the extent that the yeast can grow and the immune system cannot fight it off. Steroids kill the immune system, so the yeast gets worse and often can go into the lungs and cause asthma. The Mayo Clinic has also found fungal residue in all asthma patients. They have shown that using anti fungals orally will greatly help asthma patients. It helps them so much, they don’t even need their inhalers.
I use a nasal irrigation system at least three times a day. I also get nasal irrigation medications from Sinucare. I use an antifungal wash and an antibiotic wash. Both are used topically in the sinuses. Unless you are dying and have no choice, do not use antibiotics orally and never intraveinous.
I have been off antibiotics and doing this irrigation routine for 2 1/2 years, and I am normal most of the time. This condition is chronic and will never go away. So I’m always fighting the yeast, then bacteria. The immune system gets tired and it always comes back, especially if you get stressed.
When I have fungal balls in my nose I can smell ammonia, garbage, or this weird hard to explain smell. Its like a waxy perfumey smell. But, they wash out and after a day, it goes away for a while.
Also, probiotics, which antibiotics kill, are important to take on a regular basis.
Do some fungal sinusitis research on the web, and good luck finding a doctor to listen to you. You can go to Sinucare (www.sinuspray.com) and they may be able to help you find a doctor in your area who understands. You need a prescription to get the sinus washes.
I went to a doctor and took all my research data, papers, ect. and I gave him a presentation of the Mayo Clinic research. So now he gives me prescriptions for the washes. But he had never heard of the Mayo data until I told him.
Here is a link to a summery of the Mayo study. They did this in 1999!
http://www.mayoclinic.org/ent-rst/chronicsinus.html
BTW do not take this post as a definite solution to your problem. Always consulate a Doctor, Dentist, Oral surgeon, or Endodontist. As always symptoms can be similar to other problems or infections.
September 4, 2010 at 6:57 am
Jeremiah
Good luck everyone with all your problems. I have a deep sympathy for all people who struggle with this. Hope the info helps! Good luck. copy and spread info if it works for you. add your results. It’s funny, we’re like are own doctors here. I always wanted to be a doctor!! God Bless!
January 5, 2016 at 12:06 am
Marilyn mckay
Thank you Jeremiah. Your info was most helpful.
January 17, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Deloris
Mine started two years ago. Was rehabbing house and removing old plaster ceilings and walls, infested with years of mouse & roach debris. Don’t know if this has anything to do with my parosmia. At the same time, had just started taking Nexium, which I now know lists parosmia as a side effect. Also was taking Zetia, which caused extreme nasal congestion and runny nose. I did not know this was caused by the Zetia. I took psuedophedrine several times a day to treat the constant runny nose. I just learned today that psuedophedrine can also alter smell.
During the rehabbing, we went to Subway for lunch everyday. The odor started then. They were heating my sandwich when it started. Today, everything associated with that sandwich when it started is what sets off the bad odors. Heating elements, fiber (as from the bread and wrapper), fast-food restaurants, and now it has increased to include most cooked foods, breads, glutens, etc. Only raw food does not set it off.
Has anyone found any relief? What have you tried? Is there any value to all of us submitting a profile of our problems to a Smell and Taste clinic for research, to see if they can locate a common thread that will give clues for a treatment? If we can present to the clinic profiles from a large number of people suffering from this dreadful affliction, perhaps they will see that many people are affected by it and it is not an isolated condition.
January 22, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Charles
Glad to find this site.
I’m going to my ENT tomorrow. He’s pretty good. If he can fix mine, I’ll let you know.
Mine started on a cruise. I complained to my wife that the ocean “smelled bad”. It just got worse from that day.
Thing is, mine is just bad smell. I can go get a MickeyD and it smells awful, however, when I eat it it’s ok!
My smeller gets worse every day, but some days (rare) are not so bad and even clear.
Cooking is a BIG problem!! Big smell…… and I really can’t describe it. Nothing like I’ve ever smelled before but very strong especially with things that smell strong usually.
I’ve always had sinus problems and maybe this is part of that problem.
See you tomorrow!
November 3, 2015 at 1:06 am
Joy Hampton
mine started with smell only 6 mo. ago. Now progressing to a chemical taste on salads eaten out and sunflower seeds freeze dried. Took major anti biotics before and omniprozol for acid reflux, right before this started. I also had problems with mouth/ Dental but realize this was due to H pylory infection. Still trying to get rid of awfull and sweet and sulfer smells and bad tasting foods.
January 23, 2008 at 12:04 am
DJL
Mine started in Vietnam over this Christmas break07/08. On my second day in Saigon everything started to smell like burnt sugar cane or wet dog. Everything i was eating had this smell and taste too. I thought i was going crazy.It subsided a little but has returned to almost its worst level with the onset of a head cold that has left me with a stuffed runny nose. i also have been burping alot. The burps were quite “eggy” and my flatulance had a very hi sulphur like smell.
I am beginning to thing this may be associated with giardia.. a stomach parasite found in most water supplies of developing countries.
I have not seen a doctor yet but i am going to get tested and treated for that. A hunch tells me that it maybe linked to this.
I will keep you posted.
January 28, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Beth
I smell diesel fuel all the time. It’s like car exhaust. It’s driving me crazy!!! I hope yours went away, please tell me there’s hope!
August 25, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Lorna
Hi Beth
Just read your comments re: smelling diesel fumes. This is happening to me and I wonder if you’ve found a cure or cause for this weird symptom? I’m taking prescription drugs (Femara) and wonder if it could be a side-effect, although can’t find anything online. Any help you can give would be appreciated. Thanks – Lorna
March 3, 2010 at 8:37 am
Karen
Hi,
Ureeka! I finally found someone with the same issue. I smell and tast diesel fuel. It is driving me crazy! Is there anything you can tell me that may help?
March 18, 2010 at 11:14 am
AJ
Wow, I can’t believe someone else out there smells phantom diesel fumes! I thought it was just me!
It seems to be an intermittent thing. I have no idea what makes it come, or go.
January 15, 2015 at 8:41 pm
Lucie Dumoulin
same here… started one day just like that… nothing really happened… but started to smell that exaust fume… or diesel… whatever gas… and it come and go… I need a plug on my nose…lol… or if I put my nose in my sweather… I can’t smell the exaust fume… so funny… like an phantom following me… a new friend enemy…lol… when i keep busy… i do not smell it as much… i guess my phantom is not always following me if I get faster then him in my moves.
January 30, 2008 at 3:42 pm
jeff n
I’ve been reading all of your experiences, and they all seem to be persistant and unpleasant – my best wishes to all of you to conquer this. My situation is a bit different: once every few weeks to once every few months, mostly while I’m sleeping, a horrific odor and resulting taste shows up, lasts for a minute or two. Last night it jarred me so violent out of a sleep that I bit my tounge. I can’t even describe the taste/smell, all I know is that while it’s happening, I panic. Anybody experiencing this?
March 3, 2011 at 6:06 pm
Twinkie King
This odd phantom “smell” thing just started on me a few days ago. I woke up from a nap smelling a strong smell of spoiled vegetable soup with crackers added. I jumped up and tried to find what it was, but, of course, didn’t find a thing. Since that, I’ve caught a slight whiff of the odor but no more full on assaults like the other day. Was yucky! I envy those who smell pleasant fragrances. This is weird. I’ve had a cold and the flu this winter and sinuses are cruddy. That may be it. I notice most of these posts are from 2008. How goes it now?
May 15, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Debbie
I woke up last night with this sudden phantom smell-taste in my mouth that was so disturbing I could not go back to sleep. It lasted a few seconds only, but it keep re-occurring every few minutes, each time a bit less intense, but still horrible. It smelled/tasted like a skunk had let loose inside my mouth. I wound up calling a 24 our pharmacy, but could not find such a side effect listed on any of my meds.
I most recently have been using ALDARA skin cream for treatment of small Basal Carcinoma cells, and have experienced the ‘flu-like’ side effects that it warns of. I am wondering if this awful smell-taste is an unreported side effect of that cream.
It was so disturbing I went to the ER. They checked me out, advised to stop using the ALDARA, but had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned the phantom smell or taste.
Now, about 20 hours later, the taste lingers slightly in my mouth.
Has anyone ever experienced such a symptom?
August 18, 2011 at 7:53 am
Jeannie Whitlock
Debbie, I started having this bad smell/taste sensation beginning in the middle of July. It is worse when I swallow, no pain just the smell/taste. I, too, was using Aldara for annulare granuloma on my arm. I have been using it for several years and just started reading the frightening effects of this seemingly harmless medication. I have had a bout of cold sores and flu-like symptoms since March and now this strange taste thing. I’m afraid that I have permanently damaged my immune system. I have an appointment with my GP at the end of the month for a physical. I plan on bringing up my concerns then. I just wanted you to know that I, like you, was using Aldara and now we seem to have the same weird problem.
January 31, 2008 at 9:42 pm
doug
I’ve been without a full time sense of smell for about 9 years. I had terrible nasal polyps, which were removed. This was supposed to fix the problem, but no luck. The only thing that brings my sense back is a course of prednisone, a cortical steroid, which I receive maybe twice a year to help keep my newly regrown polyps in check.
My ENT said the main reason for my condition is I have an over active immune system. My sinuses believe they are always fighting off a disease so they swell up and generate to much mucous, which cuts off access to the ofactory nerves at the top of the sinus cavity.
I do take Flonase/nasonex.
I also started taking alpha lipoic acid about a month ago and lo and behold a very, very small amount of smell has come back a few times. My dr. said to give it three months. The only other thing I’m goind different is putting my head down when I use my spray. Another dr. suggested gravity might help the medecine get to the top of my sinuses and make it more effective.
If the alpha lipoic acid is a cure I will be one happy person.
February 6, 2008 at 11:43 pm
jhj
this problem is caused by candida glabrata a super yeast that dosent respond to most candida medications.
November 3, 2015 at 1:11 am
Joy Hampton
what does the candida glabrata respond too? Garlic? Coconut oil?
February 7, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Lauren
I am also experiencing this disgusting smell and taste but it comes and goes as it pleases. I also first noticed this strange smell and taste at Subway…while eating a chicken teriyaki sandwich…strange. It likes to show up on days where there is good food to eat (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Super Bowl) and makes me crazy! I went to the ENT today and I am going in for a CT scan soon. Hopefully they can find what is wrong. My ENT also said that this problem can be caused by my tonsils which are inflamed constantly. I also have frequent tonsilitis…so they are going to remove my tonsils. Not a fun surgery to have but I sure hope it helps!
January 4, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Anonymous
I had my tonsils removed and still have the smell everyday. 😦
February 8, 2008 at 6:11 am
Help me
its so disgusting.
everything tastes like it..
Nothing i can do to stop it.
its everywhere.
cant escape it.
February 8, 2008 at 9:01 pm
charles
Update on posting Jan 22.
Went to my ENT. he has never encountered this “smell” thing.
Took x-rays and they were ok.
Took 2 weeks to get a MRI approved by insurance. Had that and the results were ok also except for sinus block on right side.
Started a regimen of steroids, plus anti-biotics and a spray called VERAMYST.
Takes 20 days.
Also noticed that smell was worse when I ingest salt.
Will repost after 21 days.
Also, jeff n. …… my smell thing started EXACTLY as you describe. That was way early last year after a dust storm. Haven’t hade that symptom, but it has progressed into my “bad smell” thinggy.
February 20, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Diane
Beth,
I too am smelling exhaust fumes since last spring. It smells as if my nose is connected to an exhaust hose on a car! It comes and goes, but my sense of taste hasn’t been effected. I went to the dentist and have a cavity that I am getting taken care of soon, so I will see if that is it. I am also going to go to my primary doctor and ask to see a neurologist as I read brain tumors can also be a cause. I have more gas recently as well. It is reassuring to know I am not losing my mind here!
August 25, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Lorna
Hi Diane
Just read your comments re: smelling diesel fumes. This is happening to me and I wonder if you’ve found a cure or cause for this weird symptom? I’m taking prescription drugs (Femara) and wonder if it could be a side-effect, although can’t find anything online. Any help you can give would be appreciated. Thanks – Lorna
June 28, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Anonymous
I have been suffering this for years. Even now as I’m writing this, there is a strong smell of car fumes. It really is like having and exhaust pipe in your face constantly. Not only can I smell it but I can taste it and I always have a headache with it. It does go after a couple of weeks but is replaced by the smell of bushfires. A really stong smell of burning eucalypts. Both of which are not triggered by being anywhere near either cars or bushfires.
February 23, 2008 at 2:44 am
Heather
I’ve been sick this past week (fever, & aches sorta thing), but over the worst of it now & now it seems to be my sinuses mostly, which iv had sinus infections many, many, many times before but for the the past 2 days iv been experiencing this strange nasty smell with certain things. I’ve had in the past where iv lost sense of smell & taste but nothing distorted like this. It’s definitely hard to explain the smell, its kinda a bitter, rotten, chemical, foil kinda smell/taste & it seems to only be with condiments i believe so far, salad dressings, cocktail sauce, anything like that…im thinkin mayb its the vinegar in it but its driving me crazy….help!!!
February 19, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Tams
Its the garlic and onions in the condiments. read the labels everything has onions and or garlic. I started using mayonnaise and a little milk to put on my salads. this is a miserable existence. I have been suffering a year now, no one can help me!
February 25, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Acanthus
I sprayed Hartz Flea Spray on my couch, my bed, and the rugs. Then I left the house for 9 hours. (The directions said I only needed to not be around it the first couple of hours.) That was Jan 9. It is now Feb 24, and I still smell it. I replaced my throw rugs, the bedding, the couch cover. Ive vacuumed, mopped, washed clothing. I threw away clothing. I take the smell everywhere with me. I wash my jacket, and it’s okay for two days, then it starts smelling like that sweet chemical smell that I smell all the time. No one else can smell it.
They did a CT of my sinuses and nothing was abnormal. They checked my blood levels to make sure my liver and kidneys was able to metabolize it. Nothing wrong there.
It’s maddening. It’s a sweet chemical smell is all I can think of to describe it.
September 2, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Anonymous
The same thing is happening to me after using an upholstery flea spray! How did your predicament turn out?
February 26, 2008 at 10:20 am
Sue
Thank goodness I am not going mad having read all the above I am suffering with the same awful smell with car and bus fumes, cigarette smoke, coffee, onions.garlic.leeks, it is a problem with my eating habits now as most things make me feel sick with that dreadful smell such a shame as I really enjoyed cooking and eating before this smell appeared.
I have been to see an ENT consultant who has perscribed NEILMED SINURINSE which I have to squeeze up each nostril twice a day but everytime I do this the dreadead smell is still with me?
I do have a CT brain and sinus scan this Friday.
March 1, 2008 at 12:04 am
Stacie
Wow,I also have a snot like taste in my throat and nose,seems to be worst when I put my head upside down. No matter what I always taste or smell it,also had a tooth pulled. Thought perhaps it was infected,because there seem to be so much
pain there as well. Now I have no tooth and still snot smell and taste. HELP
March 3, 2008 at 12:15 pm
John
Have had sinus problems for years, infections and such. Recently have had a terrible smell around perfumes. They are overpowering and drive me to get away, serious odor! Thought it was the wifes and daughters perfume choices but even my own cologne is overpowering and sickening. Going to get commando with my health and see if that helps.
March 4, 2008 at 12:34 am
Anonymous
guys, i go through the same thing everytime i get nasal congestion, there is this putrid ammonia type smell that dominates certain foods, notably, ketchup. It’s horrible. It usually goes away concurrently with improvement in nasal symptoms.
March 16, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Hope
Hey everyone I feel a little better to know i’m not the only one. I have been suffering from this phantom chemical smell that happens mostly when i’m sleeping , it actually wakes me from sleep I start coughing feel like i’m choking and get this chemical smell. I just got woke up from a nap because of it except this time I really thought I was going nuts, I started coughing then the most powerful smell of amonia came over me it was like someone was holding an opened bottle of amonia right under my nose. It lasted about 20 min. it was so strong it brought tears to my eyes my husband came in the room and thought I had been crying. Thats when just for the heck of it I decided to google it and found out i’m not the only one. The causes i’ve read so far is head trauma, brain tumor, sinus problems, and kidney problems. I don’t know what to think. These attack things I get while i’m sleeping are getting more frequent and are kind of scary. I have actually got woke from a sound sleep gasping for air a few times and during the day it’s just a constant chemical burning sensation and smell. Has anyone else had anything like this or heard of the cause? ……………..help!!!!!!!!
August 31, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Jas
URGENTLY MUST READ ME FOR YOU MAY BE IN SERIOUS DANGER LIKE MY BF AND I WERE AND NO ONE SEEMED TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT EITHER NO HELPING HANDS LET ALONE EVEN BELIEVING US ABOUT WHAT WE WERE EXPERIENCING, Dont listen to these ignorant ppl, for it may be similar sources to what happened a yr ago to us. We had just moved into a new house settling in quite nice staying up late late to unpack but we still tried to go to sleep eventuallly, but anyhow one night at dinner time i went to feed my cats who still were scared of something and hiding all the time and not eating which they are usually obese and cant get enough but animals know when something is not right before you do, for when i cuddled them they smelt like strawberry shampoo or something which i thought was odd for thats never happened, but i just didnt think anything of it until late that night nearly morning when i went to go to bed the bed felt narrower for some reason smaller my bf said the same thing, it had just stopped raining and was cold so i had cranked up the ducted heating hours ago so i wasnt cold in bed bad idea, this temp awakens this beast of unknown smell which swooped though the door through all the rooms for hours then gone by sunrise and back again around the same time the first day we smelt it i remembered what the cats smelt like it was exactly that but with a stronger foul chemically gas revolting unbareable smell ontop of it which overpowered some days to the extreme where we became delirious and alful ill feet mutated at the heel for it was like acid through the carpets it burnt holes in my shoes gave us weird bruise like shapes all on our skin which the hosp said its discolouration of the skin which this happens from being poisened the docs said if we were there anylonger we would of died but this is the start of the worse part that happened which i wont go on and scare you but i will tell you this house was 50 times worse than what i thought satans hell would be like i mean my imagination didnt even think this could happen thats why its so unknown even by docs and this house got creapier and creapier every day that the smell entered it started off just like your storie even with the taste on the lips what ever that thing was scared everything i believed in into another galaxy and left me and my bf in a hole of dilierious confusion we went to a hotel straight after the hosp and slept 4 days straight didnt even wake up for drink toilet nothing its like we missed the days or they didnt happen but it was cause we were so disoriented and still not knowing what we had just freakyly witnessed i mean my feet went back to normal after a week but i couldnt walk before that week and my period guess what colour it was dont even think yuk like blood it was like fluro at a rave fluesent bright green for i had it through my entire system ive researched and still a yr later have found no stories similar until yours i have been researching plantation and chemistry to and figure cause its so rare and unbelievably unknown that maybe just so i have some sort of relaxation in stress relief with a idea of the conclusion that possibly it was a mutated form of fungus that had mixed with a potent plant or fruit and something else got mixed up in it to but without a doubt remember for example when you were a child and told about monsters and how freaked out you were forget monsters or anything that scares you to even think about for this thing was beyond spirituallity belief for this was furture than anyones imagination could go and it is on earth with us and there may be more so really reality check i am scared always and even hided away in the bathroom for 2 or 3 mths after the incident cause im terrified and because you are looking like the early stages of it get out before you witness what us two ppl did no one would want to go through it i cant even put myself in the same suburb as that house evil just doesnt cut it enough, plus its a deadly substance/real living thing and highly toxic poisenous if you leave it to late you will die we were wearing 3 guard masks each and the smell was still overlapping while we were trying to get our stuff out inthe end when the freaky things wouldnt end we gave up and left everything and got removerlists to get everything neally a week later and we ended up having to throw most of it anyway for it left patches of black like paint on furniture and discolourations and spore like things that were putting up a fight not to be covered up or removed just the spore things were to tough to handle let alone the rest of it plus my whole kitchen and other material items i havent managed to get the stench off them of that chemically imbalanced pull my brain 8 different ways at once strawberry barely sweet anymore scent of knock me out toxicity that smell has worn down since the yr has past but if i smell it on anything i have kept while not living there anymore straight away i get a migraine from it and chuck it out. at first we were the only two that could smell it but when the days went on and it got stronger eventually others smelt it on our things and they turned home with massiveheadaches not like normal ones, there were even days i had to convince my bf that what we witnessed hrs earlier did actually happen and i felt alone like he had deserted me in disbelief and even times i had to convince myself that this is actually happening but as soon as the smell returned my bf was convinced and so was i life is a freaky place if there is a hell we are on it and satans hell is prob safer to live please save yourself and be causious that you dont find another habitat where they might be and dont tell to many ppl cause really i wanted everyone to finally have knowledge about it but everyone is ignorant and disbelievers to a certain degree that they end up thinking your insane but really some so called crazy ppl are more alert and real and no whats actually going on and only end up in nut houses so they have some sort of protection so really secrecy with a few tip offs will get you through it a little easier i was just lucky to have had my bf witness everything too otherwise my strong will would of cayohed to depressing lonesome sanity that would end up crazy in my own mind. good luck hope this helps im actually being real about this situation for 1 i dont want you to go through what i did and 2 you dont want it to be to late and 3 even if its not what i witnessed in the end its better to be safe than sorry. just trying to help and with knowledge of what is may do more than what these ignorant docs and replyers will for you could be dead and buried before any of them knew what happened and would never get a answer to the events either so really this is to gain not be excused and faded off in memory for human race are a selfish one and only think for themselfs, im real and am a different person from it your welcome to email me back but if you dont listen to me at least i did try take care xx jas
March 17, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Christine
This is quite interesting yet a bit scary. I have had a head cold last few days. Needed a good nights rest last night so I took Niguil D. I now know it contains psuedophedrine. Not sure if that means anything. I have had sinus probs and some allergies for a few years. Other than the typical cold symptoms, I felt fine when I went to bed. I felt the same when I woke up. Then, I made a cup of hot tea, as usual. Went out back to have a smoke (I know…bad). I detected a strange chemical odor/taste when I inhaled or exhaled. Also, when I took in steam from hot tea. I was bewildered at first, then started freaking out. Thought is was coming from the cig. But I’d had one or two from same pack the day before without that smell/taste. The “only” thing that was different about my routine was the Niquil D. At lunchtime I cooked up some ground beef to make a dish and oh my gosh that smell came back strong. It’s as if the chemical is in the food but I know it’s not. What on earth could be happening I wonder. This came on so suddenly.
March 18, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Tony
I’ve been reading quite a few threads on this lately. I have a smell in my nose that smells like hot cooking oil. It has been coming and going for the past few weeks. Like you Hope I have read about brain tumours and whatnot, but I think it’s too easy to get carried away with a knee jerk response – for most of us it’s probably something else completely.
The overwhelming thing after looking at many sites, seems to be that it’s a sinus infection, but as a fungus one that can’t be killed with anibiotics. It seems a saline nasal wash works for many people and not at all for others. Oil of oregano has also been recommended, I believe taken mixed with juice to drink.
In thinking about my own condition, I’ve been trying to figure out what has changed in my life recently. I am unbelievably stressed due to work and because of a knee injury am unable to exercise. I’ve been having too many late nights also. Like a lot of people I have had dental work recently too and two of my teeth are still sensitive even now. Could any of these things be the cause. Is it a combination? I’m going to do the nasal wash, the oregano, cut out the late nights, the coffee and walk the dog more. Another trip to the dentist is due. Good luck to everyone with this especially those who have it really bad. I pray for your renewed health.
March 19, 2008 at 5:46 am
Barbara
Guys, I just woke up with to a strange smell. I have had phantom smells in the past, which was associated with a diagnosis of epilepsy. This one is different than in the past, and rather than merely being weird and annoying, this one is nauseating. It is 4:30 a.m. I can’t sleep because it is disgusting, and decided to google, came up with phantoms smells. The first time the problem occurred, which was a few years ago and went away after taking an anti-epilepsy med, there was virtually nothing on this subject on the web. I am the fourth person to post to this site since Saturday. This is odd. G’night.
March 19, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Barbara
2 p.m., same day. Got good sleep (put on some cologne which helped a little bit, although I noticed that I could not smell it very well. Drove past a skunk smell today, according to my passenger. I couldn’t smell it. Still undercurrents of last night’s nasty smell, but not downright nauseating. Need to visit my neurologist. Preceding this I had been under unusual stress for extended period of time, not sleeping or eating well, had lost weight; these factors could have something to do with the problem – certainly doesn’t help matters.
All the best; I wish that Charles would repost, and “help me” – if you are isolated, this would be terrifying. My original situation was relieved by the epilepsy meds, which were changed last year from Carbatrol to Lamictal. I have not been disciplined about taking the Lamictal, and have now gotten back on board with compliance with med regimen. Seizures were petit mal or partial – in the form of “spacing out” for a few to several seconds. Hope this helps.
March 22, 2008 at 4:28 pm
charles
Sorry I have been late re-posting.
Had x-rays but nothing.
Had MRI which was “normal”…whatever that means!
Still have had this smell.
Finished a regimen of antibiotics and steroids.
Seemed to help a little.
Antibiotics made me sick so dr’s office told me to take some “probiotics”
That made things much better. ….. I googled “probiotics” and one of the things it is good for is yeast infections.
The guy that said we are suffering from “candida glabrata” may be right. I am going to ENT dr again next week. My sinus’ still inflamed and get big headaches on top of my head.
One thing I did was to remove ALL things made in China from where they may come in contact with my body.
Smell isn’t as bad or as frequent. I have done so many things to combat this that I’m not sure if it was one thing I did or just the combination of all that has helped.
Oh….my wife has kindly removed all the “stinky” candles from the house.
Will try to repost better after my dr visit
charles
March 28, 2008 at 12:19 am
deborah ann chapman
i have the burning chemical smell too , like carbon exhaust. its unbearable. if i put pressure on the back of my head or top of my head it will get stronger. i have pins and needles in my scalp, pressure and pain in my ears,burning tongue and lips. also pinching and stabbing pain in my head. I have a normal sense of smell in spite of this.
If anyone finds the physical causeof this curse please let me know. my ct scan of sinuses was clear. the 2 mri’s showed numerous lesions in the brain. No epilepsy, M.S, but tested positive for Sjogren’s syndrome.
Please help. thanks.
March 30, 2010 at 6:54 am
anonymas
iwas diagnosed with lupus and sjogrens syndrome in 1989 then in 2001 i noticed small lump near my left ear i had several coarses of antibiotics it was not sore and did not change in sise then late 2003 i was experiencing these bad smells i thought that it was comeing from a neighbours neglected swimming pool until i realised it happened away from home all of a sudden the lump got bigger i had a needle biopsy and found out i had a peroted tumo and was malt lymphoma i had a perotidectomy and chemo that was now 6 years ago so that bad smell cam from the peroted tumorkath
March 28, 2008 at 12:09 pm
mirek
The cause of some types of “phantom smell” is sinusitis – an anaerobic bacterial disease of sinus maxillaris (antrum), especially as the cause of communication between root of the tooth and maxillar sinus. The terrible suplhur smell is more intenisive, when you put your head down.
March 29, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Dedra Pennell
Just for the heck of it I thought I would google “phantom smell” and see if I can lend a helping hand to anyone… Please view my blog @ http://phantosmia.blogspot.com/ Please email me with any questions…. my new email address is dmpennell@aol.com, I hope you are able to get the help you need… I completely understand what you are going through…. the doctors look at you like your crazy and you try your best to explain… There is hope… I am almost 3 years free and clear of the “smell”. I now I sound a bit dramatic, but the surgery I had saved my life….. please email me with any questions…. best of luck to you….
April 11, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Kathy Stein
I suffered a fractured skull and severe concussion in December 2007. I have moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears, and no taste or smell until three weeks ago when this utterly disgusting smell and taste took over my life. My neurologist says this is common in injuries like mine. I don’t like the simple answer and am looking for relief. Every breath is foul!
April 19, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Alice
I too started smelling smoke about 2 years ago. It goes away and comes back without warning. For the past 6 months I now smell gasoline and it is so strong it makes me want to gag. Went to an ENT who checked my nose for polyps and found nothing. He then send me for an MRI which came back normal. He prescribed 2 rounds of steroids which seem to be helping. In the 2 weeks I faintly smelled it once and it was gone. He also said to do saline rinses followed by Nasonex spray. It is a good idea to get an MRI even though it is scary but at least they can rule out inflammation of the olfactory nerves(nerves that connect with the brain) or worst yet brain tumors. The doctors said he would refer me to a neurologist if my problem continues but now I just pray that the steroids will do the trick.
May 6, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Jamesa
So relieved to hear that I am not going crazy with the phantom, hard-to-describe smell that often changes from chemical-like to almost sweet . This had been going on for approx 18 + months to 2 yrs. Now I have lost my taste and sense of smell. The taste & smell has been gone for approx 10-11 wks, and occurred the minute I started taking an antibiotic & steriod pack. That may be just a coincidence. Finally got a referral to see an ENT (today) who is scheduling an MRI. Apparently, that is the common & wise thing to do. Now, GET THIS. Has anyone had any accompanying problem like this ? Along with the phantom smell, no taste, no smell, my left ear completely DISTORTS all music! It sounds like a cacophony of musicians playing different instruments and all out of tune and not any of them playing at the same time ! The singers sound like your worst nightmare who couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. Totally twisted & distorted music just from the left ear. If I lie on my left ear and just listen to music with my right ear, it all sounds beautiful like it’s supposed to. There’s NO DOUBT these symptoms are all connected somehow. GOD help us all with these bizarre symptoms ! What I would give to taste an old-fashioned hamburger & onion rings again.
May 6, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Jamesa
Hey, I just thought of something. I hear many people mentioning “injury” of some kind. I just wonder if Cervical Spine Chiropractic therapy would help. I hear word that this kind of treatment has almost created miracle cures for so many other things. Could it be possible that the nerves in the neck– base of the head — could have become messed up somehow ? Could the nerve endings upon crucial spots could be causing this ? Ok, maybe now I am officially crazy, but isn’t it worth a try ?
November 3, 2015 at 1:27 am
Joy Hiker
Jamesa, you are not crazy! I have had neck injury for years and wondered if it had any thing to do wit h phantom smells anf smell loss.
May 16, 2008 at 6:31 am
Helen
hi
i can’t believe i found a websight with the problem im having. my problem started a couple of days after coming home from the hospital. my daughter brought me the mail and i said oh! that stinks,i told her to smell the mail she said it smells fine to me. then i kept asking everyone in the house do you smell that terrible smell? everyone kept saying noooooooooo.
so on the weekend i went to my fathers and realized my family was right the smell was not there i was the only one smelling this smell because it traveled along with me to my dads house. sometimes its chemical or sweet,it changes,when it first started i would get nausous all the time but now im used to it. i asked my neurosurgeon and he said he has no idea! oh by the way the surgery that i had was a vp shunt put in my brain ventricle. i also had trouble with taste but that didn’t last too long it comes and goes now. i will be going to the chiari institute in new york soon so maybe i will ask the neurosurgeon there if he has ever heard of this. i hope so since they are like the best when it comes to neurological issues if this is one. which im pretty sure it is since i didn;t have it till they inserted something in my brain. i hope you all find a cure for your smells. its sure does stink having this ha? that was a little joke!
take care everyone!
helen
May 20, 2008 at 3:28 am
Geoff
Well unfortunately I made the horrible mistake of drinking and driving and rolled my car this morning 5-19-08 and remember nothing of the actual accident itself. What I do remember is trying to push the car back on its wheels as it had landed on its side. Paramedics did not take me in to the hospital because I told them I was OK because all I really felt was a banged up wrist. Very lucky right? well as I was being held in the county jail I had a funny smell and all I could think that is was was the gases from my airbag because that is really what it smells like to me. What started to worry me was that I noticed a knot on the top of my head. I am pretty sure what I am looking at and experiencing is not just the gas from my airbag but parosmia, because I am able to get hints of smells from things but It is like if I try too hard to smell something it either loses its smell or I get that smoke-like gassy smell. I am really hoping that when I wake up tomorrow it will be gone but after reading about head trauma and coming upon all the forums I do not think that will be the case. At first I was too scared to even start looking this up because I was sure that in cases of head injuries that things like this can happen. I will continue to post as I find out more from going to the doctors as this continues. Please be safe out there get a ride or have someone hold your keys what ever you do dont let someone else drive away drunk. Good luck to you all and thank-you for letting me know that I am not alone or going crazy or something.
-Geoff
May 29, 2008 at 2:44 am
sarah
Oh my goodness, I have finally found someone else that seems to hav similar symptoms to me, I have been suffering with this for 9 years now!!!
My smell only comes down my right side but it has got progressivey worse over the 9 years and my sense of smell and taste is considerably diminished.
I am under my 3rd ENT clinic now, I’ve ad 2 CT scans both which showed my sinuses to be clear and free of disease, I’ve had a septoplasty which didn’t work, and i’m now awaiting an MRI (finally) to see if that comes up with anything.
It is hell, and it is only recently I discovered that head injuries may be the cause. I have never had real trauma although I now believe I broke my nose when I was 12, alhough the smell didn’t start till I was 19, and that was after I went on holiday (there were building works next to the pool, maybe I picked up a bug) but after trying almost every antibiotic, nothing has worked,
I AM DESERATE!!!!
July 31, 2009 at 1:48 am
Dedra Pennell
I was reading through some of these postings and noticed you had included an option to reply… I had suffered from what I refer to as “the smell” for almost 20 yrs. I had been through it all… I finally found a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio named Dr. Martin Citardi who was willing to preform an “ablation of the olfactory mucosa with a nerve transplant” the cause of this “smell” is damaged nerves. it can be caused by the common cold or a head injury or just about anything… google phantom smell and there is a dr. in nebraska who started up a clinic just for this! I actually spoke with him and got the info to take to dr. citardi… his name is dr. donald leopold… i wish you luck and completely empathize with your situation… i can honestly say the surgery saved my live…. the “smell” had consumed me. I am now free and clear and smelling the roses…. literally! it has been just over 3 yrs. and im loving it! email me with any questions.. dmpennell@aol.com …
May 30, 2008 at 4:46 pm
fjb
To all of you smelling (or in my case also tasting) burnt rotten leeks/scallions, solvent when otherwise lemons/wine/vinegar, earth/earthworms, and various other odd flavors, hello.
I’m an allergy sufferer, and overdosed on some of the sinus inflamming stuff in January, and then also had a head cold. I was also in a house filled with filth that cannot be adequately described, but you’ve seen those places where someone has 300 hundred cats and stores all their trash, that was the place.
After the nasal congestion, I started noticing diesel smell, but everywhere. I wasn’t too alarmed at first because I live in a major city. I thought it was odd that suddenly the smell had cropped up everywhere.
I noticed my sense of smell and taste had changed, and I was experiencing some very peculiar tastes.
I’ve tried two rounds of antibiotics, levaquin and augmentin. No help. I’m perpetually trying to deal with allergies using different steroid sprays. You name it. So, don’t even try them. They might be the cause, but certainly won’t help. I’ve had CT scan of my happy healthy sinuses. I did have an ear infection that cropped up some time during this, but it certainly wasn’t there to begin with.
Sorry for sharing, but I did do some exploration with Qtips in my nasal cavity. It was very bloody, and seemed to have a sort of abscess sort of discharge that went away with levaquin, but the sores or blood seems to persist. That seems to go with the swamp/skunk cabbage smell that lessened over time.
ENT and allergist are of no help, and the family physcian has no clue about the smell thing. I did write someone who I saw at a talk on taste and smell that coincidently occured as this smell thing took hold. He told me that it is notoriously difficult to treat, and referred me to someone at the University of PA. I guess that will be my next step.
I do find the whole Candida Glabrata interstings. With all the steroids I’ve pumped into my nose, I’ve been suspicous of Candida, and I do have white patches on the very back of my tongue. BTW, I feel just horrbile, achey, foggy, and I want to scratch the inside of my dull itchy burning nose and throat.
So, I’ll be looking for advice here, and I hope that the U of PA works if the Candida Glabrata doesn’t. Good luck, and please share any success you may have.
May 30, 2008 at 9:37 pm
tracey
I thought I was going insane until I stated reading the various threaded discussions here. Following a serious fall, I broke my back and had to have a rod, 2 plates and 6 screws to fuse my spine. I remember hitting my head really hard during this accident, and I lost my sense of smell as well as my ability to taste.The other complication is difficulty breathing. Every breath seems so tight and shallow. It takes a tremendous effort to take in air. Since I was bed-ridden for a year, I thought that the fume-smell was coming from our furnace.I thought I was being poisoned by s leak in the oil tank. After the repairman checked it out and said it was fine, I began to get frustrated. No one else in the house could smell these horrid fumes. I was so convinced that there was something wrong, I called in an air specialist to test the house. Nothing. I felt so embarrassed, but I raised the problem with my GP. She dismissed the complaint. The doctors were more concerned with the spinal injury. It has been 18 months since I first experienced these phantom smells and I consulted a new doctor who took the complaints very seriously. I had an MRI yesterday.I’ll keep everyone updated when I get the results. Tracey
May 30, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Lori
I’m frustrated, worried, confused … all of what you all are describing. The exhaust fumes I smell and tast are horrible! Like most of you have stated, it wakes me up at night it gets so bad. I bummed some really strong smelling Rose lotion from my mom to keep by my bedside so when I wake up I can dab a little in each nostril. I haven’t been to a doc yet and it really sounds discouraging from everyone’s posting. I haven’t had any major surgeries lately or anything overly dramatic happening, my diet hasn’t changed – I can’t link this to anything. It’s like I have my nose stuck in a tailpipe of a car! I’m smelling it, tasting it and my head is absolutely about to pop. I was really starting to think I was just weird and it was all in my head; until I googled and found that so many suffer from this. It’s still a little scary that the docs can’t find a reasoning behind what we seem to all be suffering from. Good Luck to all and maybe I’ll get the nerve to talk to my doctor and listen to how it’s all in my head. Meanwhile I suppose I’ll just keep checking in to see if anyone has any success with a diagnosis. Take care!
May 31, 2008 at 4:05 am
fjb
I’ve been reading around this site. My comment is that after talking to three doctors, all with different specialties, and two of them were very fancy with gold plated credentials, their reactions to loss of or peculiar sense of taste and smell were the same. Note and ignore. It was as if I didn’t actually go to them for help with this taste issue. I think it’s because there is really no treatment for it. I’m at least comforted by the fact that there are other people out there who are experiencing the same thing.
I lived with cats for 20 years, and suffered because I loved them. Now I have none, and treat my allergies fully. It wasn’t allergy season for me. I quit wine, which causes nasal blood vessels to dilate. I was fasting for better mediation. And wham, I get hit by a cold and expose myself to uber filth, and I lost my sense of taste and smell. To abuse myself or not, that is the question?
June 4, 2008 at 4:31 am
fjb
FYI, I wrote the person who was reccomended to me at the U of PA. He responded saying there’s a name for this, dysosmia, and that it usually resolves itself, but can take as long as a years. Hope this helps others feel better.
I’d still like to know what is causing it.
Also, to the person with the sloshing sinuses. Hope they have drained by now. But, if not, check out instructions on using a netti pot. I think there is a video on You Tube.
To all of you trying sinus allergy treatments, for what it’s worth, I’ve was using them all when it happened. Irrigation, pills, sprays. It won’t help. I don’t know if antibiotics will help heal the senses, but it has fixed my other symptoms, and an infection is probably the cause fo the loss of taste and smell.
June 5, 2008 at 8:59 pm
charles
Well, have had:
x-rays – negative
MRI – negative
nose and throat swabs for candida – negative
Was referred by ENT to allergist.
I’m allergic to almost EVERYTHING. I feel like “grandpa” in a bubble.
HOWEVER….things are better!
I’m on a vaso-rhinitis med.
I take b-12 and zinc-picolonate daily.
Changed my beer brand.
Cut out salt.
Got rid of all “mold looking” things in house.
Pulled up all carpet.
Just revised my life!!!
Smell still comes back, but not as strong or as long.
Good luck
charles
June 6, 2008 at 3:52 am
fjb
Good to hear Charles. Living with allergies is sort of like taking on the life of Columbo. It’s a detective story. The more you get rid of the offenders, and get healthy–emotional and physical–the better it gets. I even quit drinking wine, and as hard as it was, it made all the difference in how I felt.
For me, it seems that the antibiotics have helped, and it’s an offending infection. I’m getting the subtle flavors back, but the peculiar flavors that have no resemblence to food are still beating away in the background.
Except for the fact that for so many reasons that this is just awful, it’s fascinating to observe. I’m just not to keen on being the lab rat. Right now, I would try a bubble for a month just to how it would change how I feel.
June 8, 2008 at 10:11 am
Anonymous
My sister is having a terrible problem with the same thing. She too was on epilepsy meds one being Lamitcal. Barbara, please write back and let me know if you’ve had any success. It’s keeping my sis from going out in public for fear that others will smell the phantom smell on her.
June 8, 2008 at 10:12 am
Leslie
Forgot to include my info in the previous post
June 9, 2008 at 9:37 am
Pamela
Experiencing a similar problem here. Have had two colds in the past two months which is highly abnormal for me. The 1st cold came and went with no problems in about a week. This 2nd one, however, is clinging on for dear life and has now produced this strange smell-taste. The best way I can describe it is “musty” but that’s not really right either. It is very mild most of the time, worse in the morning. I have sulpher water that seems to aggravate the smell horribly. It has been just over two weeks now since the onset of the 2nd cold and ever so slowly I am regaining some sense of taste and smell back. I remain hopeful that this is temporary as it does seem to be getting a tiny,tiny bit better every day.
I am relieved to know that my misery does have some company!
June 16, 2008 at 3:56 pm
PETE
WE INSTALLED NEW CARPETING IN THE HOUSE AND EVERSINCE MY EYES ARE BURNING AND GETTING HEADACHES. IS THERE A REMEDY GETTING RID OF THE SMELL FROM THE NEW CARPETS? PLEASE HELP AM FEELING SICK AND EYES BURNING ALL THE TIME.
November 3, 2015 at 1:31 am
Joy Hiker
I started getting this and sick too after getting new carpet and furniture.
February 29, 2016 at 5:13 pm
Linda Smith
A few years back, I worked at a furniture factory. All “warning” tags were removed from the rolls of upholstery BEFORE they were allowed to be brought inside the cover stock room to be cut. One day my set up man came to me and pulled a tag out of his pocket and secretly told me to read it. I did and to my shock it was a “warning” ticket that said the material contained formaldehyde. I showed it to my foreman who in turn took it from me… The next thing I knew, my butt was called upstairs where I was WARNED to NOT tell ANYBODY about it or I would loose my job. So NOW we KNOW what the manufactures AND furniture stores HIDE from us…. JS
June 16, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Pamela
Fading ever so slowly is that rancid-musty smell/taste. Seems to be the strongest in the morning. Dunno. Things still taste and smell ‘off’ but there is definitely an improvement from a week ago. I continue to remain hopeful.
New Carpet: If you can keep your doors and windows open that would probalby help a lot. Have you tried wearing a filtering mask? Sure, it will look a little goofy but might make you feel a whole lot better!
June 24, 2008 at 6:45 am
Lou-Lou
Gosh I just googled tasting and smelling car exhaust fumes. I didnt think I would find anything but found this site and OMG how many people have the same problem. I have only had it for about 2weeks and it is driving me mad, how on earth have all you guys lived with it for so long. I did wonder if it was teeth as my electric toothbrush doesnt seem to be cleaning my teeth as well etc.
I had surgery for a miscarriage 2 weeks ago, I did wonder if the anasthetic was the problems. No idea. Help
August 25, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Lorna
Hey Lou Lou – How are you feeling now? I just read your comments re: smelling diesel fumes. This is happening to me and I wonder if you’ve found a cure or cause for this weird symptom? I’m taking prescription drugs (Femara) and wonder if it could be a side-effect, although can’t find anything online. Any help you can give would be appreciated. Thanks – Lorna Lou
June 24, 2008 at 4:19 pm
phil
Mine comes when I drink coffee or eat grains (especially soy beans)…. And it takes about a day to go away
June 25, 2008 at 12:19 pm
fjb
I’ve been trying to figure out the pattern. At first, I noticed the variety of flavors. Now, I think I can connect them to things. Basically, there are two categories of foods that cause the problems, proteins and anything that might be damaging–acids. Protein makes no sense (nice pun). Beans, grains, lighter meat–chicken, turkey, pork (coffee, which is a bean fits into this category) are inedible, but I can tolerate red meat, and shrimp, particularly if I use a lot of herbs and spices. Protein is sort of sulphur/floral in taste.
Acids add an interesting variety to the bouquet. Wine, vinegar, citrus, fruits have a ubiquitous solvent flavor, but OJ is OK. Onions impart their own specialness, a sort of rotting onion flavor crossed with a carmel/burnt sugar. And then, there’s tomatoes which assert a sort of basic earthworm undertone.
I find that using butter, not margarine which is awful, helps to cut peculiar flavors. Fat content may be key to the protein problem. And, certained herbs and spices help mask the odd flavors. Also, I’ve taken to buying homemade salsas that are second to none at the Mexican restaurant, and I use them as salad dressing, and can even sneak in some lime for a little tang w/o getting too much of the peculiar flavor. I wonder if the heat from the chilis helps cut the problem too.
For what it’s worth, this started in January, and 21 days of Augmentin and 10 eays of Prednisone in the last month have been helpful. There’s still inflamation that is coming back, and ragweed season is just weeks away. I still think this is all due to an infection that still lingers, but it’s better. I’m going to pursue the infection route one way or another since I have every medication on the face of the earth for allergies, and it’s not touching the inflamation. And, I’m not near anything that makes me itch or sneeze.
July 8, 2008 at 11:39 am
Pamela
Six weeks since the onset of the 2nd cold that started all this nonsense. All cold symptoms completely gone though I still have some post nasal drip. Otherwise, feeling fine.
Like FJB I have been trying to figure out a pattern or what tastes more/less horrible. Most things, sadly, have almost no flavor at all anymore, unless HIGHLY spiced. Coffee is pretty bad, but I add sugar and creamer to mine so that makes it palitable despite the smell of it brewing now being somewhat rancid to me. I can taste sweet things, though mint of any kind is horrible now. I popped a mint into my mouth yesterday and had to spit it back out. Toothpaste, BLECH! But I’m certainly not going to go w/out brushing my teeth. I have a soapstone aromatic oil diffuser that I add either rose or lavender oil to. When I went to do this over the weekend, I had to ask my son which bottle had which scent as I couldn’t smell either! Apparently the house was smelling pretty good but I’d never have known it. Oranges, I can smell and taste fine.
Exhaust and brake fumes… now THOSE I can smell ten times worse!
So, I dunno. It’s annoying but in the grand scheme of things, not so bad that I can’t go on living just fine. Food and eating has become boring. Maybe I’ll lose some weight this way? LOL
July 17, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Mik
I am doing a worldwide survey on total loss of taste and smell only – Anosmia.
I am not concerned as yet on parosmia/dysosmia- phantom-strange odours on this survey. This survey will be follow soon.
Please email me your answers and I will post here the results plus email you the same once I get enough data.
1). What city/ state/ province / region/ country do you live?
2). Do you smoke cigarrettes, cigars, marijuana?
3). Have you had a live blood analysis to determine if you have Candida?
4).Have you had nasal polyps? Have you had them removed? If so how long ago was your operation & did it bring back smell & taste?
4).If you have nasal polyps diagnosed and have not removed them, have you ever had taste & smell with the polyps still intact?
5). Are you using a nasal spray? If so what type and does it actually make you smell & taste again? If it does how long does it last until you cannot smell & taste?
6). Is there any family history of nasal polyps?
7). Prior to losing your smell the firts time do you recall any particular smell that stands out? With me it was smog, diesel fumes.
8). What allergies do you suffer from if any?
9). Do you get headaches often? If so where does it occur and for how long?
10). Do you get earaches? Have you had your ears cleaned & if so did this help your smell & taste?
11). Do you see a chiropratcor for disc / vertabrae injury?
12). Have you had a CT scan on sinuses? If so what were results?
13) Have you had an MRI on sinuses? If so what were results?
14). Have you been diagnosed with a brain tumour?
15). Have you been exposed to laed in your work environment?
16). Have you been exposed to mercury in your work environment?
17). Have you been exposed to hazardous chemicals in your work environment? If so what?
18) Have you had accupuncture for sinuses? If so what were results if any?
If you care to respond you can answer some or all questions as short or as long as you like. The more data the better!
My goal is to try & understand this problem more hence the compliation of information worldwide is essential in my study
Thank you for your participation.
July 17, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Mik
please submit to:
visionedger@lycos.com
July 17, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Rita
Here is my story about my phantosmia/hyposmia.
About ten days ago I was in a car accident – four cars bumped into each other on PCH, mine was number three, well sandwiched. I had a couple of jerks, but no significant head injuries.
However, after the accident I noticed some deviations in my smell and taste. I had a fully blown phantosmia at first – everything started smelling like rotten onions. The description of the phantom smell in the first message is quite accurate to what I experienced. It started with blueberries that I bought in Costco before the accident, where I tasted all the foods and they smelled and tasted normal. I though that the blueberries were rotten, however, I was wrong. Then I started tasting all foods in my fridge and pantry. Everything appeared to be rotten, except oils (olive and flax), heavy cream, olives, avocados that tasted exceptionally good, and vegetables as cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and greens that were neutral. Smoked salmon (wild Alaskan) from Costco was delicious too. So, I decided to eat what tastes good. In a couple of days on the high-fat diet, the horrible phantom smell disappeared. And that’s when I realized that I don’t smell anything at all, or maybe just very little. However, a trip to a movie theater proved that my phantom smell is still present – the famous movie-popcorn smell became a stench torture. And coffee stinks beyond belief.
I can’t smell sardines, though, and some other unpleasant smells.
Used to be an avid coffee drinker and red wine aficionado. Not anymore. My favorite drink is water now; it tastes good, especially with lime or lemon. Goat milk is another fresh and sweet-tasting drink, as well as green and black teas with heavy (organic) cream. My favorite fruits are olives and avocados – they do have great taste. I eat wild salmon and meats – they did not change their taste significantly. Plenty of greens, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and salsa – salsa is just great. Horseradish is amazing!
I hope I will survive on such a limited diet. I don’t have to smell those rotten onions all the time when I am on it. It smells fresh – no smell at all!
February 27, 2010 at 1:22 am
catnip
have your ENT prescribe FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE nasal spray. It “might” help this
July 31, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Pamela
My phantom smell/taste has changed to that of burnt garlic. Lovely, not.
However, other flavors/smells are starting to come through normally. Post -nasal drip continues to be an issue especially in the morning. Mint is starting to taste okay, too, so I don’t dread brushing my teeth now because of the rancid flavor I once experienced.
August 1, 2008 at 3:45 am
fjb
Lucky you Pamela. I’ve just learned to ignore the flavors. Except for solvent-like things, wine and vinegar, I can get used to the overtone, overflavor?, and find the real flavor lurking underneath. Or at least ignore the weird states.
I think, for me, it’s an infection. When I take antibiotics, the symptoms get better. Bleeding improves or stops. But, I’m not sure I’ll be able to convince the doctor to try yet another round of antibiotics. Which brings me back to the possibility of just going to the U Penn Taste and Smell Center. If I have to run around to specialists, either two hours north of NYC, or in NYC, I might as well do it in Philly where the distance from home will be the same.
It’s been a lesson in why I eat. Certainly, it comes from satisfying something other than tastes.
August 6, 2008 at 8:29 pm
mico
fjb, I am not a doctor, but if your symptoms improve with antibiotics, it would seem that you have an infection. I had numerous rounds of antibiotics when I had my sinus infections, and the doctor told me that that was the standard treatment. i’d ask your doctor about it. has he done a cat scan?
August 7, 2008 at 4:36 am
fjb
I’ve been through it all, CT scan, etc. Now that the world is all worried about bacteria becoming super bugs, it’s become the popular belief that sinus infections should not be treated with antibiotics. That being said, I do not have a sinus infection, which makes it even harder to convince doctors that I need antibiotics. My fancy NYC allergist would not give them to me, saying you may have an infection in your nose, but I don’t think that it has invaded the tissue. The ENT said, I’ll give you antibiotics for an infection that doesn’t show up in the CT scan, for an infection that you don’t have, and only gave me seven days of them. Finally, I went to my not so fancy osteopath in the country. She said that now that I read I’m not supposed to prescribe antibiotics, I prescribe a lot more Prenisdone. The steroid wiped out a lot of the inflammation and fluid , particularly in my ears. My ears were infected too. She presumed that I had an abscess somewhere in my throat. And the first round of 20 days of antibiotics was helpful, but as soon as I finished that, the bleeding in my nose recurred. So, I asked for another round. She agreed, but only one more three week course. By the end of the three weeks, I was fed up with the fullness I felt near the bridge of my nose, and took matters into my own hands. With the help of a Qtip, I believe I opened an abscess very high in my nose.
After a lot of research, I think that I probably have a staph infection in my nose. There’s not a lot on the Internet about it, but that’s my best guess. And, I think that both the allergist, and the ENT who gave me some sort of antibiotic spray suspected that, but didn’t actually tell me. I guess it’s considered not all that important, like lose of the sense of taste.
I made an appointment with the osteopath tomorrow, but it’s a 2.5 hour drive, and I am burned out. Philly is actually closer. Here I am in NYC, and can’t get it treated. I’m thinking that either I go the osteopath route one more time, but chances are that she will just refer me at this point. In which case, I think that my best bet is to just contact the person who I was referred to in Philly, and ask if there just isn’t someone who will take me seriously in NYC. I don’t really need to be told what I don’t take correctly. I can certainly tell you that. I just need someone who will wipe out the critter in my nose.
Oh, since we are disussing nose stuff here, I’m not sure if people realize a sinus infection is not a nasal infection. You might as well think of the sinuses as closed off cavities in your head. However, your nose is basically one big open area that become the back of your throat.
August 10, 2008 at 11:23 pm
kga
I don’t recall any head injuries except for my standard poodle hitting me in the head right below my right eyebrow. It was bruised, but is better now. I do use chemicals to clean my home.
I can’t describe what I smell. It almost has an outside flowering bush/plant smell; however, there was a short period of time last night where I was smelling something sweet, like a powdered sugar funnel cake. The smell comes and goes. I was concerned if my body was emanating the smell, but I’ve asked a few people and they can’t smell anything.
Every once in a while, in different locations/environments, it seems like the smell causes me to sneeze. My left ear doesn’t hurt, but it does itch sometime and what I thought was just dried soap/shampoo in my ear, seems to be like a recurring scab. My right ear was mildly painful earlier today, but seems okay now. My teeth and gums are not bothering me. I do have frequent post nasal drip, especially in the morning. I do seem to be having trouble smelling and tasting.
I found several websites that talked about aspartame turning into formaldehyde and methanol. I work with Ph.D scientists, and was told that you would have to consume a lot, before the aspartame metabolized as such; not to worry.
I haven’t been running a fever. I am however, I believe, having hot flashes.
I’m on the internet day after day trying to figure out what it could be. I’ve been dealing with this smell problem for a couple of weeks now. The smell was so bad earlier today that it upset my stomach, while watching the Olympics.
I haven’t gone to the doctor yet, because it is weird, and my doctor will think so too. I saw a few other websites where people have suggested a yeast infection. Hmm.
August 11, 2008 at 9:44 pm
fjb
kga, my ears itched like crazy. I smelled a lot of things, but when it first happened, I couldn’t figure out how the flavor of rotting tarrogon got into everything in the refridge, including things in closed glass jars. Of course, it was me and not the food.
I suggest that you go into the doctor saying that you believe that you have an infection. Say ear infection because at least you clearly have symptoms there. Your ears will be inflamed if you do have an infection. You probably have an infection in your nose, but that’s not a very popular thing to medicate. Ears, throat, you have a chance to get antibiotics. You need to at least try antibiotics soon.
I’ve written way too much about me, but antibiotics were really helpful for the ear and throat issues. I still have a nose problem, but it’s really hard to get it addressed. Today, I was just told that she’d test for MRSA, and to got back to the ENT. I’m calling the clinic in Philly tomorrow. I’m finding that taste issues aren’t understood or taken seriously. I need to try someone who knows. Beyond the taste issue, the physical symptoms border on scary.
August 18, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Shirley
I am so very happy to find this site now I know I am not nuts. I have had the smell it’s like a chemical smell sometimes like a cologne. It is so YUCKY I have had sinus issues for years now but never this smell. I do not know if this means anything or not but I have type 1 Diabetes and it has been out of control for awhile even with insulin intake I am not sure if there is a relation or not or if this is due to long time sinus infection but if someone finds a cure for this smell please post it so we can all get some relief.
August 21, 2008 at 9:46 am
Claude
This may be coincidental relative to what I drank, but a few months ago, I drank a new kind of diet soda over a few days. I noticed after those few days that everything had the exact same flavor as the diet soda – a sort of bittersweet taste, even for things like bread, and it was hard to eat, because the weird diet soda taste in EVERYTHING I ate also caused a gag reflex. It took about two months before I started to taste properly again, but now, at certain times (not all the time, just at certain times, but especially later at night, even more so when I am ready to sleep) there is an overwhelming ammonia smell mixed with something like burning plastic (which no one else can smell). First, I thought it was something real, but that the fact that it comes and goes randomly and that no one else seems to ever smell it has me somewhat worried. I did have some sort of throat infection for several days (so did the rest of my family), but that came about two months AFTER the loss of taste and prior to the burning ammonia smell. As I said, it seems to be the most noticeable at night, in bed.
November 3, 2015 at 1:44 am
Joy Hiker
If you smell amonia on you, you could be having kidney problems.
September 3, 2008 at 2:55 pm
deborah
I have had the chemical smell and burning thing going on for 4 years. i was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome last fall. I am on Methotrexate which helps somewhat with pain and swelling in muscles and joiunts but has not helped with the smell. it can be difficult to get through the day with this horrible sensation.
Anyone out there with sjogren’s and the smell????
September 5, 2008 at 8:50 am
Pamela
Burnt garlic smell/taste has now been replaced with a mild vinegar one and/or fried onions. Oh boy! Comes and goes randomly. Citrus items have a lovely cat urine aroma now. *sigh*
September 18, 2008 at 12:22 am
Denver
OK well now it’s September and I still smell exhaust fumes. It seems to be worse at night. I keep Mentholatum next to my bed to sniff and dab under my nose before sleeping. My doctor blew it off, but gave me some nasal spray. Didn’t work. 😦
September 18, 2008 at 4:47 pm
fjb
To all of you who are experiencing odd flavors who have not sustained head injuries but rather have had this happen as a result of allergies or colds, I have a question for you. I’m convinced that my problem is caused by a staph infection that has actually caused sore or a lesion on the site in my nose where taste is sensed. Last spring, I was at the end of my rope. My ears, nose, and throat were inflamed. I was losing my hearing. I was so tired that I could hardly last past noon. The allergist said it’s nothing. The ENT said no sign of a problem. Both alluded to an infection in my nose that didn’t invade the flesh. The ENT sent me home with an antibiotic nasal spray, and after begging him gave me 7 days of Levaquin. I’d spent five years bathing my body in varies antihistamines and steroids prescribed by the allergist. Finally I went to my family doctor and she took one look at me and said, abscess somewhere in your nose or throat. She gave me Prednisone and two rounds, 20 days each, of antibiotics. It worked like a charm. I didn’t go into the graphic description of probing my nose and find blood and sores everywhere with any of them, but mentioned it even more politely to all the doctors. I kept the Q-tip exploration to myself mostly. I realize over the five years of treating allergies, I had short treatments with antibiotics. Each time, I felt a little better, but just attributed the awful feeling to allergies. Then I got a really heavy dose of them a couple of months ago. I no longer have any allergic reaction to anything. I had an infection all along. I observed it disappearing. Each time I had a new round of antibiotics this year, the front line of the sores in my nose receded higher in my nose. Finally, they only remained at the very highest spot, which corresponds with the area that senses taste. I’m exhausted from seeking out medical help. Eventually, I find it in me to find the right doctor to approach. In the meantime, I will live with the peculiar flavors and overwhelming fatigue. I’m wondering, has anyone else observed the same thing? Actually, I found a short list of symptoms of a staph infection, and I’ll try to include it. I’m wondering if us non-head injury people actually have an infectious disease that is being ignored.
You will see where shortness of breath is a symptom, which no doubt was mistaken for asthma with me. I no longer have asthma.
Symptoms of severe staph infection include the following:
• Bone pain
• Chest pain
• Chills
• Drainage of pus
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Malaise (generally feeling unwell)
• Muscle aches
• Rash
• Shortness of breath, painful breathing
September 19, 2008 at 4:12 pm
mupp
WOW……other people suffering the same sensations as me……a continual
smell of what is like car exhaust fumes, something i just googled and only to find it’s not in my head !!! This has been going on for the last 3 days and is really bugging me, it dosent matter where i am it is always there but does fade quite a bit when i am in the open air, However reading through the blogs i can’t seem to pinpoint a cause although many theories are around….an infection of sorts or neurlogical, there is no reason i can trace for this smell but that i am tired alot with AVERAGE stresses. Has anyone actually had an answer/confirmation of what this is ??????….I
will be seeing my doctor very soon and hope she understands and shows some interest and does not just sweep it under the carpet.
TALK TO ME GUYS WITH ANY FEEDBACK…….Thanks
September 22, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Meesh
I have had this problem also for about a year and guess what…?! I have figured out what it is…for me at least.
I did some food experiments and tested certain types of foods i was eating and it all came together
“The Smell” came from red onions!!! I realized that I would get the smell/taste after eating red onions. I have stopped eating red onions and haven’t had the smell since! 🙂
I was eating red onions more than I though…salsa, salads, sandwiches, etc.
Try eliminating red onions and see if that helps….Hope you can figure it out…cause it pretty much sucks!!
September 25, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Rodney
I have the same phantom smoke smell that many others have here as well. Over the past five weeks it has grown steadily worse. It’s accompanied by burning eyes, sinuses and chest burning.
I smell it everywhere I go. Sometimes it hits me like a wall as if someone just blew cigarette smoke in my face causing me to cough.
My ENT has me on an antibiotic now, but he saw no sign of sinus infection. He wants to send me to the Richmond Center for taste smell if the antibiotic does not help.
I also lost my voice a few months ago, and have only regained 50% of it. I don’t know if there is a connection unless I picked up a bad virus that damaged the nerves in my airways.
Anyone have any suggestions about how to mask the smell? Putting vicks on my nose helps temporarily. I have tried scented candles, but they are too strong and just aggravate it. I am going to try non burning scents next. I figure any smell is better than smoke.
September 26, 2008 at 12:50 am
Steven
I too have the same problem that started recently. I at first thought it was a reaction to some medication for a back disorder. Like fjb, I too have had a few of the symptoms on the list.
I lost my sense of smell two years ago after a surgery to correct a deviated septum and to clear out some polyps that had been lending to continues sinus infections.
I had recently returned to the allergist and a few days after the examination is when this phantom smell occurred. Mine is more like a chemical fume like thing.
After browsing through the string I have come to the conclusion that it could be a staph infection. the rash and itching started at the same time as well as the tenderness in my mouth.
I have yet to go to the doctor for this but if my immune system cannot lick this soon I will. i feel like crap!
September 26, 2008 at 12:40 pm
fjb
Right now I’m onto the infection thing, and reading Steven’s post motivated me to call my OD to get a nose culture on Monday. The one she did weeks ago was faulty, and I just haven’t gone back. I’m so on the fence about whether I’m willing to have her refuse to give me more antibiotics, spend an entire day at a smell clinic when I know the problem, go back to the ENT who got it wrong the first time, or venture out and find yet a new MD. If I go the ENT route, that’s a surgeon, and he will be looking for things to cut out, and not to medicate. That leads me to finding someone who knows infectious diseases, particularly staph infections. It would be a bonus to find someone who had a special interest in staph infections in noses. It’s very hard to even find all that much about it on the interent. It seems like with the loss of smell, staph infections in noses are considered inconsequential. I just have one, I believe, both in my nose and on the part of my nose that senses taste. There’s an open wound there. I had several throughout my nose, but they cleared up with Levaquin–six weeks. However, the part that is left is high in my nose–warm, dark, moist. The Riviera for bacteria.
My friend’s father apparently had such an infection for years. It even distorted the shape of his nose. Finally, a dentist prescribed antibiotics for him. I can’t get someone to give me enough until it goes away. The point of the staph culture is to find out if this is MRSA. This time, I will do the probing into where the problem exists. She was way too cautious, and didn’t even get close to the infection.
I was reading May’s post from 2007. She asked who a blow to the ear could effect her nose. I had my ears, nose, and throat inflamed for years until this last OD, not MD, looked at me and said, “Who did you go to?” I went to very fancy NYC specialists–ENT and allergist. Both suggested a staph infection, but not one that was invading flesh. The OD looked at it, and said, “These are classic symptoms of an abscess in your pharynx.” Of course she shrugged off the smell part of it. The abscess happened to be in my nose, the place that I can’t get to heal completely. It’s all connected and infections move around. I attributed all the problems to allergies. That’s what the allergist told me. I’m in the middle of ragweed season, and I have no allergy symptoms since I was treated with enough antibiotics. The malaise that I felt, I thought was allergies, but it’s really my body trying to fight off an infection. It’s been so long that I don’t know what healthy feels like. My husband had a little known tick borne disease years ago. He was treated with a laundry list of antibiotics. An infectious disease specialist looked at his record and said, “Where do they learn to use antibiotics?” I think that this is the case here for me too. They don’t know how to medicate this. Heck, clearly, the fancy guys don’t even know how to diagnose. It took and Iranian osteopath to come close. Now if she can just get it–on the nose.
September 26, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Anonymous
By: Mike Hajoway
Typical bodybuilders have at least heard something about alpha lipoic acid, also commonly referred to as ALA, yet many do not know the variety of benefits one can obtain from supplementing with ALA. Alpha Lipoic Acid is known by a variety of names including thioctic acid, 1, 2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid, 1, 2-dithiolane-3 valeric acid, and 6, 8-thioctic acid. As a sulfur compound,it comprises caprylic acid, a medium chain fatty acid, with two sulfur atoms stuck on the ends and it is capable of binding and inactivating heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, excess iron and excess copper[24].
Background Information
Scientists first discovered the importance of ALA in the 1950s, and recognized it as an antioxidant in 1988[9]. Alpha Lipoic Acid is a sulfurous fatty acid that would have been classified as a vitamin except for the fact that it can be synthesized within the human body. Alpha lipoic acid functions as a co-factor for energy production as lipomide and is also called lipoate when functioning in this manner. ALA also occurs naturally as a compound that is synthesized by plants and animals, including humans.
This feature allows alpha-lipoic acid to function as a cofactor for several important enzymes as well as an effective anti-oxidant[2]. Only the R-isomer of ALA is synthesized naturally.
* Alpha-Lipoic has a chiral center, which means it can be found in 2 mirror image forms (S- and R-a-lipoic acid) that cannot be superimposed on each other[14].
Function
Among its primary function in the body, where it is converted into lipoamide, is to activate enzymes that handle energy producing molecules, such as pyruvate, and to break down products from amino acids. Basically, ALA helps us collect energy and nutrients from the food we eat. The body needs ALA to produce energy. It plays a crucial role in the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells. The body actually makes enough ALA for these basic metabolic functions.
This compound acts as an antioxidant, however, only when there is an excess of it and it is in the “free” state in the cells[9]. But there is little free ALA circulating in your body, unless you consume supplements or get it injected. Foods contain only tiny amounts of it. What makes ALA special as an antioxidant is its versatility; it helps deactivate an unusually wide array of cell-damaging free radicals in many bodily systems[10].
In particular, ALA helps protect the mitochondria and the genetic material, DNA. As we age, mitochondrial function is impaired, and it is theorized that this may be an important contributor to some of the adverse effects of aging. ALA also works closely with vitamin C and E and some other antioxidants, “recycling” them and thus making them much more effective[13].
As mentioned earlier, ALA plays a large role as an anti-oxidant. It is such a powerful antioxidant that some researches have dubbed it the “universal antioxidant.” Through studies, ALA has shown that it works in conjunction with vitamins C and E, to help improve their effectiveness in combating free radicals, as mentioned earlier [7]. Research has even shown that ALA can actually replace the function of vitamin C in animals deficient in vitamin C [4]. This is especially important to bodybuilders because intense physical activity such as weight training or extreme cardio can cause extreme oxidative damage, letting loose many free radicals in the body. That is why antioxidants, both natural and supplemental, are critical to bodybuilders.
When ALA is on it own it can directly neutralize free radicals both in membranes and insides cells because it is both water and fat soluble [11]. This ability to neutralize free radicals is an extremely important benefit of lipoic acid. Yet it is in union with other antioxidants that ALA can really show its strength. ALA can mimic other antioxidants but also improve their performance because it replenishes them [12]. When one antioxidant molecule neutralizes a free radical, it actually turns it into a stable form.
Then in a chemical reaction the free radical is eventually passed off to lipoic acid or glutathione molecule, which allows the original antioxidant to regenerates and neutralize more free radicals while ALA washes out the offending free radical [18]. Glutathione, ALA’s wingman in this disposal process, is also a critical antioxidant. Alpha Lipoic Acid supplementation has been shown to boost glutathione levels, which drop significantly during periods of exercise induced stress by up to 50% [6].
When large amounts of free alpha-lipoic acid are available, such as with supplementation, alpha-lipoic acid is also able to function as an antioxidant [3]. Alpha-dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) is the reduced form of alpha-lipoic acid, and is the only form that functions directly as an anti-oxidant. Free alpha lipoic acid is rapidly taken up by cells and reduced to DHLA intracellularly. Because DHLA is also rapidly eliminated from cells, the extent to which its antioxidant effects can be sustained remain unclear. Although only DHLA functions directly as an antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid may have indirect antioxidant effects [2].
ALA also increases intracellular glutathione levels. Glutathione is an important water-soluble antioxidant that is synthesized from the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine. The availability of cysteine inside a cell determines its rate of glutathione synthesis. DHLA has been found to increase the uptake of cysteine by cells in culture, leading to increased glutathione synthesis [1]. Although increases in intracellular DHLA are short-lived, DHLA may also improve intracellular antioxidant capacity by inducing glutathione synthesis.
Research Findings
A test was conducted to determine ALA’s association with insulin sensitivity. In type II diabetes, elevated blood glucose levels result from insulin resistance rather than a lack of insulin, and a number of treatments have been aimed at improving insulin sensitivity. There is limited evidence that high doses of alpha-lipoic acid can improve insulin sensitivity in individuals with type II diabetes.
Intravenous infusions of 600 mg and 1,000 mg of alpha-lipoic acid to type II diabetics, improved insulin sensitivity by 27% and 51%, respectively compared to a placebo (15,16). An uncontrolled study of 20 type II diabetics found that oral administration of 1,200 mg of alpha-lipoic acid for 4 weeks significantly improved measures of glucose metabolism, and a placebo-controlled study of 72 type II diabetics found that oral alpha-lipoic acid at doses of 600 mg/day, 1,200 mg/day or 1,800 mg/day for 4 weeks improved insulin sensitivity by 25% (17,18).
However, there were no significant differences between the three doses of alpha-lipoic acid tested. All of these studies were conducted using alpha-lipoic acid. Data from animal studies suggests that the R-isomer may be more effective in improving insulin sensitivity than the S-isomer, but this possibility has not been tested in any published human trials (19,20).
ALA is being studied in animals and in humans as a preventive and/or treatment for many age-related diseases. These range from heart disease and stroke to diabetes and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as declines in energy, muscle strength, brain function, and immunity. It is also being studied for HIV disease and multiple sclerosis. In Germany, in particular, it is already prescribed to treat long-term complications of diabetes, such as nerve damage, thought to result in part from free-radical damage; there is also evidence that it can help decrease insulin resistance and thus help control blood sugar[21].
Many studies have yielded promising results; others are still underway. Alpha lipoic acid also alleviates Glaucoma (after 1 month of treatment with 150 mg of Lipoic Acid per day 47% of persons with Glaucoma exhibited improvement in visual acuity, visual field color discrimination and increased lacrimal tear fluid) [13].
Where Can I Find ALA?
ALA can be found in foods such as meats and vegetables, especially spinach. It is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, and it can also cross the blood brain barrier. Two of the best natural sources of lipoic acid are yeast and liver, but the body can synthesize it when necessary and it is available as a supplement. Most alpha lipoic acid in food is derived from lipoamide-containing enzymes and is bound to the amino acid, lysine (lipoyllysine) [5]. Meat that is rich in lipoyllysine includes kidney, heart, and liver, while plant sources that are rich in lipoyllysine include spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes.
Somewhat lower amounts of lipoyllysine have been measured in peas, brussel sprouts, and rice bran [26]. Digestive enzymes do not break the bond between alpha lipoic acid and lysine very effectively. Thus, it has been hypothesized that most dietary alpha lipoic acid is absorbed as lipoyllysine, and free alpha-lipoic acid has not been detected in the circulation of humans who are not taking alpha-lipoic acid supplements [3].
Although alpha-lipoic acid is found in a wide variety of foods from plant and animal sources, quantitative information on the alpha-lipoic acid content of food is limited. In the table below, the alpha-lipoic acid content of some foods was calculated from measurements of lipoyllysine in freeze-dried food samples [26].
Food Lipoyllysine
(mg/g dry weight) Serving Alpha-lipoic acid*/serving
(mcg)#
Beef kidney 2.6 3 ounces (85 g) 32
Beef heart 1.5 3 ounces (85 g) 19
Beef liver 0.9 3 ounces (85 g) 14
Spinach 3.2 1 cup raw (30 g) 5
Broccoli 0.9 1 cup raw (71 g) 4
Tomato 0.6 1 medium (123 g) 3
Peas 0.4 1 cup raw (145 g) 7
Brussel sprouts 0.4 1 cup raw (88 g) 3
Rice bran 0.2 1 cup (118 g) 11
Egg yolk 0.05 1 large (17 g) 0.3
Supplementation Of ALA
Alpha lipoic acid from supplements is rapidly absorbed, rapidly metabolized, and rapidly cleared from plasma and tissues, suggesting that it should be taken in divided doses throughout the day, rather than in a single daily dose. Recommendations for the use of alpha lipoic acid as an antioxidant can range from 50 mg/day to 400 mg/day. In the only published study to examine the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid in healthy humans, 600 mg/day for 4 months significantly decreased several biomarkers of oxidative stress compared to baseline [22].
However, the antioxidant effects of lower doses have not been well studied in humans. Recommended dosages of alpha lipoic acid as an antioxidant can range from 100mg to 300mg daily, which could set you back between $10 and $30. However, some manufacturers are now claiming that in considerably higher dosages, around 600-750mg daily, alpha lipoic acid can increase insulin sensitivity.
Defiency of ALA
ALA deficiency has not been described, suggesting that humans are able to synthesize enough to meet their needs for enzyme cofactors [23]. Though ALA so far appears to be safe, the long-term effects of large supplemental doses are unknown.
Side Effects
Alpha Lipoic Acid has few if any side effects [24]. Very high doses have been known to cause nausea and upsets stomachs, and excess doses can lead to low blood sugar levels. On the brighter side, ALA can sometimes lead to a general relaxing and mild feeling, and lead to a better overall feeling of well-being [24].
Summary
Supplementing with alpha lipoic acid can result in measurable gains in both strength and muscularity. Taking ALA before and during a work out will increase performance and help shuttle nutrients faster to your muscles. Alpha lipoic acid plays a big role as one of the best antioxidants available and is beneficial to the human body. Therefore, alpha lipoic acid could be very beneficial in your quest for muscle growth.
References
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Packer L. alpha-Lipoic acid: a metabolic antioxidant which regulates NF-kappa B signal transduction and protects against oxidative injury. Drug Metab Rev. 1998;30(2):245-275. (PubMed).
Biewenga GP, Haenen GR, Bast A. The pharmacology of the antioxidant lipoic acid. Gen Pharmacol. 1997;29(3):315-331 (PubMed)
Bast A, Haenen GR. Lipoic acid: a multifunctional nutraceutical. In: Kramer K, Hoppe P, Packer L, eds. Nutraceuticals in Health and Disease Prevention. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.; 2001:113-128.
Packer L, Kraemer K, Rimbach G. Molecular aspects of lipoic acid in the prevention of diabetes complications. Nutrition. 2001;17(10):888-895. (PubMed).
Biewenga GP, Veening-Griffioen DH, Nicastia AJ, Haenen GR, Bast A. Effects of dihydrolipoic acid on peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase. Implications for antioxidant drugs. Arzneimittelforschung. 1998;48(2):144-148. (PubMed)
Zhang WJ, Frei B. Alpha-lipoic acid inhibits TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation and adhesion molecule expression in human aortic endothelial cells. Faseb J. 2001;15(13):2423-2432. (PubMed)
Mizuno M, Packer L. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid on expression of proto-oncogene c-fos. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1994;200(2):1136-1142. (PubMed).
Yeaman SJ, Kirby JA, Jones DE. Autoreactive responses to pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis. Immunol Rev. 2000;174:238-249. (PubMed)
Beckman KB, Ames BN. Mitochondrial aging: open questions. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1998;854:118-127. (PubMed)
Hagen TM, Ingersoll RT, Lykkesfeldt J, et al. (R)-alpha-lipoic acid-supplemented old rats have improved mitochondrial function, decreased oxidative damage, and increased metabolic rate. Faseb J. 1999;13(2):411-418. (PubMed).
Suh JH, Shigeno ET, Morrow JD, et al. Oxidative stress in the aging rat heart is reversed by dietary supplementation with (R)-(alpha)-lipoic acid. Faseb J. 2001;15(3):700-706. (PubMed).
Hagen TM, Liu J, Lykkesfeldt J, et al. Feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and lipoic acid to old rats significantly improves metabolic function while decreasing oxidative stress. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002;99(4):1870-1875. (PubMed).
Liu J, Head E, Gharib AM, et al. Memory loss in old rats is associated with brain mitochondrial decay and RNA/DNA oxidation: partial reversal by feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and/or R-alpha -lipoic acid. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002;99(4):2356-2361. (PubMed).
Rett K, Wicklmayr E, Maerker P, Russ D, Nehrdich D, Hermann R. Effect of acute infusion of thioctic acid on oxidative and non-oxidative metabolism in obese subjects with NIDDM. Diabetologia. 1995;38:A41.
Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Schiemann AL, et al. Enhancement of glucose disposal in patients with type 2 diabetes by alpha-lipoic acid. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995;45(8):872-874. (PubMed).
Konrad T, Vicini P, Kusterer K, et al. alpha-Lipoic acid treatment decreases serum lactate and pyruvate concentrations and improves glucose effectiveness in lean and obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 1999;22(2):280-287. (PubMed)
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Estrada DE, Ewart HS, Tsakiridis T, et al. Stimulation of glucose uptake by the natural coenzyme alpha-lipoic acid/thioctic acid: participation of elements of the insulin signaling pathway. Diabetes. 1996;45(12):1798-1804. (PubMed)
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October 2, 2008 at 11:54 am
Christine
I had a very bad sinus infection over the summer, and the doc put me on Clavamox, which was just too strong for me. Knocked the sinus infection out quickly, but also killed 90% of my sense of smell for about six weeks. Then when my sense of smell came back, this phantom smell started up for the first time. It lasted another 2 weeks or so, and then all was better. Sense of smell was back to normal, phantom smell gone. I chalked it up to the antibiotics. I’ve never taken that particular variety before, and it was only my 2nd sinus infection, ever, so seemed the likely culprit.
But, here it is two months later, and the phantom smell is back without any other accompanying symptoms! Arrgh. No obvious sinus infection, not taking any drugs. It’s maddening. And it’s so hard to describe, not like anything I’ve ever smelled before… Definitely a very acrid burnt smell, but not like anything else.
It’s just so disheartening to have it return out of the blue with no other symptoms. 😦 I’ll give it a week or two to dissipate and then I guess I have to find an ENT and start in with all the tests.
I read through a majority of the comments… more folks coming back with happy endings sure would make me feel better!
February 27, 2010 at 1:28 am
catnip
i just suggested this to another person with same thing, have an ENT prescribe FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE nasal spray and just try this for awhile.
September 19, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Glenn
Hi Christine, I’ve been reading all of these posts and wondering if time has been good to you. It’s been almost 2 years since you posted and I’m hoping that you have made a full recovery. I haven’t been able to taste or smell for several years. I’ve recently developed a very similar smell that you described. It smells and tastes like “burnt rubber” and is extremely overwhelming. It started 2 weeks ago and has not gone away at all…. as a matter of fact, it seems to have intensified. It’s continuous day and night. The only thing that I’ve been doing different in my life since the beginning of this situation was using a nasal spray (Fluticasone Propionate) that was prescribed by my ENT doctor. This was supposed to help with my lack of taste and smell so I can’t see how this spray could cause these symptoms. I’ve used this same nasal spray in the past but discontinued it’s use because it didn’t seem to improve my taste/smell condition. I never had any adverse reaction to this nasal spray in the past, but my ENT recommended that I begin using it again. Well, I stopped using it as soon as I began experiencing this weird “burnt rubber” smell, but it’s been 2 weeks and I still have the same intense smell and taste. I will call my doctor’s office tomorrow to make an appointment because it’s driving me crazy. I feel so sorry for those of you that have had to put up with this for much longer periods of time. Any assistance or advice would be greatly appreciated.
October 2, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Rodney
Well, what I thought for weeks was a phantom smell turn out to be real. I discovered the smell was real by purchasing a respirator – they kind used by fire department to protect against chemicals, smoke and fumes. While wearing it the smell disappeared.
I have identified a few possible sources or a combination thereof. One it definitely my computers. Another is emission exhaust from the interstate highway just 50 yards away. Another is the fact that my cat has gotten to old to groom herself anymore, nor can she climb steps, so she spends most of her time next to me on the floor now. The other is that our AC is shut off for the fall and there is no ventilation in the house now.
Unfortunately my condition has gotten worse. My sinuses, chest and eyes burn all the time now when I am at home. This also causes loss of my voice.
I bought a Hygia 6.0 air purifier, but it only filters out about 70% of what is causing it. The respirator gets about 90%, but its uncomfortable to use and hard to sleep in.
Any of this sound familiar to anyone?
October 2, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Barbara
Well Rodney. That is interesting. I heard on our local news that Global Warming is heating up the molds and fungus (?) and is causing the most severe allergies to date. I also got a new cat and the allergies have really been worse since then. Dang, our AC has been off also just to save costs. Your post is familiar come to think of it. But can that explain the loss of smell after a BAD sinus infection? Your post is certainly something to think about and thanks for posting.
Barbara
October 8, 2008 at 9:32 am
Rodney
Barbara, I just got back from the Allergist. He could not find any evidence of allergies.
It’s gotten so bad now I can’t stand to be in my own home. It’s definitely electronic equipment, computers, printers, monitors, fans and vehicle emissions from cars. Even my laptop is unbearable to use.
My chest hurts all the time and my throat is scratchy and my voice is down to a squeak. It takes mountain air to get any relief at all.
I have also acquired a metal taste in my mouth. Could I have been exposed to a toxin that is making me sensitive to all this stuff.
We just wasted $1500 on an Lennox pure air system. It has absolutely no affect on the fumes. Opening all the windows in the house does a better job as long as it is not rush hour.
My wife has just about had her fill of me.
I feel so helpless, with a home base business to run and not being able to use a computer. I am pretty much limited to my iphone for now.
October 14, 2008 at 6:47 pm
nate
i too am suffering from these phantom smells.
it all began the first night it ingested methylenedioxymethamphetamine. (ecstasy)
i found that by smoking some marijuana wrapped in a dutch master honey sport cigar would make the smell and taste go away. (ironically, marijuana is the only taste/smell i can stand when im having this issue..)
anyways, i figured that it was related to the mdma and didnt worry about it.
then it happened a week later. then a few days later, and now it happens every day. i am in a place where i cannot smoke marijuana and therefore cannot prove that it actually helps my condition.
i have absolutely no allergies, have had no colds, no head trauma, etc..
i am going to see a doctor next week but he will probably have no idea what to do as none of your doctors did either.
i will let you know what he says and i will also let you know if i can get a hold of any marijuana to test the validity of my theory.
(by the way, the issue has greatly intensified since i have stopped my substance intake..)
October 14, 2008 at 7:18 pm
nate
alright i just tried a few things.
i tried a menthol steam inhaler which did not work.
i could not smell the menthol at all.
at first it smelled like charleston chew, then it smelled like lavatory cleaning supplies, and finally it changed to smelling like a auto repair shop.
bleh.
i put a chip bag clip on my nose and it actually got rid of the smell long enough for me to eat some soup..
now here is the kicker.
i have been reading that most peoples problems have been caused by some sort of head trauma.
i hypothesized that some head trauma might also fix it. (though im pretty sure my condition was not caused by head damage.)
i then proceeded to bash my head off the table about a half a dozen times.
oddly enough, the smell went right away.
i do have a sort of a headache now and ill probably have bruises on my forehead, but the smell/taste instantly disappeared..
i know this is not an ideal fix, but it works.
maybe just applying pressure to the sinus ducts in the forehead would work as well..?
October 15, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Pamie
Mine is like an onion smell. Just poof…out of no where it appeared. At work I actually send the red onions on the salad was disgusting smelling. They thought I was nuts. It stayed with me. I had no idea it was me that was smelling this in my head. The only thing I changed was drug store vitamins in my routine. I do know, when I take aspirin regularly, I get a smoky dry smell in my nose and when I got off the aspirin, I was fine. This onion thing I am attributing it my vitamins for the moment. It is full of fillers and other nonsense. I need to go to my regular company but can’t afford the good stuff right now. Anyway, I am going off of it for 3 days to see if that kills it. I will keep you updated.
October 15, 2008 at 9:17 pm
c
It is nice to know I am not alone. People who smell and taste look at you funny I know they dont believe you.
October 20, 2008 at 4:32 am
Gail
Wow..l am glad l found this page on the net.lt is comforting to know that l am not alone.For the past two weeks l have been having this…chemical smell in my nostrils.l now have this same taste constantly in my mouth.l do not know what it is or what has brought it on.For some reason it does not seem to affect me in bed.But the moment l am sitting down to breakfast and from then onwards l have this prutrid horrid smell.l am forever rinsing out my mouth and nostrils to give myself release from this discomfort feeling and smell.
October 20, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Anonymous
Gail,
Only when you are in bed (or is this every time you lay down), it doesn’t bother you?
Does it bother you every time your head is in the upright position?
Check it out, if you lay on the sofa for awhile, does it go away? If it does, you might want to see a doctor right away. Have him check for polyps and get a CT or MRI scan done to make sure there is nothing else seriously wrong. I am not trying to alarm you, but it just doesn’t sound right. Most of us don’t have our smell 24-7, or we seem to have the phantom smells 24-7, not just after we get out of bed. If you are fine when you are in the laying position there might be another cause. I’d get it checked out, just to be safe.
October 21, 2008 at 8:11 pm
peanut69
Hi Gail,
I just realized that I forgot my name yesterday. Sorry. I talked with my mom today she said that anyone who has a rotting meat taste or smell should always go to see their dentist. She works as a dental assistant. Sometimes, she said, you can have a tooth going bad, except you don’t know it, and as it drains you can get a rotting meat taste or smell. I hope that this helps. Good luck!
October 22, 2008 at 12:15 pm
vpavey
Hello everyone i am beside myself my doctor or any nureses no what i am talking about or going through, for about five months now i have been smelling this smell of exhaust you know like from a car its not all the time but quit offen like now for the last four days, and no one around me smells it, i cant stand it the only time i dont smell it is when im outside and the wind is blowing does anyone know what it could be??? help
October 23, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Barbara
peanut69: Tell your mom that I already went to the dentist….and had a dang tooth pulled which was decayed and way back in my mouth!! Felt like it. Was on antibiotics for a week or so and I could taste a few items. Then it all went away and back to ground zero….nada…..but my tooth does not hurt anymore and it is a good suggestion. I am taking the vitamin alpha lipoic….around 500 mg per day and I think it is helping? Not real sure since everyday is a new one…..I can taste one bite of food then poof…it is gone! Going on 6 months now with no taste and very little smell.
Barbara
October 24, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Louise
I’m so glad I found this site! For six months I’ve been experiencing a chemical smell. It’s ‘fume’ like. It’s a bit like petrol with ammonia. It comes and goes very quickly. Sometimes it’s so strong it literally takes my breath away. No one else can smell it. I experience it when I drink coke, also sometimes when someone walks past me. Or, I can be just out walking and I get a waft of it. My Doctor actually laughed and didn’t know what it was and suggested I try Beconase nasal spray. Well I did twice a day for around five weeks and it had no effect. I had an MRI scan earlier this year and that was normal. I’ve been tested for Diabetes in the past and I was clear. I’ve really no idea what to do now. I get this smell nearly every day and it’s starting to make me feel sick. I’m going to go back to the Doctors for a second opinion but from reading everyone’s comments, it doesn’t seem Doctors really know much about this. There must be some medical research out there?
October 25, 2008 at 8:33 pm
peanut69
Nate,
How about not bouncing your head off the table, this is not a good idea, you will surely hurt yourself. What did the Doctor say? Are you still having problems?
October 25, 2008 at 9:26 pm
peanut69
Barbara,
Sometimes it is like shooting in the dark, try this try that. I’m sure you know how it is, you would probably try just about anything to get it back. When the professionals don’t seem to know what to do for us and we are left to fend for ourselves, any suggestion that isn’t completely off the wall seems reasonable. I started ALA a couple of weeks ago also, 600mgs a day. I am hoping to convince my Doctor to give me some antibiotics, because my one sinus feels full (it has been like this from the start), like I can’t breathe right out of that side of my nose. I have been told to try Afrin from the Doctor to help with this. Here’s the funny thing, I have been waiting for an ear or sinus infection since this started for me (Spring of 2007) but nothing. I have been prone to both of them for years and now that I want one, I can’t get one. I am almost convinced that a long round of antibiotics would help. I think that since mine started while on antibiotics, that maybe it is a blocked sinus infection. I have every other sign for an infection… that need to blow your nose feeling (but nothing there), always tired or run down feeling, and a fever, but NO draining, not one sniffle. I just want to be able to smell and taste sooo badly now. I am willing to do anything as long as it wouldn’t hurt me. So sorry, I’m just a bit low today, I’ll be better tomorrow.
October 25, 2008 at 10:55 pm
peanut69
fbj,
Here is something about MRSA (staph infection) and sinuses…
http://www.mrsa-forum-usa.com/index.asp?action=replies&page=1&forumID=7888
page 3 reply 41, talks about Bactrim being effective for it. i haven’t read through it all yet I just thought that I would let you know what I found. I hope it helps.
October 28, 2008 at 8:10 pm
fjb
Peanut,
Thanks for the link. I did try the Bactrin treatment, with Q-tips of course, and it did help. However, I had to eventually allow the area to heal on it’s own because it is in a tight place, and sometimes it’s invasive to apply the ointment. Right now, I’ve had to immerse myself in a lot of allergens, and it’s become inflamed again. I’ve had a bit of a loss in my family, that’s taken me away from this. When I can put the attention on myself again, I’ve pretty much decided that I will go to the Taste and Smell Clinic at the U of Penn. I now have inherited a cat, and when cat allergy hits this on only the right side of my nose, I’m in pure agony, and I am leaving the poor girl by herself for a couple of days in a row so that I can have allergy relief on top of this.
October 30, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Karen
I know exactly what you are going through. My skull fracture was in May 2008. I had amnesia for about 24 hours and still to this day I am dizzy all of the time. Been to the nurosurgeons and the ear nose and throat Dr. No smell or taste at all except for this wonderful phantom taste/smell that I have had for the past month or so. Only problem with that is that I get it with every breath that I take. It is going to drive me crazy. I don’t even want to eat anymore. I have eaten so little lately that I am surprized that I can still stand up. I would love to hear more from you. Oh, by the way… the only thing that I can taste is strong jalopeno jelly which I now make bi-weekly and I put it on anything that I try to stomach. I even use it as a salad dressing. Sick huh??? I am a 47 year old female in Washington state and I just fell out of a golf cart that caused my injury. No help or simpathy what so ever from any Dr. Please write me back.
November 5, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Vicki
I just began smelling “car exhaust” 4 days ago. I have not had a head injury, a cold or the flu. I have lived in my house since 1992 and I work at home and nothing has changed, so it is not my environment. So far, I have only noticed it at home and during waking hours and it has not affected my taste at this point. I was extremely concerned because my brother complained in September 2002 of smelling a chemical smell that no one else could smell. He had a seizure in October and died a year later in September 2003 with a brain tumor called Glioblastoma. If all this turns out to be is a bad smell, I can live with it knowing what the alternative could be! Reading this thread has at least let me know that it MIGHT be less serious than what my brother suffered with (and he did suffer!) I still want to see a doctor, even though most on here have not had good luck with them.
November 6, 2008 at 4:06 pm
colleen
I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency (SAI) both of which can cause the awful phantom smells. Mine isn’t constant and has only occured a few times. Shortly before I was diagnosed with MCS and SAI I was exposed to air fresheners at my work which I feel was the beginning of my downfall and that I feel lead to the MCS and SAI. Dial Antibacterial Soap used in a doctor’s office caused a paint/formaldehyde smell or new particle board furniture smell for a couple of days. The various antibiotics I took caused a burt flesh smell and the air fresheners cause my sense of smell to become abnormally heightened to everything.I am no longer working I have gone totally chemical free in my home and green and no VOC or low VOC. I use only fragrance free cleaning and personal care products from the Health Food Store that are chemical free as much as possible. This has helped tremendously. Keep a diary of everything you ingest per day, medicines too, where you go and what chemicals you are exposed to and the date. It’s a lot of work but well worth the time. You may have some degree of chemical sensitivity causing your phantom smells. Have there been any new remodeling at work, home, chemical leaks in the area, brand new car? The high volatile organic compounds released during most remodeling and that are in cleaners and personal care products are highly toxic and to suseptible people can cause strange symptoms such as pins and needles sensation, burning of skin/mucous membrance, shooting pains, reflux. Stop using chemicals on your lawn. See if your symptoms get better with the above modifications. I’ve been living like this for 2 years and haven’t had another incident with the awful smells.
November 6, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Lisa
It has been 3 months and nothing is getting better. I still have these horrible smells and they change daily. One day I can drink soda, the next I cant. Onions and garlic literally make me vomit if I smell them long enough and chicken is my worst enemy. Im so frustrated at this point. All I do is waste food. Try this, try that…no no and NO Nothing is good! The one thing I noticed that I can eat every day is gnocci in vodka sauce with no onions. It does the trick every time. Other than that I cant even eat a bagel. The neurologist is sending me for tests and says he has faith that I will recover 100% but of course there is no definite yes or no answer. So for now all I can do is be positive. Its hard but I feel if I am positive, positive things will happen. Good luck to you all and keep the faith!
November 6, 2008 at 9:16 pm
colleen
This is in response to PETE June 16, 2008 at 3:56 pm.
There is something called SafeChoice Carpet Seal and Lock Out that prevents the outgassing of harmful chemicals from carpets. I’ve never tried it but it does exist. Hope this give you some relief. Open your windows as much as possible and a good chemical air cleaner by called Austin Healthmate may help when the windows are shut. The air cleaner may or may not help since you are exposed to the carpet fumes everyday but maybe together with the Carpet Seal and Lock Out it may work. It takes approximately 4000 chemicals out of the air. I have one that takes care of 1200 square feet. The website is http://www.afmsafecoat.com/products.php?page=5 for the carpet sealers and Needs.com has the air cleaners, allergy supply catelogs and of course Austin Air have them too. Good luck! Needs.com may also have the afm carpet sealer and Lock Out too.
November 8, 2008 at 2:39 am
Rhonda
I thought i was alone…. i go tuesday for an mri…i almost hope it is a tumor,,, i cant live like this,,
November 10, 2008 at 12:29 am
Barbara
Rhonda: Please don’t give up gal! I have lost my smell and taste since April and I have had a terrible bout with depression but keep looking at this site and don’t give up! This site will give you encouragement and a never give up feeling and that your not alone in this despair. I hope your mri is negative as mine was and put your energy in something else. I myself chose to put my energy in NASCAR and work! Odd combination but it helps.
Barbara
November 14, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Mandy
OMG!!!! i have been dealing with this for years, i have been for tests after tests… It first started when i was crying after someone close to me died. It was assumed that the stress that i was going through was causing small seizures. yet test after test came back with nothing. Everyone thought i was crazy. It started to happen more and more frequently. I have it right now and i feel like i just want to rip my nose off. I cant walk into a bathroom because the chemicals they used to clean, i wanna throw up. I cant eat or enjoy anything. Everything i smell is this god forsaken stench that is so rancid. Walking in the stores, i cant go past perfume, shampoos or conditioners… It will last for about 2-3 weeks, and by the end of the third week i am ready to throw in the towl. I cant help but cry at the frustration. Nobody understands that the smell seems like it is everywhere, this all consuming aggravation. However i do find things that help a little. I dont eat anything with chemicals in the food. Also ocean spray helps alot, when it gets to the point of total aggravation i ill layer thick vicks under my nose. I will rather smell vicks than death… breathing through my mouth helps a little, but then i have this metalic, just eaten an astray taste in my mouth….
November 14, 2008 at 11:48 pm
fjb
I just thought I would through this out there. Like I have written, I have a pretty good idea of what the problem is for me. I just have to get the next round of determination to find someone who will agree with me. Because I know I have an open wound high in my nose, I also know that a lot of the tightness in my scalp, neck, shoulder, and back come from the same thing. I also clench my teeth due to it. It’s my body trying to make room for the inflammation. I’ve clenched on one tooth so much that the dentist is alarmed that I am losing bone around the tooth. I was wondering if anyone else has notice clenching, muscles tightness in the head, neck, and shoulder? I know that it must seem far fetched, but I know it’s true for me. I’ll attach a link about a nasal infection/loss of smell when I go into my bookmarks and find it.
November 3, 2015 at 2:07 am
Joy Hiker
Did you do the mersa test? Get checked out for H pylory , I kept going to dentist after specialist after dentist to find infection in mouth. Found I had H pylory and when I took anti-biotics mouth cleared. Now I have fantom smell and no smell.
November 14, 2008 at 11:52 pm
fjb
http://www.sinus-cure.com.au/symptoms.htm
Here’s a link that explains nasal infections and loss of smell/taste better than anything that I have found, as it relates to me.
November 16, 2008 at 12:08 am
Nanci
I had my G. Bladder out and I had a lot of trouble after surgery. The trouble was my breathing,they had to push oxygen into my lungs. I was in intensive care for 7 days and then on the cardiac floor for 3 days. Cardiac floor because I have had heart problems for the lat 10 years. I came home yesterday. I have had that nasty and i mean nasty smell for the last 10 days! I was ready to lose my mind. I wished I was dead. Every smell smelt like that NASTY smell,every food item tasted and smelled like that NASTY smell!! I haven’t ate for the whole time there. Finally this morning my Mom brought me a cup of tea ….slowly coming near me so in case I got that nasty smell. I was so happy and amazed to smell tea! OMG! It was the best moment ever! Also today I had toast. I still have that nasty smell but it’s not as strong. I thought just last night that I would probably have this forever and thought I would go completely insane.I layed on couch last night and prayed it would go away. Thank God I believe it’s going away. I want to say to all of you who still suffer with this smell, I will pray to God for you. Good Luck to you all! Nanci
November 16, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Nyeva
Here’s my short story…Back in January of this year I caught the flu. That very nasty one that was going around the country that seemed to be affecting people from all walks of life. I heard some elderly even died. This turned into pneumonia some where in there I lost my taste, smell and voice completely. Around late april my voice came back partially but I noticed I still had no smell but I could tell if something was saltly, sweet, bitter, sour even (spicy) hot. But I just could not tell what the “flavor” was nor could I smell it. But I also notice this weird chemically smell that was now ans is now a constant in my life. Even food will take on that weird smell. This same smell is always there (if there is a odor to be smelled) it is either faint or strong depending on how strong the sell is. I can’t even enjoy a snickers candy bar anymore because the chocolate tastes like that weird smell. (i try sometimes any whay when I am jonesing for chocolate). Somedays that chemically smell is so strong I get a headache and I become sick to my stomache but nothing helps other days its just an nagging aggrevation! I went to see an ENT doctor and he seemed completly untouched by what I was experiencing and said to me “sometimes when one catched the flu they lose their sense of smell for ever, it just happens. And sometimes it come back” But my taste buds were fine that i why I can tell sweet from sour and such. What-ever…this was and is not encouraging for me. I would rather have no smell at all that this funky chemical stench that I am forced to live with.
I am sorry for my tone…sometimes I am so frustrated I could scream! And other times I can just take it in stride…but right now I am feeling hopeless.
I guess I am having a weak moment. Sorry ….. Thanks for letting me vent.
November 3, 2015 at 2:09 am
Joy Hiker
get your liver and kidney tested.
January 6, 2016 at 1:34 am
Anonymous
Nyeva, are you still suffering from this? My wife has the same symptoms.
November 17, 2008 at 11:52 pm
peanut69
It’s ok to vent, we all do it sometimes. Just know when you come here, we really do understand what you are going through and what you are feeling.
Update…
I lost my sense of smell also (about 2 yrs ago) and right know I have been dealing with what I think is a very light chemical/blood taste and smell. It’s quite a combo and with me almost 24-7. I really didn’t have to deal with this until recently. I started taking Alpha Lipoic Acid (600mg a day, split into 3 doses) 6 weeks ago and about 2 weeks ago when I started smelling this combo, however with the bad came a great deal of good. I also have started to taste the flavors in some of my food and can sometimes even smell what I cooking if it’s a really strong smell. A huge leap from where I was 2 months ago with no smells and no flavors what so ever. Before that I had phantom smells like vanilla cake and chocolate chip cookies baking, these would go on for days. All in all not bad smells, but after telling my family for days “I smell cake and cookies” I would wind up baking, because I made everyone else hungry for them LOL. I swear, it’s the Alpha Lipioc Acid working that is giving me my sense of smell back slowly. I can even very lighlty smell my candles burning now. I thank God every morning when I wake up and can still smell stuff that day.
November 19, 2008 at 4:44 am
Nyeva
Wow…next time I need to review what I write, venting or not and especially use that spell check! So does the Alpha Lipioc Acid come in a liquid form? Is there a maximum daily dosage? I am getting to the point where I just don’t really care what I eat anymore. I look forward to eating only when my very dear friend cooks. She makes looking at the food (almost) as pleasurable as eating use to be. The visuals and textures become very important at meal times for me to enjoy (she is very talented!). Otherwise, I could just as easily eat saltines and drink a cup of strong black lipton tea and call it a day. Its amazing, the simple pleasures we take forgranted on a daily basis…
November 19, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Anonymous
Walmart has it for 7-8 dollars in the vitamin isle. 600mg seems to be the max, but not all at once, 200 mg at a time over the course of the day.
November 19, 2008 at 9:41 pm
peanut69
Walmart is where I got my Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) also. It comes in a bottle of 100 capsules, 200mg each. My Doctor said one for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a total of 600 mg for the day is ok. I’m not sure about the liquid form. It seems to be working for me and I hope that it continues to get better and better. Wishing you all the best if you decide to give it a try. Go to August 2008 and look up Adri and Anonymous, they both have info on ALA.
November 20, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Vicki
I had a CT Scan and it showed nothing. I also have developed a “tightning” at the back of my neck up high after a severe headache about a week ago and it won’t go away. It feels like the muscles have just tightened up and they won’t relax. The exhaust smell comes and goes and is better when I am outside. It feels like I am closed up in a garage with the car runing and sometimes it feels like I am actually breathing in the fumes.
November 21, 2008 at 12:00 am
Nyeva
Off to “Wally World” I go! I hope after taking the first bottle I’ll be able to see some results. I have a new drink. One that I can finally faintly enjoy the taste…..a mug of hot water, about 2tbsp of lemon juice concentrate and about a tbsp of fresh crushed ginger! Anyone daring enough to try it?
November 21, 2008 at 3:18 pm
peanut69
Nyeva,
Good Luck, I hope you see some results.
November 21, 2008 at 3:29 pm
gwilym
Hi Jamesa
you wrote on the following on May 6, 2008 at 7:50 pm
… Now, GET THIS. Has anyone had any accompanying problem like this ? Along with the phantom smell, no taste, no smell, my left ear completely DISTORTS all music! It sounds like a cacophony of musicians playing different instruments and all out of tune and not any of them playing at the same time ! The singers sound like your worst nightmare who couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. Totally twisted & distorted music just from the left ear. If I lie on my left ear and just listen to music with my right ear, it all sounds beautiful like it’s supposed to. …
Well, I came searching for a clue to the ‘faint but persistant exhaust fume smell’, but had my hearing collapse in a way very similar to yours 2 years ago. Your description is uncannily as i experienced, and is scarily full of detail. ARE YOU BY ANY CHANCE A MUSICIAN? it’s just that I am, and your descriptions would not have been understood or recognised as symptoms here in the UK by the medical prof. Did you have hearing tests, and can i guess that if you did they came back negative?
gwilym
September 15, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Jeff
I own a recording studio. Had to stop listening to loud speakers after getting an acoustical condition in my middle ear. I was apparently having either a bit of paralysis or the opposite, spasms, in the auditory ossicle muscles…that or a hyper freaked inner ear issue (cochlear membrane) which had me hearing distortion, odd flanged sounds and the like for five months. Finally took one of dad’s valiums to try and stop the spasms (assuming this might be the issue after hitting dead ends at my local ENT and the biggies at John Hopkins OTOL. department in Baltimore. Son of a gun… I had never taken a Valium before and it all but knocked me out. The next morning I woke up and for the first time in five months, no distortion. When I had another occurrence several years later and asked my G.P. for a Valium, he said nah and prescribed methylprednisone which completely solved my problem within two days of the five day pak. Give it a shot, as it worked for me. Now of course like most hear I have phantom smells which have been bugging me for two months. MRI’s are negative, no other issues to attribute to this sensation, and now on my third week of Augmentin and Nasonex with no benefits. Dr. is having me get a CT scan next week to see if there are any sinus issues. Lot’s of fun. Best of luck to your ear problem, they really compromise daily life.
November 22, 2008 at 5:51 am
Nyeva
Has anyone out there tried “Sinus Busters”? I was just doing a search online about our condition and this turned up. Apparently this has actually cured people. Its a nasal pepper spray..hmm?
November 24, 2008 at 4:08 pm
nrf
Found this blog via google:”phantom smoke smell” since that’s what I’m experiencing, too.
Today, it dawned on me that my initial memory of the smoke smell seems to coincide with my exposure to the newer class of air fresheners that “eliminate rather than mask odors”. These air fresheners have recently (~2 years) taken over the shelves at my grocery and drug stores. The irony is that since they seem to work so well, the first instinct is to breathe deeply just after having sprayed.
I don’t have conclusive evidence just yet, but I’m going to cut these air fresheners out of my life for awhile and see if the problem subsides.
November 24, 2008 at 4:21 pm
nrf
Continuing my last post…
I also ran across this press release (http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/press-room/the-fabreze.php.), which indicates that this Febreze product uses activated carbon to “remove odors from the air”. Perhaps this carbon is the smoke I smell?
It also indicates the release date is just about two years ago, which I (and others) have mentioned above. Anyone else concur with this theory?
November 24, 2008 at 11:02 pm
colleen
To:
Gwilym- Have you had an MRI or CT scan? I don’t want to scare you but a tumor (cancerous or not) could be causing the difference in the distortion of the way you hear music with the right versus left ear. A tumor could also cause the nasty smells too. I’d see an audiologist for your hearing also. They will do more extensive hearing tests and it is possible for them to diagnose a tumor with their tests as well as other things. A regular doctor will not have the same equipment as the audiologist. Many Ear, Nose & Throat doctors will have audiologist on staff. Good luck! I’ve had 2 MRI’s for possible tumors before too so I know what you are going through.
To: nrf –
Activated carbon does not have a smell. You can buy it in the fish section at Walmart to remove odors without any chemicals. Air fresheners started my case of phantom smells and Febreze is an air freshener too. I’d stay away from all of them if you can.
I use Vanilla that you use for baking as an air freshener. Put on a cotton ball in a little dish or pour in a dish and set around the house. I use marshmallows in the bag too. You don’t even have to open the bag if you don’t want.
November 27, 2008 at 4:20 pm
deborah
Did the person who put pressure on top and back of the head that caused the smell to worsen ever get an answer as to why this was happening??
I have exactly the same thing. For four years the death gas has caused me so much grief that depression has become my life.
I have had all the tests and seen 3 neurologists. No specific answer has been given to me. but there has to be an answer out there somewhere.
I have numerous lesions in white matter of brain.
Hope beyond hope foran answer.
November 28, 2008 at 2:31 pm
fjb
Deborah, may I throw this out to you. Maybe you have an infection in your nose. Does it smell like rotting flesh? I used to be able to press on the side of my nose at the bridge were the bone is and deepen the smell. Check my previous posting where I give a link to a site re: infections in the nose.
BTW, I have decided that the devil who I know is best, and I am going back to the allergist, armed with data, websites, antibiotic treatments that worked but were stopped too soon, and insisting that I have an infection. Either he’ll treat it, or suggest someone who will, or I’ll go to Philly next. I have too many sypmptoms of an infection.
November 29, 2008 at 5:15 pm
colleen
fjb
You might want to go to an ENT doctor if you think you still have an infection. I had a blockage of my sinus’s with an infection for 9 months before it was found. I went through a lot of misery in that time. My allergist continually treated me with antibiotic after antibiotic until I was on 4000mg of something then developed an allergic reaction to the high dosage and now I’m allergic to most antibiotics. The ENT took a CT scan and found that because I had a blockage (polyp) the antibiotics wouldn’t do any good because my sinus’s weren’t draining, then the fluid would stagnate in there and continue the infection. Insist on a referral if insurance requires it or just go on your own. You’ll have to pay more but it’ll be worth it.
December 1, 2008 at 3:23 pm
fjb
Colleen
Thanks. I’ve already been there done that. ENT said that my sinuses were perfect, CT scan. He said I had no infection, but gave me antibiotics for seven days and it got better, “for the infection that you don’t have”.
You see there are sinuses, essentially closed pockets filled with air in your skill. And, there is your nose, into which sinuses open via microscopic openings.
Little attention is being paid to NOSE/NASAL where all of the inflammation is occuring and where the sense of smell/taste occurs.
The infection is in the flesh of the NOSE/NASAL and not in sinuses, which cannot be touched with a Q-tip. In fact, my allergist told me that when sinus surgery is performed for blocked sinuses that the opening of the sinus is so small it isn’t found. A new opening is cut.
I’ve been through it all, except to find someone who will believe me about the infection that I can touch with a Q-tip.
December 2, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Vicki
You guys are not giving me any hope at all! I smell exhaust fumes everwhere and putting presure on any one spot does not make a difference. i smell it sitting down, laying down, but not as much if I am out in the open, like out doors. Sometimes my eyes burn and I feel like i am breathing it in but I know there is nothing there! I wanted to believe that a doctor would say ‘I know what is wrong’ but reading here makes me feel like it will be a waste of time to keep going.
December 3, 2008 at 3:02 pm
fjb
Well, I finally said UNCLE and made an appointment on the 16th at the Taste and Smell Clinic at the University of PA.
I started out smelling exhaust. I was noticing it the other day, about 10 months since this started. It’s my guess that the inflammation in my nose is pretty high, and what I’m guessing is happening is that the inflamation at my smell receptors at the top of my nose is telling registering that my flesh is burning. My big guess.
I have a little feline problem right now. I inherited my kitty back who I love when my mother died a couple of weeks ago. I love her, but my immune system thinks she’s one big foreign body to be devoured. Ugh! And, all she wants is to sit on me all day. This isn’t making it easier.
December 10, 2008 at 1:55 pm
deborah
Thanks for your suggestions and comments. The first doctor I saw four years ago was an ent. There was no infection. I have never suffered with alergies or sinus infections. She ordered a Ct which showed lesions.From there I had an MRI which showed multible lesions in the white matter of my brain. My symptoms besides the death gas are chronic fatigue, ace and pains in joints which also swell. I was unable to walk without a cane for a few months. I saw a rheumotologist who said i had sjogren’s syndrome(after a year of tests).I had I.V. steroids in september and take methotrexate . these meds help with pain but the fatigue is as much a battle to deal with everyday as the chemical smell. Sure need to talk to someone with the same thing happening to them.
I would like to touch bases with the person who said that just resting their head on the back of the sofa brought the smeell on even stronger. That is what i experience as well. Maybe a doctor has been able tofigure out why this happens. sure would like to know. It could be a small clue in the big puzzle.My doctors, even the neurologist has no idea. I am so frustrated. I have gone from a busy happy woman to a miserable freak.
I use to work as a health care aide in acute care at the local hospital. I loved my job, especially working with paliative people. I did the ordering of supplies and the sterilising and packagingof instument trays as well as patient care for a twelve bed ward. I had the most beautiful gardens, I cooked, i sewed formy grandchildren and crafted. Ipainted with oils and kept my home so orderly and sweet. Now when I walk down the hallway, balls of dust roll after me. I loved life. I raised five kids and have seven grandchildren. I sewed quilts and always flew to visit my children and their families. I was able to send parcels at christmas and birthdays. Now my disability pay is so low, i can make a car payment and buy the drugs i need and pay a few bills and thats it.
I could probably work part time but i can not schedule when the fatigue will be unmanagable . the chemical smell is the worst. i feel like i have swallowed nail polish remover. it is hell.
December 18, 2008 at 2:32 am
Trevor C Poole
Hello all you gas smellers,
I too have had this wondrous affliction.
I have decided to call it ….. you saw it here first …. “Briggs and Stratton” syndrome.
That is to say for no obvious reason one smells gasoline, exhaust and tingly in the tongue as if one has had ones head stuck up the xhaust pipe of your friendly home lawn-mower or roto tiller.
I would prefer to assume that I don’t have epilepsy or liver problems, or diabetes, and I don’t remember having a car crash recently. It could, of course, be that my brain is due to explode in the near future. As long as I am sitting watching the telly that would be just fine. One can only get decent diagnostic treatment in the USA if one is on the verge of snuffing or or are insanely rich. Preferably both. So naturally no-one will give me an MRI until it is too late.
In the mean-time I decided to assume it was my silly sinuses deciding to remember the last really nasty smell that went up there just because I am old (60), male and generally useless. My wife says that I should shoot myself but it would be a waste of a bullet. So I think I might do the deeed, outdoors of course. The guy next door will lend me a slug or two. Nice lad. Keeps pit bulls and spits a lot.
So I snuffled up tons of Vicks nostril stuff. I ran the humidifier close by my bed at full blast and slept in a large cloud of fog for several nightsd. I took a shower each day if I needed it or not and snuffed water up my nose and then blew it out. After about a week the symptom went away and I didn’t.
So in my case, looks like sinus trouble. Low humidity in my part of the country. Indoors lots of the time. That doesn’t help. Neither I suppose does the fact that I got my nose all smashed up as a youth.
Just thought all you gas hogs out there would like to know. If I snuff it anyway with something horrible don’t blame me. I can’t affod and MRI but strangely enough I can afford my own funeral. I think I’ll ask Paulson for a hand-out and see what happens.
Snuffle upagus
December 23, 2008 at 2:14 am
peanut69
Update…
I think that the ALA is working for me. I’ve been taking it since 10/07/08. I have been able to smell some things, in their “real” smell, if I am up close to them and some things I can now smell, not their “real” smell, but how I smell them now. This is all a bonus for me, since a few months ago I could smell nothing at all. My sense of taste seems to be getting a little bit better also. My Doctor and I found out that the “Blood/Chemical” smell was the nasal spray he had me taking. It dried out my sinuses so well that they were bleeding (just a little bit, not enough to be noticed on a tissue). Lovely huh?! I’m no longer doing that and the smell went away. I hope all of you get some results.
December 28, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Anonymous
i knew someone that had a smell coming from their skin that was horrible. after years of doctors, he had his hormone levels checked and that showed wgere the problem was.
January 8, 2009 at 5:13 am
kitchen
Does anyone have a current update on the host of this blog? She appears not to have posted since last summer? Her story is so similar to mine I was anxious to hear whether she’s progressed any further…
February 19, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Ben
My senses of taste and smell have been greatly impaired and distorted for over 3 months. I had been doing a lot of DIY in a house which dates back to 1830. I was constantly blowing dirt and dust from my nose and I also had a cold. I have a memory of it 1st hitting me. I was cleaning a floor with meths and then all other smells were tinged with the same smell. The smell evolved into what it is today Meats taste like wrotting flesh, crisps taste burnt and chemically, I have very little sense of room smells. My own feaces smells chemically to me and not at all like it should. Although strangely today on visiting a customers house over run with dogs I could smell how bad they were!
I have been to the doctor and tried steroid spray for the nose – did’nt work.
I have been to the ENT at my local hospital where they checked my sinuses for signs of desease or pollups – Nothing found, not even inflamed. They gave me another sinus spray for 6 weeks, did’nt work.
I went for a CT scan on my brain last week and have another appt with a ENT consultant in 3-4 weeks time to discuss further but I am not optomistic. I have heard other reports it could be stress related.
It is obviously stressful not being able to eat without the worry of foul taste and intimate moments with my partner are tainted with the fact her body/hair smell is distorted into something unpleasant. Thus effecting the fundamental building blocks of a happy life!
February 20, 2009 at 10:50 pm
colleen
I found this from another site. Zinc supplements are suppose to help improve the sense of smell. It is said to be effective when the olfactory sense is impaired by conditions such as a head injury or an upper respiratory infection. Take 50 mg of zinc picolinate each day after eating. It could be several months before any results are seen. We are trying this with my husband who lost his sense of smell from a mild head injury about 5 years ago. He started taking the zinc about 3 weeks ago…. since then he has been able to smell potatoe chips, aroma from a steak house, dog pooh and food cooking in the house. At least his sense of smell is coming back. I’ve also read where this will help with correction of the nasty smells too. I have not tried it yet but am going to soon. My smell disorder is the opposite of his. We are quite the pair, aren’t we.
I hope this works for other people too!
November 3, 2015 at 2:21 am
Joy Hiker
Have you got new carpet, new furniture or use bug spray? weird you both have it, sounds like enviromentle.
February 22, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Carla
So, I feel better and worse that I found this website. I’ve only been experiencing my “phantom smell” for about a week now. It all started on Monday night (six days ago). I went to take my car in for an oil change. I had a headache before I went, thought it was my sinuses acting up, so I took some Allegra-D. It was the first time I’d taken it in a year or so. Later that night I started smelling exhaust. Thought maybe it was on my clothes from the oil change place. Kept asking my boyfriend if he could smell it in our house but he had no idea what I was talking about. Started thinking it was in our house somewhere because I smelled it Tuesday too. Then I noticed on Wednesday that I also smelled it at work, in my classroom and in other classrooms. Started freaking out a little. So I decided to look it up and came across this website. It is comforting to know that I’m not crazy, but not so comforting to see that many people have had this problem for years! Luckily everything still tastes just fine, and I can still smell things other than the exhaust smell. I just notice the exhaust smell when I’m breathing normally, not trying to smell anything. It will just hit me and then with every breath I take I can smell it. I’ve tried closing my nose and breathing with my mouth and that seems to work, but I hate having my mouth open like that all the time. So what I’m wondering is if people who have posted here before just came, complained, and then never checked back to report how they are doing, or if they just don’t have anything new to say because they still feel the same as they did before. Does anyone have anything new to add? I was thinking about going to my doctor but from what everyone said it seems like that won’t really help me at all…. 😦
February 23, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Joaquim
What a relief to know I’m not the only one with this strange sense of smell.
It may have started long ago with the gradual reduction of the sense of smell but the first I really noticed the rancid smell was in April 2003 when I was watching the Indy car racing in Long Beach, CA. On the first day of practice, I started to get annoyed with the nauseating smell coming out of the temporary food tents set up on the lawn behind the stands. It wasn’t until the next day, when the cars went around for warm ups that I connected the smell with the Methanol emissions from their exhaust pipes. The strong smell stayed with me for several days. Everything had that smell!!!
For me it comes and goes. The only permanent aspect is the reduction of the overall sense of smell. Yesterday, I went to the supermarket and upon getting a rotisserie chicken (still very warm) and placing it in my basket, the smell pursued me everyplace I went even if I was miles away from the chicken. It is not the same smell but it is as overpowering as the one in 2003. However, yesterday I develop a splitting headache by the end of the day which rarely happened before. My taste has not changed although there is a clear intrusion of the foul smell into the whole experience when these situations flare up.
My situation is clearly not as dramatic as that of some other postings but this condition can be pretty aggravating. Also, I cannot recall any recent head trauma. I had a very serious fall at the age of 10 where I hit the back of my head very hard on a tile floor. Lots of bleeding but no apparent sequels from the episode other than the school expulsion of the 3 bullies who caused my fall. Also, this was over 40 years ago!
Could it be that certain burned vegetal oils cause allergic reactions to some people? Methanol is not an oil but is derived from corn so there may be a link there.
I’ve lived in Southern California since1999. Could the dry climate here have anything to do with it? There are low-humidity spells around here that are pretty tough on the mucous membranes. Maybe in future postings, people could share the region they live with us so we may be able to derive some conclusions.
About 4 years ago I figured by myself I was allergic to mangoes by researching the internet. The two doctors I saw would just fill me up with anti-allergic medication every time I had an episode but would never dig into the cause. So, lets not give up and keep the others informed and maybe one day we will strike gold!
March 2, 2009 at 7:46 pm
ganselmi
Boy am I glad I found this site! Maybe 3-4 days ago, I got a pretty bad cold. It started with just a sore throat, and then transitioned to heavy congestion and coughing (sometimes with thick phlegm). I got my cold symptoms under control using Alkasaltzer and Tylenol “Severe Congestion” pills.
Over the last day or so however, I’ve been experiencing this nasty smell. I smell it every time I breathe in through the nose, and it seems to affect and overwhelm every other smell AND taste. The best way to describe would be that it’s a highly concentrated mucous smell – disgusting!
I’m deathly afraid that it’s something permanent. I consider myself a pretty big foodie, and I shudder to think that I’ll have to live with this smell for the rest of my life. It’s already completely ruined my appetite.
If anyone is experiencing a similar situation (phantom smell due to cold), please let me know!!!
March 2, 2009 at 11:50 pm
colleen
ganselmi – Try doing nasal sinus washes. I”ve had the phantom smell due to colds also with the nasty mucus smell. Look up how to on the internet. I’ve been using a netti pot and doing themfor years.
March 3, 2009 at 11:47 am
ganselmi
Thanks colleen!
March 3, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Vicki
My phantom smell went away for about a month and I thought I was free, but it is back with a vengeance! Even my eyes burn. I am in Arizona and it has been about 90 degrees here this past week, but the heat does not seem to be a factor as much as being outside or inside. The only time I can say I never smell it is when I am outside. if I am inside, home, someone else’s home, grocery store, etc, i smell it. When I step outside, it goes away! I have an appt with an Otolaryngologist (ENT) next week. I am hoping he will have good news for me. This is so distracting, it is has been hard to focus on anything else.
March 5, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Marion
I have been having a problem for the last four months but only with certain smells. It was first noticed with coffee in the mornings, then fried foods, and nuts. I had been on a diet for about a month when it started but do not know if it is related to the diet or not. I have quit dieting but still have the problem, although I believe it is not quite as strong…maybe. As long as I eat fruit and vegetables, there is no problem. I really miss my coffee and my snacks of which my favorite was pecans. I keep hoping it will just go away but so far, no luck. For example, with Easter coming up, I thought I would try a Reese’s peanut butter egg, but no way! It smells rancid, just like coffee, nuts and fried foods. Also have the same smell with butter/margarine.
June 24, 2013 at 5:59 pm
Anonymous
coffee, nuts, peanut butter, popcorn, chocolate, anything fried, all smell and taste rancid to me…garlicky smelling. I have been on broad spectrum antibiotics, had CT scan which showed nothing wrong with sinuses. Went to ENT all he prescribed was Nasonex…not helping! Wonder if it could be Prozac or lisinopril (BP med). Also considering Thyroid as potential problem. Anyone had taken these meds and had this problem?
March 8, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Anonymous
I started out smelling glazed doughnuts! It went on for a week or so. I later noticed roses not smelling very strong…never guessed I just wasn’t smelling well. I have progressed to not smelling skunks, body odors..of all types! I am actually an ENT nurse, if you can believe it, I have discussed this w/ my co-workers/doctors and no ideas for treatment!
Now I get weird smells, like spicy cheese, sounds better than what some of you describe, however still distressing!
I had an MRI, considering get sinuses scoped etc, I will update you soon!
March 8, 2009 at 11:15 pm
allison
Like others who have posted, I was really relieved to know that I wasn’t alone in having horrible phantom smells. Mine began several years ago after a head injury. For the first while it seemed like my sense of smell would kick in and out randomly, then after awhile I had to go to sleep to get back to normal and unfortunately I’m at the point now that it stays for days on end. I’ve tried acupuncture, zinc, medicine and nothing seems to get rid of it permanently. I have seen an ENT and a neurologist and the only thing they could tell me was that I don’t have a tumor (which is known to cause smell disturbances as others have mentioned) and that when I hit my head I damaged the smell nerves. While the ENT was surprised the disturbance has lasted this long he tried to assure me that it would one day correct, he just couldn’t say when. In the meantime he prescribed an older medicine that seems to be used for different conditions (including smell disturbances) at different dosages. I started taking Apo-Amitriptyline at 10mg and it was working for the most part for a few months and it was such a relief. Unfortunately after attempting it at a higher dose (if it worked well at 10mg, I’d never have the problems at 25 right?! Wrong…) I began experiencing the smells all the time again. Went back to the lower dose and now it doesn’t work! Anyway, I just found a facebook group for support for this and it seems easier to check that than this board so I’d recommend to all to search “Parosmia/Phantosmia Support Group”. Maybe we can exchange ideas on there. Best wishes to all in dealing with this.
March 17, 2009 at 4:52 pm
colleen
I just read that adrenal insufficiency can cause the hyperosmia and phantom smells. I was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity at about the same time that I started smelling the horrible smells that noone else can smell. Mine seems to come and go with contact with things that I’m allergic too….antibacterial soap esp. Dial, antibiotics, air fresheners and those blue toilet bowl cleaners that hang in the bowls in public toilets. I feel for all of you having to put up with this on a constant basis.
March 29, 2009 at 8:12 pm
CES
Hello All, I happened to stumble upon this blog. I am experiencing the same symptoms. My first unknown syptom happened in 2004 when I was driving my new car. I felt a sharp pain in my back, then my neck, and the back of my skull. I immediately turned off the air conditioning. When I did that everything was fine. I then let the windows down and the pain came back. I had never experienced anything like that before in my life. I thought my life was over. I then decided that I need to change the way I do things. I felt like someone was out to get me. It seemed to me that everything I came into contact with I was spreading an unknown chemical around and felt that I may be harming other people because I felt like if it can hurt me it can hurt someone else without them knowing it. I threw away practically everthing I owned and a lot of money in the process. It was well worth it to have a peace of mind. There is a lot more to this story, what I had to do to survive. Clean and wash with water and very little bleach over and over and over, on the walls that is. Wash clothes in cold water chemical free Tide washing powder, and to cleanse my body of the chemicals I take B-12 B-6 with folic acid all in one sub-lingual tablet. I also take Silver Solution. These two products work wonders for the body and what we all are experiencing. I thank God for giving me the answers to my problems. Any questions please feel free to e-mail me. To ease the pain you might want to look into nutritional products. I am not trying to sell you something from my site, but it is worth looking into. shopnutronix.com/charles
April 19, 2009 at 1:51 am
Anonymous
the phantom smell and throat aching is a symptom of lyme disease caused by tick bites often unrecalled by the person so if thats the case get checked for it if not treated fast enough can cause death.
April 21, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Joe-W
Reading these comments are reassring.. Anyways I had been getting head-aches and dizzy spells for a long time but the doctors told me it was nothing.. Recently I have been experiencing a sickly thick chemical like smell that comes and goes… I have an appointment next week and I’m so worried incase it’s something serious. 😦
May 1, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Dave
I also began experiencing random rotten smells. Sweet foods and meats were fowl and rotten. It would strike every two weeks, typically in the morning and last 8-10 hours. I knew by the next day it would be gone again for another 2 week reprieve.
After several months I saw an ENT who blew me off. A year later I saw my PCP who ordered an MRI. It showed nothing. After a year of suffering I discovered, while playing on the floor with my son, that hanging my head upside-down for 10-20 seconds would make it temporarily go away.(blood-rush?)
2 weeks after the MRI, I got “walking pneumonia.” The nurse/PA prescribed 2 rounds of Azithromycin (z-pac). About 2 days after the final dose was my last episode of rotten smell.
That was 3 months ago! I haven’t been this long without an episode in more than 18 months. I think the others posting about deep infections may be on the right track. If I had not caught pneumonia and taken the z-pacs, I think I would still be suffering. Good luck to you all on this board. My prayers are with you, I know what it’s like.
May 1, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Melly
On Februrary of this year. I had a brain tumor removed. For months I had no smell or taste of any kind. For the past few weeks I have this awful , foul, chemical , mediceiny kind of smell. It is with me 24/7 when ever I am awake. I notified my doctor and was told to get in touch with an ENT doctor. I did not have this problem till the surgery. Does anyone have a clue how to fix or at least help me ?
Thanks,Melly
May 3, 2009 at 12:53 am
CES
Hello All, I haven’t completely gotten rid of the syptoms. But i am able to cope with the unknown, Thanks to my nutritional products. B-12, B-6, With Folic Acid, all in one Sublingual Tablet. And my Silver Solution, Two great products worth looking into. shopnutronix.com/charles Thank You, and good luck! Ces
May 26, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Ed
Well I guess I get to join this group. came on slowly with my morning coffee smelling musty – and now everything pungent, fatty, coffee, ham, tuna, pork – all have this nasty chemical smell. Even when I pee or go to the bathroom, I get the same smell – sweet stuff is still good as are veggies. nasty taste in my mouth that I can’t brush away. Also – always thirsty. At night – my mouth is so dry I my tongue sticks to the side of the mouth. i have to drink several glasses of water each night. No real head injury although I did bump my forehead a few weeks back, but barely. Have had really badly clogged nasal passages every winter for a few years. This year was really bad. Got some steroid spray from the VA and used it once or twice m but since the weather was getting better so did the clog and I stopped using it. It almost feels like I ate something and now a fungus is growing inside me.
June 7, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Ann Struthers
I am so excited to find out about this website!! I have been going crazy for months maybe even a year with phantom smells. For the past few days I have been having a nasty odor of dirty something. I thought it was the carpets, the curtains, the whole house and then I noticed it was everywhere I went THE SAME SMELL. It is so distracting because smells are such a part of my life and how I function. I clean houses for a living and I’ve been told that possibly my smeller’s been ruined because of the chemicals but I don’t believe that. I was thinking of ENT specialist but online it sounds like you should start with a neurolisgist so I think I’m going to go that direction. Any comment or suggestion would be appreciated. It’s like a constant, takes over your life thing.
June 7, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Ann Struthers
Ben,
I can sooooo relate to your smell problem. What did the dr. finally do for you?
June 22, 2009 at 8:31 pm
AR
Howdy folks…
I caught a standard flu a few weeks ago. I didn’t want to chance that it would hold on so I went to an Urgent Care for some antibiotics. The doc there swabbed my nasal passages with a long Q-tip (checking for swine flu)…it was slightly painful and I’ve never had that done…it felt like it was way up there too far, but I’m no physician. She also prescribed 5 days of Azythromycin. That very afternoon my illness turned into some kind of upper respiratory infection that at least for one day was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I was nearly in tears from the suffering. I thought my head was going to explode and nothing would help except ice packs on my brain.
The very next day…no sense of smell at all. Maybe 3 days after…the beginning of a disgusting smell many here have described. To me it’s a pleasant combination of rotten flesh, ripe feet, garlic and rotten onions…just how you want your Ritter Sport Hazelnut chocolate to taste. It is definitely worse with heat as others also have mentioned….especially as I get in to my sun-heated car.
A second doc told me that the antibiotics will stay in my system for 10 days and suggested that my sinus infection was probably still being fought. Well…10 days after the last dose is tomorrow. I got desperate last weekend and tried the neti pot…really seemed to help. Since that very day I’ve had some small sense smell and taste return (3 days now), but of course they’re accompanied by the stench of rot.
I should also say that as of now, my health seems to have returned. I have no other symptoms that others speak of. Also when I used the neti pot….my head seemed to drain more than I ever thought was up there…my brains were liquefying? All clean and clear at least…..no globules, odd colors, or objects.
I have read that certain antibiotics can trigger a temporary loss of smell/taste with Azythromycin on the list. In my case (I hope) it’s either that…or as I have a very slight suspicion….that first doc infected my nose with that jabbing Q-tip.
We’ll see how this plays out in next few weeks. I’d sure like a beer.
AR
June 27, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Marion
I plan on asking my doctor for a prescription for a Z-pack. Nothing else has seemed to work and this has been going on for over six months. Some days it seems a little better but not much. Would so much love to have a cup of coffee or go to Starbucks without feeling like I’m going to throw up! (No offense to Starbucks!)
July 22, 2009 at 7:08 am
Lucy
A big thank you to everyone on this site. For the last few days I have had the most horrid smell, like faeces and a metallic taste along with a headache. It’s so bad it has woken me up. I do have a runny nose so am putting it down to the start of a bad cold, before I found this site I was starting to panic as the other sites convinced me it was probably a brain tumor! I have been taking Naproxen for a sore back but nothing that could have influenced this. Anyone here had similar symptoms and recovered naturally?
July 28, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Vicki
No recovery for me! It comes and goes, and on the days it is gone, it is wonderful. The only time I never seem to smell my “exhaust fumes” is when I am outside. It gets to almost 110 degrees here and way to hot to just stay outside to keep from smelling it.
August 11, 2009 at 6:36 pm
colleen
If it’s not a cold here is something else to think about…sometimes with a migraine headache you can get a smell aura kinda like the visual aura with flashing lights that happens about 20 minutes before the headache starts. I think you can get taste aura’s too. I get tingling in my body as well in the fingers, toes and near my eye as an aura earlier in the day of my migraine.
Also allergic reactions to medicines, chemicals, or anything can start the horrid smells. My horrid smell reactions usually start about 4 hours after contact with the allergic substance and can be delayed up to a day later. Was the Naproxen started recently? If so I’d go off it and see if it clears up. Mine will usually clear up in a day unless caused by medicines which can take up to 2-4 weeks to get out of your system. You can call your pharmacist to see what the half-life of the drug is (How long the drug takes to get out of your system.) Take care. Colleen
August 26, 2009 at 2:46 pm
DK
Hi everyone. My phantom “burning smell” started several years ago while at work. I looked under my desk thinking it was an electrical, machine-related problem and even had my co-workers come to my desk to see if they smelled it… they could not. I thought nothing of it until I smelled the same thing while driving in my car, then in the shower, and a variety of other “NOT POSSIBLE” locations. The smells often occured with other effects of having a fuzzy feeling in my head or rising sensations in my chest.
This sent me down a path of seeing multiple doctors – GP, ENT, and finally a Neurologist – who after conducting 2 EEGs and a variety of other tests, confirmed my “olfactory hallucinations” were indeed partial seizures. Although I did have petit-mal epilepsy as a child (and grew out of it), I never imagined I would once again be diagnosed w/ epilepsy as an adult. For the next year or so I tried every anti-seizure med, in every combination and dosage and all it got me was exhausted and cognitively impaired all the while still having the smells.
Under the supervision of my doctor (while admitted to a hospital for close observation), I was taken off the meds completely. In my case, the meds not only were unsuccessful – they made me worse.
Although I have been med-free for a couple of years now, I continue to have the burning (and other) smells. I have come to the conclusion that for me, it’s better to live w/ the smells and have my wits about me as opposed to taking powerful anti-seizure meds in the hopes they could somehow help me but while making me impaired. Long story (sorry) – short, phantom smells can indicate a seizure disorder so please don’t discount seeing a Neurologist. Good luck, y’all.
September 20, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Philly
I feel soo bad for you guys, but I am happy that I am not alone. I have either went without smell or overwhelmed with the smell of burnt garlic and onions since Feb. I have been so scared to go to the doctors because (1) this sounds extremely strange and (2) I have been reading online about this possibly being a neuro disorder (scared) But I have an appt for Oct 6. I hope that they dont have me on a wild goose chase especially cause I just got the courage to go. I can’t live like this anymore. When I eat I get nauseous and to smell coffee makes me want to just pass out. I have to find answers. I am in the Philadelphia area if anyone knows of a specialist to refer me to.HELP!!
February 1, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Mary
I am also in the Philly area. Have you found anything yet?? My family’s ENT, not my own, is Dr. Sol, or Saul? The doctor is a woman. I believe she is in the Northeast. I have heard nothing but good things about her since I was young. I really don’t know why I never went myself. Go figure. But do not go to 8050 Roosevelt Blvd…. ugh. He does not care one bit it seems. Have you tried using a saline rinse? It helps temporarily.
September 21, 2009 at 9:50 am
Lucy
Good news!
I posted a comment a few months ago, as I was suffering from the most disgusting phantom smells…like dog’s dirt or something. It woke me up sometimes the smell was so overpowering. It was a bad tooth. I didn’t have pain for ages. When I did I went to the dentist who x-rayed it and told me there was nothing wrong. A week later my face swelled up to cartoon proportions….they couldn’t pull the tooth as the infection was so bad. I needed antibiotics. The tooth was adventually pulled out 2 weeks ago, I was a messy job and the infection was still there and consequently the pain relieve injections didn’t work. I needed stitches etc which were removed last week. The good news is guys that I have had no more phantom smells……perhaps this could help some of you guys? Remember, I had no pain, then even when I did the Dentist couldn’t find anything wrong, not until my face swelled up. Good luck guys, you have my sympathies.
October 6, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Cosi
I started suffering from phantosmia early this year. Initially, the smell of cigarette smoke was faint. Then when it came back the following month, it was with a vengeance. I could not sleep because the smell of smoke was giving me headaches and was drying my mouth. Nasal washes and dabbing tea tree oil provided only temporary relief. I also had a brain MRI which was negative. I tried them all. What we all have in common are allergies, sinus problems, possible depression, and yeast / fungal infections?
I did not want to take any more medication since they tend to only do harm, if not now, then eventually.
Something told me to deal with the depression first. I was not clinically depressed since I still functioned well at work.
I decided to try herbal supplements. I was going to take antidepressants only as a last recourse because its habit forming. I bought St. Johns Wort (herbal supplement alternative to antidepressant since it uplifts mood) and garlic supplements. Garlic is the best natural remedy available since it is antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal. I took the highest dosage of garlic available (odorless 1000 mg) and the highest dosage of St. Johns Wort (with “hypericin”). I did not notice any change in smell the first 3-4 days, and then the smell started getting fainter and fainter. About a week and a half later, the smell disappeared. It’s now been three months and the phantom smell hasn’t come back.
Try this over the counter remedy. I know the hellll that you are all going through and I just have to put in my two cents. The combination of St. Johns Wort and garlic helped me. Give it a try!
October 10, 2009 at 5:54 pm
HJ
I started having weird smells 20 years ago when I was about 16 years old. It’s a smoky/cloying-rotten-garbage smell, and has always reminded me of the smell in the dentist office when they are drilling a tooth, or the smell from the operating room when I had my tonsils out as a child. It is very distracting and impossible to ignore; I often felt like I was going crazy. It would typically last 11 days, then go away for about 5 months before coming back. In the last several years they have not been as frequent. Over the years I have figured out a few things and develped a few theories.
First, I discovered in my late 20s that I had previously had a broken jaw. This was news to me. A dental x-ray showed a metal pin in the hinge of my jaw. My parents and I realized that when I had my lower wisdom teeth pulled (at age 16) the dentist must have broken my jaw, put in this pin, and never informed us about it. It makes sense because I had a horrible time with those extractions compared to my siblings, and developed TMJ in the years afterwards. This seems to be around the time the smells began.
In my mid 20s had periods of “lost time” where I couldn’t remember what had just happened, was suffering from migraines and some visual disturbances. When I went to the doctor about this I mentoned the phantom smells as well. I was sent to a neurologist and had a Cat Scan and MRI and EEG. Nothing was found, the Dr. diagnosed me with migraines and put me on Depakote (used for migraines, epilepsy, and bi-polar among other things). I belive I took that for 2 years. It helped, but I also during this time found out I had hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and started the Sugar Busters program. For several years I cut out processed sugar, white flour, high carbs. I think this is what really helped me. In the five or so years afterwards I gradually started eating sugar again, but the phantom smells disappeared for years. I felt much less “fuzzy headed” and more alert, and the migraines disappeared too.
Now, I am beginning to get the smells again. I am smelling it right now – for the past 3 days – and have smelled it maybe 3 times in the last 2 years. I think it is time to do Sugar Busters again and see if it works. I mention this because white sugar and flour can cause yeast overgrowth, and I saw above where a poster mention a yeast connection. If that is true, cutting out foods that promote yeast growth could be beneficial in stopping the “smells.”
I don’t know if the broken jaw is what started my smells or if it was just a coincidence that they started around the same time. But there does seem to be a connection between head trauma and phantom smells.
Also, in the last 3 years I have been seeing an allergist for allergies to mold and tree pollen. I get shots every 2 weeks, and this has REALLY helped me. I no longer have frequent sinus infections like I used to (which often turned into walking pnemonia). I never did see a connection between being sick and the smell; although it seems like an obvious connection (both being nasal related) it just never seemed to match up that I smelled the smell when I was sick.
I’m really glad to find this thread. I had looked up phantom smells on the internet several years ago and found nothing. It’s always good to know others are going through the same thing, and nice to be able to talk to someone who isn’t going to think you are making it up, or just being overly sensitive. I don’t know if my exerience is going to help anyone, but I always enjoy hearing other’s experiences.
October 11, 2009 at 1:33 am
Ann Struthers
I am so happy about this site also. As of today I am not having any phantom smells and haven’t for a few months, I think. So interesting and good to know that I am not alone! I especially enjoyed yours about the dentist and possibly a lawsuit in the making. lol Just kidding! I think it is nasal related and I also think that I will experience the smells again during the winter months. Good luck to everyone out there!!
February 1, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Mary
Oh my gosh! It’s awesome to hear that other people are experiencing the same problem and that I’m not crazy. But I am truly sorry that any of us are dealing with it. I can’t relate to a having a head injury but I can relate to having a foul taste in my mouth and I smell the same odor. I have had these symptoms for 2 plus years now. In the beginning I would only experience them maybe once a month and I was able to hang my head upside down for a few minutes and they would go away. Eventually this did not work anymore. Then I started using the saline rinse and it worked wonders. Only problem is, is I have to bring the rinse container everywhere I go! It’s embarrassing to rinse your nose in a bar bathroom. Haha. Once a girl asked my friend if I was throwing up. I also had 2 back to back sinus infections this fall. The only 2 I have ever had in my life. This brings on the taste and smell with a vengeance. It seems blowing my nose, coughing, clearing my throat, yelling, and sometimes nothing at all bring these symptoms on. My ENT rushed my appt. and kept saying he has no idea what I’m talking about. I recently read on another chat that It could possibly be a yeast infection in the lungs or sinuses? And the antibiotics prescribed for a sinus infection can worsen the yeast infection. It’s an interesting theory. I hope We all find a cure. If I find one I will be sure to inform you all! Good luck everyone!
February 10, 2010 at 9:55 am
colleen
Yes the antibiotic worsens the yeast infection by killing all the bacteria in your body … the good and bad bacteria. Once it kills the good bacteria yeast multiplies and a yeast infection results. Eating yogurt daily will help to clear and prevent yeast infections in your body. You could also drink acidophilous milk. Krogers usually carries it. The yogurt or milk needs to say on the container somewhere…Contains live active cultures. I would eat 1/2 of a 8 oz yogurt in the am and 1/2 in the pm or 1/2 a cup or acidophilous milk in the am and 1/2 in the pm everyday. I would double it if you are on an antibiotic or a steroid. Most doctors won’t tell you this will work and many probably don’t know. I was on an antibiotic 1x/month for about 18 years and rarely ever got a yeast infection once I found out about the yogurt. If you have a milk allergy you could try using goat milk yogurt. Also at Kroger’s and health food stores. At about the same time my asthma inhaler would cause yeast infections in my throat and the nystatin gargle didn’t really take care of it completely the yogurt took care of it too. I haven’t had a yeast infection for years! Good luck!
March 24, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Dave
Mary, your the first to mention my symptom. I’ve found that holding my head upside-down for 15-20 seconds(long enough for the blood to rush to my head) makes the foul smell/taste go away.
I may not have another episode for days or weeks. It also happens frequently during the final days of a head cold. When there is lots of sinus drainage present.
My ENT mentioned sensitive nerve receptors in the sinus passage. Which sort-of explains why hard sniffing, sneezing or coughing can sometimes set-off the symptoms.
February 1, 2010 at 1:30 pm
AR
I guess I’m one of the lucky ones…my sense of smell and tased slowly returned over the past months. A few scents seem to be altered but I can deal with that.
What fixed this the most for me was septoplasty surgery (though this of course is not in any direct way related to anosmia). The instant I was able to get good air flow through my left nasal passage, I could start smelling and tasting again. For whatever reason, the sinus infection I had that started all this affected only the right nasal passage. I didn’t know I had such a deviated septum until I had and MRI done to address the taste/smell issue.
May 4, 2010 at 1:35 am
Anonymous
1.) I have flu like symptoms everyday. I have sinus congestion in my throat that does not seem to go away. Its like a choking type sensation. And when I am having this, it feels like my body is paralyzed. It feels like something is attacking my central nervous system and my head, because I lose the ability to feel things. It feels like I am not myself anymore. It feels like I can’t get a hold in things. Basically I feel confused. Sometimes I feel I am going crazy. When I experience this changes in sensation I have thoughts of cutting myself to feel better. I don’t cut myself but instead hit my hand or leg to feel some pain. I bite my hands sometimes to feel better. And also tigthen my muscle to feel better.
2.) Sinus pressure in my head.
3.) Sinus pressure in my nose.
4.) Digestion problem. For instance, when I eat sweet kernel corn and go to the bathroom, I can see the whole kernel corn in my feces. Its like I eat them and the kernels come out whole. My stomach does not digest them at all. Then I ask myself, sweet kernel corns are soft, why can’t I digest them. This doesn’t make sense to me.
5.) Brittle fingernails
6.) Fatigue, cognitive impairment,emotional symptoms of depression, Unstable mood. When I wake-up, I feel completely exhausted, like I have ran a 10 miles race and all I really did for the night is sleep for 8 hrs. This happens everyday.
7.) Confusion, while standing it feels like I am going to faint.
8.) Problem sleeping and when I wake-up I don’t feel like getting up. It feels like there is nothing to live for.
9.) Problem standing
10.) My eye is getting bad. Recently I experienced blurred or foggy vision. I wear eyeglass all the time now, something I did not do before.
11.) My eyelid twitches, lips twitches, tingling sensation.
12.) High blood pressure
13.) Blood patches on my chest or redness on my chest
14.) Allergies to food
15.) Allergies to grass
16.) Allergy shots made me feel cold, confused, have pressure in my head. I experience changes in sensation.
17.) Temperature problem. I feel cold when heater is on.
18.) Muscle spasms in my legs. Involuntary movement of my hand or leg. Difficulties with coordination and balance.
19.) Terrible concentration problem
20.) Chest pain
21.) Problems in speech. I have slurred speech. When I am talking, I tend to forget what I thought to say.
22.) At least once or twice a month, I have sinus infection or flu.
May 22, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Colleen
Do some research into adrenal insufficiency and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) . Adrenal insufficiency can cause increase in all kinds of allergies to foods, chemicals, pollens, etc, low blood sugar, fatigue, intolerance of cold, confusion, balance problems, memory and concentration problems, etc. MCS can cause many of these symptoms too. I have both. You might want to start by getting rid of your air fresheners, laundry detergents with fragrances, chemical cleaners, paints, etc out of the house and use all natural cleaners and see if this helps alleviate your symptoms any. Especially get rid of anything that has fragrance in it. Fragrance is made up of synthetic chemicals mainly made from petrochemicals and usually has formaldehyde in it. Even any type of remodeling or new furniture, calking, floor wax, air can cause symptoms like you have because of the chemicals in them. Even the natural fragrances in natural cleaners give me headaches. Seventh Generation is a good company to buy from as they have fragrance free & dye free cleaners or make your own (look up on the internet..very easy) or use plain hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle for disinfecting surfaces in kitchen and bathroom. You can find these natural cleaners at Krogers or local health food store. Most doctors don’t know much about either of these illnesses. An environmental specialist can diagnose MCS and an endocrinologist can diagnose adrenal insufficiency. Good luck!
May 22, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Colleen
Additional comments from Colleen:
You may have to find an environmental specialist by researching on the internet. My doctors website is coem.com in SC. They have many suggestions for chemical free living there on the website. I live in WV and the closest environmental specialist was in Dayton, OH for me. I got diagnosed there but after researching I decided to go to S.C. for my treatment at the above place with Dr. Lieberman. I started reacting to my own local doctors allergy shots because of the chemicals in them. I had to get testing for chemicals (they have about 6-8 to test for including petrochemicals and formaldehyde), foods, pollens, etc there at COEM and they mail me my allergy extracts. Dr. Lieberman has changed my life. I am not longer running into walls all the time, numbness in my feet are gone, brain fog is a whole lot better and I’ve not had a severe reaction to chemicals in a few years but I’m very careful about where I go too. Many regular care physicians and allergist don’t believe in MCS (it’s very similar to fibromyalgia and The Gulf War Syndrome). That’s why I recommended seeing an Environmental Specialist. They know all about it. Don’t use chemicals on your lawn is another big suggestion. Start with removing the chemical cleaners, paints, etc from your immediate living area which includes attached garage.
May 31, 2010 at 11:58 am
Mervin Pickett
Wow I’m really the only reply to your great article.
June 9, 2010 at 9:59 am
Suejaren
Hi,
I don’t have a problem with my sense of smell, but reading some of these commemts, I feel really sorry for you folks!
I wondered if any of you have tried alternative therapies, ie homeopathy, acupuncture etc?
The Biochemic Handbook lists ‘MagPhos’ as a remedy for ‘loss or perversion of smell – unconnected with a cold’. This remedy is just a mineral supplement, that can be found at any health food store.
Hopefully it may be of help to some of you, but it’s probably not the solution for everyone.
July 2, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Bu
You all are having effects from environmental and chemical effects in products that are weakening your systems.
July 17, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Colleen
I agree with the above statement from Bu totally! This is going to happen to more and more people because of all of the chemicals now being used by everyone on a daily basis. I especially feel for the people along the Gulf coast where the oil spill is. The experts are telling them that it’s safe to be around but all that oil has and will cause toxic overload in their systems and many are already showing symptoms that usually worsens and spreads to extreme sensitivities to other petroleum products with continued exposure to the toxin and may not ever go away. Chemicals get into you system through skin absorption whether or not you touch it and breathing the volatile organic compounds released from the chemicals etc. This is one of the ways MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) usually begins.
July 26, 2010 at 4:37 am
Brandi
I have read just about all of the comments on here and have came to the conclusion that the problem I’ve been having is probably due to a sinus infection. I have dealt with sinus problems for many years. I had a sinus infection that lasted for an entire year that only went away with IV antibiotics. I have never really been able to smell good, however I do smoke so that could be the cause of that. But, a couple of years ago I woke up in the middle of the night with this horrible chemical like smell that made me sick to my stomach. A day or two after that smell my husband and I both got sick. I have smelt it a few times only during the night time and it wakes me up. And if you knew me, I don’t wake up for anything!! But, I just started to get a sinus infection a couple of days ago and woke up 2 nights in a row with the same exact smell. I believe it’s because of a sinus infection. I have a Dr. Ap in a couple of days. So I will tell you if the funky, nasty, chemical smell goes away! I thought I was crazy but, thanks to all of your comments I now know I’m not!!
August 6, 2010 at 6:52 pm
cmajor
I am quite blown away by all the entries. I do not have what a lot of you have mentioned “no smell”, but in May of this year I was in a car in (hot)AZ and the exhaust smell was overwhelming to me I just thought that a lot of cars there had bad exhaust problems, I did as most of you did – ignored it. Now I am smelling it to so much that I was moved to google “I smell exhaust…” and this was one of the sites that came up. I feel better that I am not alone in this, NOT HAPPY that I have this at all, but at least I’m not alone. I have not had a head injury, sinus problems, flu, etc and so on. BUT I have had this unexplainable smell of exhaust which only happened at certain times in the last few months and now seems to be happening more and more. I will make an appt with a ENT specialist to see if there is anything they can do for me or I will learn to live with it and hope that it goes away sooner then later and doesn’t get worse. Thank you all for your insightful comments.
August 31, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Jas
it may be similar sources to what happened a yr ago to us. We had just moved into a new house settling in quite nice staying up late late to unpack but we still tried to go to sleep eventuallly, but anyhow one night at dinner time i went to feed my cats who still were scared of something and hiding all the time and not eating which they are usually obese and cant get enough but animals know when something is not right before you do, for when i cuddled them they smelt like strawberry shampoo or something which i thought was odd for thats never happened, but i just didnt think anything of it until late that night nearly morning when i went to go to bed the bed felt narrower for some reason smaller my bf said the same thing, it had just stopped raining and was cold so i had cranked up the ducted heating hours ago so i wasnt cold in bed bad idea, this temp awakens this beast of unknown smell which swooped though the door through all the rooms for hours then gone by sunrise and back again around the same time the first day we smelt it i remembered what the cats smelt like it was exactly that but with a stronger foul chemically gas revolting unbareable smell ontop of it which overpowered some days to the extreme where we became delirious and alful ill feet mutated at the heel for it was like acid through the carpets it burnt holes in my shoes gave us weird bruise like shapes all on our skin which the hosp said its discolouration of the skin which this happens from being poisened the docs said if we were there anylonger we would of died but this is the start of the worse part that happened which i wont go on and scare you but i will tell you this house was 50 times worse than what i thought satans hell would be like i mean my imagination didnt even think this could happen thats why its so unknown even by docs and this house got creapier and creapier every day that the smell entered it started off just like your storie even with the taste on the lips what ever that thing was scared everything i believed in into another galaxy and left me and my bf in a hole of dilierious confusion we went to a hotel straight after the hosp and slept 4 days straight didnt even wake up for drink toilet nothing its like we missed the days or they didnt happen but it was cause we were so disoriented and still not knowing what we had just freakyly witnessed i mean my feet went back to normal after a week but i couldnt walk before that week and my period guess what colour it was dont even think yuk like blood it was like fluro at a rave fluesent bright green for i had it through my entire system ive researched and still a yr later have found no stories similar until yours i have been researching plantation and chemistry to and figure cause its so rare and unbelievably unknown that maybe just so i have some sort of relaxation in stress relief with a idea of the conclusion that possibly it was a mutated form of fungus that had mixed with a potent plant or fruit and something else got mixed up in it to but without a doubt remember for example when you were a child and told about monsters and how freaked out you were forget monsters or anything that scares you to even think about for this thing was beyond spirituallity belief for this was furture than anyones imagination could go and it is on earth with us and there may be more so really reality check i am scared always and even hided away in the bathroom for 2 or 3 mths after the incident cause im terrified and because you are looking like the early stages of it get out before you witness what us two ppl did no one would want to go through it i cant even put myself in the same suburb as that house evil just doesnt cut it enough, plus its a deadly substance/real living thing and highly toxic poisenous if you leave it to late you will die we were wearing 3 guard masks each and the smell was still overlapping while we were trying to get our stuff out inthe end when the freaky things wouldnt end we gave up and left everything and got removerlists to get everything neally a week later and we ended up having to throw most of it anyway for it left patches of black like paint on furniture and discolourations and spore like things that were putting up a fight not to be covered up or removed just the spore things were to tough to handle let alone the rest of it plus my whole kitchen and other material items i havent managed to get the stench off them of that chemically imbalanced pull my brain 8 different ways at once strawberry barely sweet anymore scent of knock me out toxicity that smell has worn down since the yr has past but if i smell it on anything i have kept while not living there anymore straight away i get a migraine from it and chuck it out. at first we were the only two that could smell it but when the days went on and it got stronger eventually others smelt it on our things and they turned home with massiveheadaches not like normal ones, there were even days i had to convince my bf that what we witnessed hrs earlier did actually happen and i felt alone like he had deserted me in disbelief and even times i had to convince myself that this is actually happening but as soon as the smell returned my bf was convinced and so was i life is a freaky place if there is a hell we are on it and satans hell is prob safer to live please save yourself and be causious that you dont find another habitat where they might be and dont tell to many ppl cause really i wanted everyone to finally have knowledge about it but everyone is ignorant and disbelievers to a certain degree that they end up thinking your insane but really some so called crazy ppl are more alert and real and no whats actually going on and only end up in nut houses so they have some sort of protection so really secrecy with a few tip offs will get you through it a little easier i was just lucky to have had my bf witness everything too otherwise my strong will would of cayohed to depressing lonesome sanity that would end up crazy in my own mind. good luck hope this helps im actually being real about this situation for 1 i dont want you to go through what i did and 2 you dont want it to be to late and 3 even if its not what i witnessed in the end its better to be safe than sorry. just trying to help
September 9, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Aaron
I have had this rotting smell only in my right nostril for 4 months now and it seems to be triggered if I sniffle too hard or blow my nose but sometimes it happens out of no where! It goes away if I do a sinus rinse but comes back hours later. Sometimes the smell will go away for about a week and then come back for about a week! I have no other symptoms! If anyone had ANY ideas on how I can treat this, Please respond!
September 11, 2010 at 6:33 pm
VANESSA
I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM I COULDNT SMELL ANYTHING EVER SINCE I GOT DIAGNOSED WITH ASTHMA I’VE TRIED EVERYTHING FROM SALINE PRODUCTS TO ALLERGY MEDS NOTHING WORKED UNTIL MY DOCTOR PRESCRIBED A STERIOD CALLED PREDNISONE IT’LL MAKE U GAIN A LITTLE WEIGHT BUT I RATHER SMELL SO I HOPE THIS HELPS!
September 29, 2010 at 7:38 pm
JD
Vanessa,
September 29, 2010 at 7:44 pm
jd
Vanessa, not trying to put the fear of God in you, but has ANYONE mentioned the very bad side effects of Prednisone? If not then research the drug and then ask yourself, is this how I want to spend the rest of my LIFE?
September 19, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Glenn
I also haven’t been able to taste or smell for several years since being diagnosed with asthma. I’ve recently developed a very similar smell that you described. It smells and tastes like “burnt rubber” and is extremely overwhelming. It started 2 weeks ago and has not gone away at all…. as a matter of fact, it seems to have intensified. It’s continuous day and night. The only thing that I’ve been doing different in my life since the beginning of this situation was using a nasal spray (Fluticasone Propionate) that was prescribed by my ENT doctor. This was supposed to help with my lack of taste and smell so I can’t see how this spray could cause these symptoms. I’ve used this same nasal spray in the past but discontinued its use because it didn’t seem to improve my taste/smell condition. I never had any adverse reaction to this nasal spray in the past, but my ENT recommended that I begin using it again. Well, I stopped using it as soon as I began experiencing this weird “burnt rubber” smell, but it’s been 2 weeks and I still have the same intense smell and taste. I will call my doctor’s office tomorrow to make an appointment because it’s driving me crazy. I feel so sorry for those of you that have had to put up with this for much longer periods of time. Any assistance or advice would be greatly appreciated.
December 9, 2010 at 9:56 am
TrickTrackDoe
I have what seems to be the Flu. It started out like a cold, but after 10 days I developed a fever and then the over powering smell, stench started. In my case it reminds me of rotting onions with over tones of blighted rotten potatoes. It also reminds me of a pungent, repulsive sent that comes from some weeds when they are torn up.
I tried several things to deal with it, and what seems to be making progress is flushing the sinus with saline solution frequently while I am recovering from the disease. I did it a few days before any change.
[Saline solution: 8 oz. bottled water with a ¼ teaspoon each of salt and baking soda, and then boiled and used once it has cooled.]
I start by bending over, head upside down, and pouring the Saline from a bottle into the nostril. I then pinch the nose closed and sort of force or pressure the solution into and out of the sinus for about 2 minutes. I keep a cup handy, spit the mess out and blow the nose. I do it twice each time. This gives me relief from the rank odor for a while, 1 or 2 hours. In just a few days the problem is only about 10% of what it was at first. The horrid odder made me think I had flesh eating bacteria in there; it smells like a blotted corps.
I suspect what has happened is that the Flu causes mucus to clog the sinus and trap either a fungus or anaerobic bacteria inside. Either grows best when no air can circulate. The mucus makes that possible. So, if for allergies or other reason the sinus is blocked these microbes can breed in side the sealed chamber. You might not even notice that it is clogged. As long as microbes can stay safe from air circulation the colony can breed and when it does it expands the population, squeezing out the overflow as stench.
By forcing the flushing Saline into the sinus the mucus in thinned, drained and the blockage forming the breeding chamber is cleared. Gradually, some circulation can occur to discourage the reproduction. In the mean time I am just grateful to be able to get free of the suffocating stink for a while with these frequent treatments.
Thank you, to everyone sharing your experiences. Some have helped me discover what is working for me.
May 14, 2011 at 1:31 pm
pumpkin
I only smell this it seems now in summer time last yr from our central air and now at our new apt with window units ( didnt happen untill was turnd on . it smells when its off ) Hubbie doesnt smell it i do . if i put my shirt up to my nose i dont smell it or if we leave house i dont smell it. what am i smelling ???
May 29, 2011 at 5:15 pm
kid cuddie
ok so i was at a party getting drunk as fuk lolz and i puked and after i went back to my house wich was a party going on as well and i walk in and theres this nast burnt rubber smell and im goin around tellin every one that they smelled like shit or in sum cases smelled like leather or burning leather i was guess … but then i tryed smokeing a cig wich i smoke everyday multiple times a day and boomn thats what hits mew now its been 2 days everything that i smell or eat taste just like that awful sense idk how to explain it vut i would like to enjoy a cig or even smoke sum weed but i cant even enjoy it fuk my life any one can explain to me how or why this is happening?
June 26, 2011 at 12:28 am
Kathy McCollum
Add one more person to the list of those who smell phantom diesel exhaust fumes. Seems they are more prevalent after dinner each evening…not every day, but often. I’ve had no head injury, no recent cold or flu, no exposure to chemicals. I have never had asthma or allergies to any foods, or medicines. I do spend some time every day around horses in a barn setting. Sawdust/woodchips are used as bedding. Have wondered if this may have some causitive factor in the phantom smell I experience, but I have been exposed to these elements for the last 16 years without any phantom exhaust smells…so have discounted horses and sawdust as causitive factors.
Thanks all for sharing. Glad to know I’m not alone with this strange symptom. Has anyone experiencing the “exhaust thing” had a good diagnosis or treatment?
Flicka
Has anyone had a h
July 14, 2011 at 9:37 am
Anonymous
You can develop an allergy after years of exposure to anything…foods, medicine,etc. Everyone is exposed to chemicals on an everyday basis…in food, most sawdust and woodchips have been chemically treated, personal care products, medicines, recent paving, cleaners, air fresheners, new remodeling, painting, furniture, fumes from other cars and pesticides from lawns spraying coming in your car if you bring in outside air into your car instead of recirculating the air, fragrance is in most personal care and laundry products and is compiled of thousands of different chemicals and none of which you really want to be inhaling, etc. Even low amounts of an allergy to one of these things can cause the awful smells that you are having. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Adrenal insufficiency are both known for this symptom. I have MCS and react to Triclosan and fragrance in antibacterial soaps which cause me to smell a strong paint and formaldehyde smell coming from my particle board furniture that is 20 years old. Antibiotics cause my skin to burn and I smell burnt flesh the entire time that I’m on them and until they get out of my body. You’ll need to do some detective work and try to notice and determine what you are being exposed to (write down what you had to eat since it seems to happen after dinner, write when you go down to the barn ,etc). My smell reactions can be a delayed reaction up to a day later. You many want to get some allergy testing done as well.
Hope you are able to find the cause soon!
Sincerely,
Colleen
October 23, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Wanda
I have been experiencing the phantom exhaust smell and it is driving me crazy. I had if before for a two or three weeks back a couple of months or so ago and then it just went away. That way a huge relief. But it has come back. Last week I had to have a crown, they used the cement that is hardened with the blue light hand held gun. I have done some research on the internet and I think this is called Glass ionomer cement. (I will call my dentist tomorrow and verify and do further research.) Anyway that afternoon, after the crown was cemented in, the exhaust smell came back and I have had it ever since. When I thought about it I realized the last time I smelled it it could have been a reaction to the dental work. Over the past year I have had a couple of old fillings and a couple of old crowns replaced.
I was wondering if anyone else can tie the phantom carbon exhaust smell to dental work. I just want to find out what is causing it and hope it goes away this time like it did last time.
Best of Luck to you. I hope we all find some relief.
June 28, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Judy
Thanks, it does make you feel a litle like a crazy person when you are the only one who can smell the odor of neew paint or the stuff they remove nailpolish with, or an odor similar to the fumes you use to get from bad air conditioners. I had three sinus surgeries last year, thought I would die from first. Recently after 8 months, ENT removed shunt, at first I had a loss of hearing, television up higher than normal. Then past day or two, loss of taste and smelling fumes. After surgeries I had a very nasty smell, that was from surgery, now I really don’t know what it is from. Reported to apartment manager and they will check ac, probably not find anything. Sorry folks, guess I will still have these problems as I do use asthma meds, and nasal steroid spray, none have ever bothered me before. Anyone have any answers, please let all of usknow. Thanks, Jhalli
July 14, 2011 at 2:49 am
makaila
everything taste like garbage!
July 22, 2011 at 2:16 am
marni
I came across this tonight and I can’t tell you how much this article and everyone’s comments helped me. I hit my head three months ago and that was the last time I had any pleasant taste or smell. I feel like no one I’m around understands. Everything smells the same and everything tastes like it smells…the same, and it’s not pleasant. The stronger the smell the worse but the same smell. Once in a while I can’t smell anything and I am thankful for those times. I find I like saltines, apple sauce and water. I eat food, but not beef. I tolerate chicken and fish. It’s upsetting and tonight I am just feeling so sad about it. I’m tired of the smell in my nose tonight but thankfully the smell isn’t what I’m tasting at the moment. I really needed this site to just let me know, it’s going to be ok….someday…somehow.
July 27, 2011 at 10:57 pm
Anonymous
It could be a seizure.
August 16, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Anonymous
Has anyone considered mercury poisoning? My hypersensitive smell started after a visit to the dentist where she filed a silver (amalgam filling) that was a bit rough and the vapor was probably inhaled. You can’t smell it or taste it, but now I deal with bad smells and taste. It seems to be mostly from high sulfur foods. Most perfumes disgust me now too.
August 28, 2011 at 4:27 pm
andy
Hi funny I always seem to have this smell which I smell only when I’ve been ill. Only from simple things like flu, colds ect and when this thing happens I know I am getting better. But today it happen around lunch time and I am now going through it, only for around 5 days. My wife laughs but understands lol remember your not a loan x
September 8, 2011 at 11:44 pm
hoolu
All of, ot the vast majority of these comments are fake. I hope people do not take this site seriously 😦
September 22, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Colleen
Why would anyone waste their time writing paragraphs on this to get help if it wasn’t a real disorder. Look up the word Dysosmia which means distorted sense of smell. It has an an ICD-9 code for it for medical disorders. You can get it from a head injury, cancer, allergic reactions to antibiotics, etc. Ask your doctor about it the next time you go. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.
Colleen
October 15, 2011 at 7:38 am
Beverly Porter
This is very real!
September 22, 2011 at 6:55 am
Lorraine
Hi , finally find I’m not mad only to realize I feel like I’m going insane ! I got a cough and cold back in feb of this year , shortly after my sense of smell went , then my taste went too ! I had two lumps appear on my neck which turned out to be swollen lymph nodes , ent said not to worry about them , then this smell and taste thing started , god it is so bad , everything tastes of it , it’s like the worst smell you could ever experience, ( rotting flesh with something peppery about it ) gradually over the last 7 months I had to cut out certain foods as they smell disgusting , now I can only eat bread , crackers and biscuits ! I have been like this for the past week and it’s killing me , how long before I can’t eat the last few things . I’m booked to see ent next week , and my gp says I need a ct scan , cause she is also concerned about some other symptoms I have been getting , I’m not sure if they are there cause of the stress of all this or if it could actually be something worse …. My other symptoms seem to be memory , stupid things like putting things in wrong places , ie put salad cream under sink with detergents ! When I speak sometimes I can’t get a word out or say it the wrong way , my bf has shown me texts that I have sent that just don’t make sense , so I’ll be Reading this a few times before I post it … I will keep u updated as to what goes on next week at the hospital ! Just really wanted to know if anyone else was suffering with this not being able to eat business and other symptoms ….. If you reply to this I thank you in advance
October 4, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Andre
I have delt with similar to the OP for a few years now and have attempted to explain it to GPs without luck.
My sister and I both come down with what we thought was flu or food poisoning in the final days of our holiday in Italy. By the time we got home the symptoms were more like the flu. The thing that stood out to both of us more than anything was a rancid, putrid odour in our mucus and sweat etc. It is like nothing else, with the closest smell or taste I can think of being similar to having an absess in a tooth, but this gross flu like thing gets though everything and seems to be made worse and noticable if activity causes sweating. I have had it reoccur over the last few years but this current flu iIhave has bought back the odour non stop for the last few weeks. It seems very difficult to explain to the doctors and get treatment for. The fungal infection described in this thread makes sense because I have constant hayfever, but I do not want to jump to conclusions even though i really want to find out what is causing it and treat it. Not sure how to explain it to GPs here in NZ. they do not seem to be aware of anything meeting this description.
October 6, 2011 at 11:55 pm
Anonymous
stop drink pop or soda drink water u will b fine
October 9, 2011 at 6:24 am
Lorraine
Off for a ct scan on Friday , my ent has only ever heard of this twice before in his career , so a cure doesn’t look good , hoping that the ct scan will at least show something then they can get on with a cure , don’t fancy being like this for the rest of my life
October 18, 2011 at 10:24 pm
Melanie B
I have had a problem on and off for the past 8 years, but it has been getting worse over the last 6 months. I smell ammonia out of nowhere, nobody else smells it, and then I usually get a raging headache soom after I smell the ammonia, and then my neck starts to hurt right at the base of my skull. I have headaches every day, mostly for the past few months. Has anyone ever had this before, and do you know what causes it? I have been to ENT, but not to neurologist. What I’ve found on the internet doesn’t describe my symptoms at all. The articles only talk about smelling ammonia after you exercise, but mine comes out of nowhere, at all times of day or night and causes bad headaches. Hopefully someone will have heard of this.
Thanks,
Mel
October 28, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Colleen
I don’t think that this posted before so here goes again. You may be getting an olfactory (smell) aura preceding a migraine. Usually people have visual auras with flashing lights and zig zag patterns in their vision before the actual headache hits but you can get the smell aura too right before the actual headache begins. I think the migraine starting at the base of the neck is called a basilar migraine. You may be getting cluster migraine headaches too. Aura’s usually last 5-15 minutes then the migraine happens shortly thereafter and if I remember right usually 15 minutes to within an hour after the aura. I’ve had some luck recently preventing the migraines with 800iu of Vitamin e a week before and during your period or even daily if they seem to be related to hormones of menopause (Vit E acts like an anti-inflammatory), using The Mackenzie Technique for stretching the neck muscles out in the book Treat Your Own Neck by Robin McKenzie (around $9 off amazon.com). My migraines sometimes start as tension headaches due to tight muscles and go into migraines. Also keep checking your blood pressure daily at various times of the day to see if you’re having high blood pressure. I was having 10-15 migraines a month due to high blood pressure and when I was put on blood pressure meds (Covera) due to high blood pressure they drastically dropped to 2-3 a month . Meds for depression (Elavil) help prevent the migraines too if this is what it is. It can be disabling having that many to deal with every month. I’ve been dealing with them for about 18 years now and since doing all of the above I may be a little throbbing once in a while so then I just chill out (lay down somewhere in a quiet place or try to relax watching tv with my hat and sunglasses on) and it usually won’t develop any further. I hope this helps.
October 20, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Anonymous
Hi, I too had this “bad smell from nose” problem for over a year. And yes, it is so embarassing that it alters your social interactions. I searched the web high and low for answers but NOTHING helped.
I made a promise that if I found a cure that I would post it immediately. So here we go:
After one particularly grossly disturbing day, I purchased a Netti Pot. I began by using the saline solution provided but when it didn’t help I added 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Although this burned like hell, I saw yellowish/greenish stuff flow from my nostrils during the treatment and I could breath so well! I noticed that after each treatment that I could rely on not having that aweful smell for at least an hour. I used the vinegar solution 3 times a day for a week. During this time I blew LOTS of mucus from my nose in between treatments. (Although the smell was only in the left nostril) In addition I also dropped a few drops of straight apple cider vinegar into my ears because they began to ache and get clogged after the Netti treatments. (I studied that if your ears feel clogged and ichy inside frequently that it may be a fungal infection and that apple cider vinegar works like clock work.
In between the vinegar treatments, and sometimes right after, I used the saline solution provided with the Netti pot because it is very soothing. As a matter of fact for that 1st and second week I used this saline or sea salt solution to flush my sinuses anytime I even thought that the smell was returning between the vinegar treatments.
This is week 3. The smell has been gone all week. I rinse at least once a day, still, with the vinegar wash and still wash with sea salt as I feel stuffy.
My hypothesis says that this mucus is of a fungal nature and it gets trapped deep inside the sinus cavaties. This fungal mucus is sticker(for lack of a better word) than normal mucus and needs to be flushed with an antifungal prepation of some kind that is not harmful to avoid crusting and clogging…..i.e. stinky nose breath!
I hope this helps EVERYONE who reads this. I am THANKFUL for my own relief.
Blessings
October 28, 2011 at 12:05 am
Tony
When my wife and I vacationed in Bermuda, a few days into our time there I mentioned to her that there was a fragrance in the air. Steadily I noticed the smell on me, but she could not notice anything out of the ordinary. I attributed it to the ocean spray from the coral, or the flora on the island.
When we returned home, I still noticed the lingered smell. To me it was like a sweet, chemical, waxy, almost perfume-like smell. Then a few days after we returned I woke from my sleep from a stronger nauseating version of the smell. I’ve been battling this now for over a month. It is worst in warm environments. My doctor prescribed Nasonex spray. I’ve been pumping Neilmed nasal irragation as well as sniffing Nystatin powder, as a friend told me perhaps some pollen/spores could have collected in my sinuses and probably have a fungal infection.
This morning it was so bad that I actually became very ill from the smell.
I’m off to the ENT next week. Hopefully he has an answer for me.
Will post an update.
This is real, never mind to those who think these posts are fake.
-TU
October 28, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Anonymous
The only relief that I could find after going to the DR for months was washing 3’xs a day with a netti pot a a drop of apple cider vinegar. It does sting a little but within a day you will blow lots of thick mucus from your nose that was the source of the problem. It is fungal, however you will want to flush away the thick mucus that’s trapped as well as create an anti fungal environment, thus the apple cider vinegar. I pray this helps. My heart feels deep compassion for you and the others…..I have been where you are and I am so GRATEFUL to have found something that has been minimizing my symptoms.
November 14, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Anonymous
Got my CT Scan last week. Was easier than I thought, no dyes, or IV drip. I was in and out in 5 minutes. Waiting on my ENT now for results.
My symptoms come and go and seem to depend on air temperature. Seems warmer moist air makes it much worse. Cold, cool are is more tolerable. But I can trigger it just by putting the back of my hand to my nose and when I sniff, it’s there!!!!
From recent posts there are certainly some nightmare situations with similar conditions. I hope we can find out what’s really going on here.
Could it be that we’ve developed something rare that we can detect smells in the environment others can’t? Are we the Canaries of the new millenium? Similar to the Chronic Fatigue sufferers, (of which my wife is), of the past 20-30 years?
-TU
February 24, 2014 at 3:40 pm
TU
ust an update on my condition. I’ve gotten a lot of relief by seeing a German New Medicine practitionaer. GNM is not accepted in North America, however it is being taught in Mexico Med Schools as well as in some countries in Europe and now gaining a lot of acceptance in Australia. If all else from conventional medicine fails to give you reliefe, do seek out someone who practices GNM. You will have to have an open mind in order to go back and see what emotional shock triggered the olfactory hallucination in the first place. Mine was from my 25th anniversary trip to Bermuda. I’ve gotten good relief from my initial experience from that trip, but do get recurrences on-and-off, however, the smell in my case changes lately. I can relate when it gets worse to emotional upsets. So there is definitely a connection between my emotional well being and how bad the smell in my nose is.
I hope you can all get fully recovered which I’m hoping will happen for me soon.
Have Faith, Pray and don’t lose Hope!
-T.U.
November 16, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Tisha
My husband had a bad head injury at the end of July that left him with a brain bleed, multiple contusions and a skull fracture. My husband has the phantom thing that many have discussed here. We were particularly curious about the person who posted “This Phantom Smell is Killing Me”.posted April 28, 2007. My husband has lost his sense of taste and smell but the horrid feeling and phantom taste in his head mouth chest is just like the other persons post. Same symptoms. They came on a few months after the injury and are getting progressively worse. We are wondering what if anything became of that situation for the person with the concern and symptoms. We appreiate any help we can get and doctor just calls it a phantom smell but it is way worse than that. Not sure what to do,
November 16, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Tony
Hi Tisha,
my symptoms are not from an injury. You should try to find a good Osteopath for your husband. I believe that they may help. I’ve found immediate relief from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in the past, when other doctors thought it was carpal tunnel and wanted to operate. With my first session I had 80 relief, and am now free of any Carpal Tunnel. I will be seeing my OP soon as she specializes in Neurological therapy.I’m hoping she can release any stresses in my cranium that may be causing these symptoms associated with the Olfactory Bulb and Nerves. I’m still waiting for results from my CT Scan of last week. Prior to my scan my ENT did go in with a 10 inch scope about 3/8inch thick in each nostril all the way up and down to my throat, but didn’t find anything unusual. I hope and pray your husband finds relief soon. Please go see a good Osteopath.
-TU
November 22, 2011 at 7:44 am
Lorraine
Results of my ct scan on Thursday 24/11/11, really hoping I get some answers and maybe a cure in sight would be nice ! Will post again if they find anything
November 28, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Lorraine
Had the ct results last week which were clear , but now doc has no idea what’s wrong with me , I now have to wait to see a neurologist ! Getting fed up of being passed around now , first the gp then to two different ent specialists at one hospital , then to another ent at different hospital , now to a neurologist ! Who will be next ! I’ve had X-rays , ultra sound , camera up my nose and into my throat ,and then the ct and still I’m sat here suffering like I have been for months now
November 30, 2011 at 11:07 am
Tony
Hi Lorraine et al,
got my CT Results back which were negative, so all clear. Back to my ENT and he explained it’s probably due to a viral infection which may have caused some nerve damage. I explained to him that I can trigger the smell just by putting the back of my hand to my nose and sniffing. He suggested to not excite the nerves to the olafactory hairs by doing that and breathe easy. However, the smell comes and goes for me depending on air temperature and humidity. Using Nasonex for the past 3 weeks has somewhat made it worse, he suggested I stop using it altogether. I also seem to prefer colder and drier air and have been able to cope at work with having a cup of coffee beans on hand. Whenever the smell gets really bad I take a whif of the coffee beans which immediately gives me relief. This is similar to when you go to the perfume counter at the department store where they have coffee beans on hand to clear your head from all the perfumes. He also mentioned there could be a psycological component to this condition. This will have to leave the same way it came. Seemingly idiopathic, (Idiot doctors/ pathetic patients), in nature.
This week I’ve been having about 3-4 bad episodes daily now compared to it being almost constant a month ago. Hope it’s a sign that my body is repairing the nerve damage on it’s own.
-TU
December 5, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Anonymous
hey tony , hope your feeling better ! wish the coffee beans worked for me , the smell is with me all the time , rancid rotting flesh smell that has now occassionally changed to a smoke smell, unfortunately for me all food smells and tastes of this horrific smell too , i know its not in my mind as when i was cuddled up on the sofa the other night my partner could smell the smoke amongst other things coming from me ! yayyyyy im not mad afterall …. i am living off bread milk and cheese spread and have been for about 15 weeks now …i have had no head injury at all , all i need is a cure like we all do im sure xx
December 5, 2011 at 5:31 pm
lorraine
the above comment was from me
December 6, 2011 at 11:27 am
Tinkielynn
At Lorraine – Has your memory gotten any better?
I have smelled exhaust fumes since the day before Thanksgiving – started at work in a high rise building (no cars around). Come and goes, driving me nuts. Went to doctor and am on 10 days of antibiotics – but I can tell after day 8, they are not working. After reading all these posts, it is clear the drugs are not going to fix me. I like that apple cider Nettie pot vinegar post above (I might have to try that). I go next week for a mri if the drugs don’t work (even with insurance it is a pricey test and I am concerned it will show nothing – which is also a good thing I guess). But the thing is, I too have been forgetful, saying one word when I meant another, forgetting where I put things, calling one child by another child’s name (if I do’t write it down, it doesn’t get done). I am glad I don’t suffer alone, but I feel for everyone who suffers. I told my Dr to reserve me a bed at the looney house, I am losing my mind. He has seen 3 cases of this in 5 years. One was a brain tumor and one faded away without ever finding out what was wrong. I am seriously worried for all of us because I do not actually see a miracle post above stating anyone has been cured from this horrible olfactory hallucinations problem. If any doctor has given you a miracle cure, please let me know.
December 6, 2011 at 11:31 am
Tinkielynn
Oh – the other thing is that I have lost most of my sense to smell anything except those exhaust fumes. Last week I smelled Christmassy pine cones and yesterday I smelled flowery powder, but other than that for the last week, nothing else but fumes and last night was particularly bad when I tried to sleep – fumes engulfed me and I gagged – my eyes burned, and now my throat is sore from mouth breathing to reduce the fume smell in my nose.
December 10, 2011 at 7:37 am
Lorraine
Hi , no my memory has got no better , my fella has shown me some texts I have wrote and they make no sense at all , takes me ages cause I read things now a good few times before I send … I’m still no better , worse in fact cause the few foods I can eat which are now bread, cheese spread , prawns and fish fingers are doing my head in , so frustrating that they are all I’ve eaten fir just over 12 weeks , I managed lettuce yesterday , so the highlight of my day was having a lettuce sandwich ! Still waiting for contact from neurologist! If I do ever get a cure I will be sure that I post it on here , cause out of all the posts there doesn’t seem to be a cure posted ! Hope you get yours soon
December 12, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Lorraine
Been to seen neurologist today , what a joke that was ! He scratched his head a dozen times , slammed my file on the desk half a dozen times then decides to tell me he doesn’t know why ENT referred me to him cause he has no idea what is wrong with me ! ! ! (Merry Christmas Lorraine you won’t be having any Christmas dinner )
December 12, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Colleen
Try researching multiple chemical sensitivity and adrenal sensitivity. They both can give symptoms you are describing. Allergic reactions to medicines, foods and everyday chemicals and fragrances can too. Mine resulted from all of the above.
Good Luck!
Colleen
December 30, 2011 at 4:35 pm
abscess tooth
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January 8, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Anonymous
Watch the documentary( What Are They Spraying?) and then go from there. I have other types of problems and when I see what they are showering us with I can see your afflictions comming from this also. Margie
February 6, 2012 at 2:48 pm
lorraine
hi , not sure how many people check back on here from time to time , but finally found out what my condition is called no thanks to the doctors , after doing research myself i discovered DYSOSMIA , and when i mentioned it to the 2nd neurologist i saw he agreed with me , sees that unfortunately though that there are no smell and taste clinics in the uk , only in the usa … docs over here no very little about it , i went to see a different gp and my practice the other day and he had to google it to find info on it …. my only hope is that he can find some way of treating me now he knows what he is dealing with , 7 months now without a proper meal is turning me mental i think … good luck to all
February 7, 2012 at 5:17 am
Marcie
Hello All. I sooo feel your pain and horror of having to deal with this hellacious condition. About 5 months ago I discontinued taking an antidepressant medication, Paxil, after having been on it for approx 12 years. The horrific smells started shortly thereafter. But I have found a glimmer of hope recently… Prior to the phantom smells I had been gradually losing my sense of smell for the previous 4 years or so. I had been to ENT’s and listened to their BS and experienced their total lack of compassion or true ability to appreciate the situation I was experiencing, and I know all of you are. They said, in effect, that there was nothing that could be done. Live with the loss of smell and now with the living nightmare of constant stench. Well, I have been doing a whole lot of investigating site after site on my own. The irony here is that some of the worst times with the phantom burning smells have been experienced at their most intense when I have been on the computer for say more than 10 or so minutes… why that is the case I have no idea. Well, to make a long and much more involved story a lot shorter I wanted to share with you that I found a site called Sinus Wars. I have been taking the homeopathic remedy for post nasal drip for two days now and tonight I have been virtually “stench free” for the first time in all of those months. It’s like a miracle. I don’t know if this is a fluke or if it will last but I wanted to share it with you. I will keep you posted on how I’m fairing… If it proves to be a REAL treatment I will let you know… even if I can help one other person with this it would be a wonderful thing!!!!
February 10, 2012 at 12:33 am
thomas
i also started getting this phantom smell about 4 months ago while i was at work, at first i put it down to a funny smell coming from the aircon vents, but realized this was not the case when it reappeared about a week later when i was at home, its a very strange smell, its what i would imagine rotting soap to smell like, at the time i had a rotten tooth but i had that put right about a month ago with a root cannal but i still get this smell.
its very overpowering and offputting, and everything i try to get rid of it doesnt seem to make any difference.
this condition is made worse by the fact i have very little/almost no sence of smell most of the time so when this smell appears its hard to ignore.
i started getting it again about an hour ago, so i decided to have a look on the interwebs to see if anyone knew what was causing it, ive been telling my girlfriend its probably a brain tumor for a laugh, but at the back of my mind i thort it could be. so im glad i found this forum with other people suffering from this (not glad you guys are suffering cause i know how bad it is) and not keeling over from brain tumors, so at the very least, although there seems to be no super-cure, its just a bad smell, not a life threatening tumor on my brain.
thanks guys
February 19, 2012 at 8:46 pm
Lorraine
Hi all , just to update you that after doing some research I have found a smell and taste clinic in the uk , none of the 7 doctors I have seen knew about it and it’s not something I came across easily , any body wants to know the details just ask I check on a regular basis ! It is also an nhs hospital .
April 25, 2012 at 11:51 am
Sonia Weller
Dear Lorraine
Im desperately trying to find someone to help as i have smelt smoke on and off for 18 mths and although i have had EEGs Cat scans and MRIs all clear and normal. i am now not allowed to drive and need to confirm that these smells are NOT down to seizures as a particular dr keeps saying. (i have never blacked out or had any other symptoms.) Please foward me the details of this hospital that you have found. Id be very grateful for any help available.
Kindest Regards
Sonia
February 25, 2012 at 10:25 am
Anonymous
Phantom smells can be caused by a brain tumor. I used to smell a burning smell quite often. Sometimes wondering if something was on fire. I was later diagnosed with a brain tumor. So an catscan or M.R.I. should certainly clear up that issue. Wish you the best.
March 21, 2012 at 5:47 pm
Anonymous
I was diagnosed with Esthesioneuroblastoma (Brain Tumor) December 5th, 2011 and had surgery December 14th and they removed the tumor as well as one of my olfactory nerves. I had no sense of smell or taste and would cry about it every single day (my 3yr old stepson asked me to smell a rose he got for me and I completely lost it!) amazingly, in early February I was doing laundry and smelled the detergent! Oh what an amazing feeling! (I wasn’t supposed to be able to smell/taste until about 6months after surgery- IF AT ALL!). I could smell and taste some things, but only faintly. Then mid-February I started smelling the Phantom Smell of deisel fuel…. ugh. It really IS nausiating, burns the inside of my nose, food tastes like it, etc. I still have it now and it’s only getting stronger. I have tried antibiotics, steriods (oral and spray), saline rinse, netti pot… the works. My doctor says that olfactory nerve damage can trick your brain into smelling things that aren’t really there. I have had my mom smell my nose and she can’t smell anything. I was hoping this is just part of the healing process, but upon reading all of your stories, it seems as though it might be here to stay :(… I’m losing my MIND as you all are….
Good luck everyone!
April 16, 2012 at 10:43 pm
Kris
I have the cure!!! At least for some of you. Nasal itraconazole. It’s prescription. It kills fungal infections. Very few dr know about it though
April 16, 2012 at 10:45 pm
Kris
Oh and antibiotics make fungal sinusitis worse. So every time you think you have a sinus infection and take antibiotics, you are causing the fungus to grow in your sinus.
April 21, 2012 at 6:16 am
HPel
Hi Kris,
what concentration is the itraconazole? Can you see fungus infection from blood data?
I did try octanoic acid nasal spray for possible fungus, but its more against bacteria then it is against fungus.
April 29, 2012 at 7:37 pm
Lorraine
Hi Sonia , sorry not been on for a while ! The hospital is the James paget university hospital in gorleston great Yarmouth ! And the specialist is a mr Carl philpott ! I went to see him on thursday this week which was my 2nd visit ! He is brill I got my diagnosis , I’ve had smell and taste tests ! And we are currently trying to find a medication that can work for me ! It sounds like you are suffering from phantosmia ! Look it up it’s part of the dysosmia family ! And I’m sure u will agree it sounds like your case … The hospital is on the choose and book system as it’s an nhs hospital , and if you are on benefits u can also claim travel expenses back … Hope this helps u chic xxxx
June 3, 2012 at 6:48 pm
CHARLES
Posted here for several years…………..smell comes and goes……….at first it was really bad…………..started after a cruise to Carrib………..trips to ENT….had MRI…………just kept on keeping on……………kind of learned to deal with it………………certain foods set this thing off………..greasy stuff and spicy stuff………….(I’m 70 so that may be a clue)……………..then….started getting this “AWFUL BITTER SENSATION”. in the middle of the night……….it would just JAR me right up out of bed……………it would go away with antacids and sitting up……………….can’t really explain just what that was like
Then started having some abdominal pains and had an Colonoscopy…..they took out one polyp but had another one that needed operation………………..it was cancer…………..they said they got all of it…..
Anyway………………..long story short……………….most of that smell/taste/sensation has left.
Please take care of yourselves………………it could be in your belly.
cw
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July 8, 2012 at 9:54 am
A POSSIBLE CURE FOR YOU
Replace the dead battery in your computer. The smell is from a dead battery getting heated up over and over again when you just plug it into the wall and haven’t replaced the battery. It’s been burning the smelling nerve and that’s why you prob smell it even when not at the computer. It kinda smells like acid with car exhaust mixed with it.
July 15, 2012 at 10:14 pm
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Or, quit smoking and see if you have carbon monoxide poisoning from cigarettes.
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August 14, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Anonymous
I have read several of your posts and several of yours match up really well to the possibility of your having tonsilloliths. Not in any way trying to say that’s what all of you are experiencing, but do some reading on this…..for a few of you at least, I’m almost positive this is what u are experiencing.
Look it up on YouTube there is a pretty easy way of finding out if you do have tonsil stones. Forgive me if someone else mentioned this, but I felt it was worth mentioning. I figured this one out and now occasionally can clear my tonsillary crypts…..no more bad smell ever! Took me 20 years to find the source of this occasional sulfuric rotted smell. Hope this puts someone on to the right track, and for the rest of you….keep on truckin’…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillolith
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Elly, I lost my taste and smell after a fall down the stairs Dec.. 20,2010. and three months later when the city lift station gave way on my house i started to smell again but everything like a toxic chemical. I didnt eat for a long time. finally bought nose plugs so i could eat. this is MENTALLY and EMOTIONALLY very difficult. I just wanna taste something for what it is. No insurance so no medical help, but after readding everyones comments. geuss dr.’s dont know or care any way. I woke up at 4 this am with a horrid chemical smell, maybe it was propane, I do not know, I shut my tanks off just in case and will call propane company to come n check for leaks and bring me an alarm. My eyes and nose burned and got a lil sick to my stomach. I have had camper aired out now for an hour, but the smell is still strong in my nose, I will b checking back on this web paige, hoping someone will end up with good news to share.
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June 14, 2013 at 9:56 pm
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This metallic sulphur odor/taste is really difficult and upsetting especially because the doctors whom you seek help from treat you with suspicion because they don’t know what it is and as a result can’t treat it. It gets really depressing unless you are a person with a commitment to a positive attitude and of deep faith which I am. It is a good feeling to know you are not alone so thanks for all your comments, suggestions and support. I wish I could share something that has effectively worked for me. My case goes and comes without any warning. I tried chewing on some fennel seeds and got a bit of relief while I chew them but the taste/odor returned as soon as I stopped. But even a minute free of this is worth it. Keep on keeping folks we got to have faith that this will one day be solved. Warm regards and for those with a faith life keep the faith.
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August 9, 2013 at 9:37 pm
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Carry a bag of coffee beans with you.
They will reset your olfactory receptors.
http://www.bellasugar.com/Why-Do-We-Smell-Coffee-Beans-Between-Fragrances-2671566
October 6, 2013 at 11:12 am
Bonnie
People say that reading this gives them hope? I’ve had this “condition” for a week now, and reading this makes me wonder if I’m at the start of a very long, very frustrating journey 😦 I got a head cold about a week ago, and on Sunday night my cigs started to have a funny taste. Like maybe someone had spilled something on them or something. Shrugged it off and went to bed. Next morning cigs still smelt and tasted wrong, so tried hubby’s – different brand – same deal. Had a tubal ligation on Tuesday, and gradually I’ve lost everything. EVERYTHING tastes and smells like this weird awful chemical. I can eat and drink only with my nose blocked. The only thing that doesn’t smell and taste bad is water. I’m not gonna last long on just water… Only good thing, I guess, is that I’ve given up smoking now.
October 6, 2013 at 1:04 pm
Anonymous
This started happening to me many years ago. I’ve determined it happens when something irritates the nerve endings in my nose. (Head cold, sniffing hard, sneezing hard) it would go away after waking up the next morning. Then a few days return. This would be a depressing day until i could sleep and know it might be gone the nect morning. Above, I have posted what odd thing works for me. Please try this and let me know if it makes any difference for you.
Bend over and hang you head upside down. Do this until you start to feel the pressure of blood rushing to your head. After 2-3 seconds of pressure, stand upright. For me, this immediately eliminates the fould chemical odor and taste until I do something to aggrivate it again.
October 6, 2013 at 6:03 pm
Bonnie
Thanks for the idea. Tried it. Didn’t work 😦 I can’t even walk into my kitchen without gagging. Time now for my morning cup of water and big bowl of fresh air…
October 10, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Bonnie
Things are getting better for me. After two weeks I can now eat poached eggs, sushi, avocado, white toast and bananas. And I can drink water, coke and beer! Better than nothing….
October 21, 2013 at 2:03 pm
Anonymous
I have found after years of smelling strong chemicals almost everywhere I go and having them linger constantly in my nose even after I’ve been away from the source, is that the problem was actually in my nose (body). I could smell paint, gas, mold, perfume, sick people, cleaning products, detergent and most any toxic fumes; and once I had an intial exposure, it would cause me to be ultra sensitive and to feel as if I was swimming in a chemical soup odor. Right now I am 100% free of this hyper-sensitivity and my nose is completely clear and fresh and normal in it’s smelling sense. This healing occurred through ridding my body of systemic Candida, especially the yeasts that were living in my nasal and sinus passageways. You will be amazed once you start to eliminate this fungus, how much toxic yeasts have been lodged in your body affecting its basic functions, i.e, sense of smell. I explain how I went about cleansing my body of these pathogens on my blog at http://heallovenow.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-candida-cleanse.html Bless you and don’t give up hope. I think I had it worse than most and am totally free of it now!
October 21, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Sia Alexander
I have found after years of smelling strong chemicals almost everywhere I go and having them linger constantly in my nose even after I’ve been away from the source, is that the problem was actually in my nose (body). I could smell paint, gas, mold, perfume, sick people, cleaning products, detergent and most any toxic fumes; and once I had an initial exposure, it would cause me to be ultra sensitive and to feel as if I was swimming in a chemical soup odor. Right now I am 100% free of this hyper-sensitivity and my nose is completely clear and fresh and normal in it’s smelling sense. This healing occurred through ridding my body of systemic Candida, especially the yeasts that were living in my nasal and sinus passageways. You will be amazed once you start to eliminate this fungus, how much toxic yeasts have been lodged in your body affecting its basic functions, i.e, sense of smell. I explain how I went about cleansing my body of these pathogens on my blog at http://heallovenow.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-candida-cleanse.html Bless you and don’t give up hope. I think I had it worse than most and am totally free of it now!
October 30, 2013 at 4:18 pm
Haleraiser
I have been having this terrible smell like I have a used ashtray under my nose for about two weeks. I cannot think of anything in particular that triggered this other than the cold weather and dry air from the furnace irritating my sinuses. I did just use a neti pot and that seemed to help, but I am not sure how long it will last. I hope it does because this is suffocating and exhausting.
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September 6, 2014 at 9:01 am
Chris Gurl
Please post the results of your visit. I have not been able to smell for four or five years, and no one can seem to help me. I would love to go to the smell and taste clinic in Richmond but I can’t afford it and they don’t accept insurance.
September 6, 2014 at 2:56 pm
Anonymous
I don’t know about anyone’s case but mine but i have found relief. I had to go to the Cleveland Clinic to get an answer but it was worth the trip. I know the frustration you all have been thru. I lost 59 lbs in a year and a half. I did not have a head injury. I did not have a bad tooth or even a sinus infection. The ENT did all the steroids, netty pots, antibiotics thre a 400 mister…… I neurologist ordered 2 MRI, 2 CT scans and multiple xrays. All this came with no answers. I was going to the Cleveland Clinic to find out about burning my olfactory bulb…. ANYTHING! I begged all the doctors to do SOMETHING!
Turns out when I went to Cleveland that surgery was major brain surgery and w a 2yr old and a disabled husband I was not willing to take any risk. Just resigned myself to the fact that i was this was and to deal with it.
If I could smell or taste anything, It smelled or tasted like rotten chicken. Hot food was out of the question as that was even worse. I lived on cold ham sandwiches, with lettuce only, Boost and vanilla yogurt.
When i made the trip up to Cleveland the ENT there had asked me if anyone tried Neurontin. I remembered this when I came home as a had a neurologist a few days after I came back and asked her if she would try it. She told me she never heard of such a thing but was willing to try as she had no answers either. She put me on 300mg three times a day. There was a bit of relief. I could eat something besides ham. Then on my next appointment I asked her if she could try a higher dose and this medicine is ok to take up to 12k mg three times a day. So she tried me on 600mg three times a day and that was even more relief. Now at this time I am on 900mg three times a day and virtually never smell that rotten chicken smell and have been able to add so much back into my diet. However garlic and onions are still OUT OF THE QUESTION. Now somethings don’t exactly taste like they used to taste or smell but I can eat a hamburger, and even steak. Chicken is still not so great.
I still cannot smell anything but that rotten chicken smell if i can get a whiff of somethings. Putting gas in the car is still not so great but I don’t throw up. I still have to watch chemicals and cleaners, but i can use Tide again. I can also use toothpaste instead of baking soda.
I got a range hood that sucks at 880 cfm and the guys can cook in the house again. They cooked out on the grill all winter.
I used to be a great cook,never had a recipe in my life. Unfortunately I can no longer cook. I have to teach myself to go by the numbers on a recipe, but I can live with that. I have even gained 10lbs ( not so great) but its proof that I am able to eat things again.
I wish you all the best of luck in your dilemma. Mine was a rough road. I got this way from an upper respiratory infection that I contracted from my grandson. There are many reasons that you can get this way.
Don’t lose hope and NEVER NEVER stop trying to find some relief.My neurologist was skeptical but willing. The side effects of the Neurontin and bearable, I have lost allot of my short term memory, I have tremors in my hands now and then. I get a bit unstable standing sometimes and lose my balance for a second but for them most part they do not keep me from living a normal life. AND I CAN EAT AGAIN!!!
Thanks for listening, I wish all well,
Tami
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December 14, 2014 at 1:03 pm
sara
I had the same exact problem for 12 years! And got screwed around. I first, at very,very first, had a musty-mucous-onion-mold smell. Which progressed to where you are today. I saw multiple, repeat, multiple, drs, ents, specialty drs above ents, and no one, repeat, no one fixed my problem. All I recieved was a tonsillectomy to alleviate airway compromise, and the pathology report was mishandled. Fast forward to last year, I researched fungus. I compiled a complete history of symptoms, pointed out how it was a textbook fungal inhalation problem from places I had lived in at one time, for years, and not one single dr would listen to me! They drew labs, which all came back negative, not one dr would do a throat culture specific for fungus/mold/complex candida because I was not immunocompromised. So, fast forward again 8 months, I went to visit my sister in a different country, had a pharyngeal complex culture done, and sure enough, 5 weeks later, when I was home and just going back to work, I had 5 types of fungus, complex candida overgrowth of the upper respiratory tract and needed medications asap. I took the lab results the Dr faxed me to my pcp, he did nothing! So I had someone bring me meds from that dr out of country, and I’m better now but I avoid mold, mildew, places that smell like mold or musty, fountain drinks, mold containing/contributing foods, as I am super susceptible to get it again and have a harder time getting rid of it. Good luck!
January 16, 2015 at 12:24 am
Lucie Dumoulin
Well… I’ve read most of all these posts… and what I got out of it for exhaust car smell (phantom smell) only me can smells … is try these things… hope something out of these will work: (if anyone has tried things from this site and worked out for you.. please let us know)
-get from walmart (ala) 3 times a day 200mg
-yogart and green tea
-zinc picolinate 50mg
-OTRACONAZOLE prescription
-garlic supplement and st-jonh wort (hypericin)
-appple cider vineager in your nostril… that must hurt
-knock your head to reset your brain….lol… that must really hurt
– last one and maybe (THE ONE) get ride of you dead computer battery.. MIGHT BE THIS…LOL.. i PUT MY DEAD BATERY OUTSIDE… AND NOT SURE IF THIS IS IT… BUT SMELL SEEMS BETTER…MUCH BETTER WILL LET YOU KNOW… IF IT DID REALLY WORK OUT… WOULD BE A MIRACLE… AFTER ALL THESE POOR PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM… WE ALL USE THE COMPUTER… BUT YOU KNOW… I THOUGHT OF IT PREVIOUS TO LOOK ON TO THIS SITE… ANYWAY… I SURE HOPE I NEVER GET THAT SMELL AGAIN. I WENT TO ONE SISTER’S… DID NOT SMELL IT… OTHER ONE YES… BUT MAYBE SHE HAS A DEAD BATTERY TOO ON HER COMPUTER!!!!
I will keep you posted if the smell do not come again… dead computer battery is outdoors… THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR POST … it did really help to you read you out… cause it does feel crazy… specially when only you can smell that bad smell… maybe my body system is weaker and cannot smell these things… (dead battery) and maybe it does not affect other people.(those who do not smell what you smell)
Thanks TO THAT GUY WHO POSTED HIS THOUGHTS RE DEAD BATTERY… THANK YOU SO MUCH IF IT WORKS OUT….. GOD BLESS YOU
January 16, 2015 at 8:11 am
Lucie Dumoulin
So far so good… dead battery outside the door … exchaust smell gone… after 3 days out of the phantom smell… i will truly believe that it was the acid of computer battery getting too hot and expanding it smell to my sensitive nose. God may this be true… Thanks again for the one who posted it.. But than would that mean that when i am in the car I still can sent the car battery… (and it is not dead… it runs well) cause i was in the car and smelled that bad exhaust before taking out the one in my computer???? Or would i now be sensitive to any cars around me.. …lol but at least if figured that one without cost…
January 17, 2015 at 8:44 am
Anonymous
Nobody has come back to write their comments…. maybe everyone found the cure for exhaust smell… anyway for my part, after putting the computer battery outside to cool it off.. the exhaust smell went after… the next day, 15% of the smell came back… I was kind of disapointed… but I thought… maybe my computer still have a bit of the smell when it is hot…. so I close the computer for over 12hrs and the smell went away… I just opened it now and I will see if the smell comes back after it is warmed up… anyway it is good news for me… I just hope I found my cure without going to see all kinds of doctors and taking all kinds of medication… maybe I will need a new computer… but at least I know the smell was coming out of it when too warm… it produced an acid smell from a dead battery and I guess the computer needs to be ventilated when too warm. (p.s. I also saw on the net that the battery can be put in the freezer and reboot in the computer after 12 hours and it could work again… hopefully it will not smell again… but if it does I can just put it away again and ventilate the computer)… And… what I can say, when I had that bad smell in other houses or places… has most people have computers… maybe my nose can now detect a dead battery… and when the smell still there when using my car, well maybe my nose is now very sensible to exhaust from all the cars. Will keep you posted.
January 17, 2015 at 11:28 pm
Colleen
Dear Anonymous,
I wouldn’t put it in the freezer! Then your food, freezer etc may smell like it and then you eat then food and can’t get the smell out of the freezer. It has already affected your sense of smell by just being in the house. Please put the battery outside in the cold or get a new battery. Your health isn’t worth the price of a battery and having to live like that the rest of your life smelling phantom exhaust fumes from a toxic overload by putting it in the freezer.
January 18, 2015 at 10:06 am
Lucie Dumoulin
Colleen, sorry but I forgot to say to put it in a plastic bag in the freezer.. But you are right… a new one would be better…. and it is definitely the computer itself giving those exhaust smell… the battery is outside and still I can smell the exhaust. I now put a gase on looking like a doctor when the smell is too strong sitting by the computer… so I would need a new computer… That means when I was at one of my sisters… I could smell the exhaust too… the other sister… no smell when I went to her place… so laptops…are dangerous…lol. Got to admit that it is not everyone smelling the exhaust…only me… my nose must be more sensitive to those kind of smell… thanks Colleen
January 18, 2015 at 1:38 pm
Colleen
Your welcome Lucie. I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity MCS) and when I have an overload of chemicals to my system (which doesn’t take much) or have an allergic reaction to something my sense of smell gets very sensitive. No one else can smell these noxious smells. For instance, one time I used Dial Antibacterial Soap and had this reaction: I could smell the formaldehyde in the particle board bookshelves that we’ve had for 20 years. It smelled like paint fumes to me for a few days. I got short of breath and nauseated. No one else could smell it. I even had neighbors come over to smell the house and they couldn’t smell anything. When I take certain antibiotics I smell dead rotting flesh, my skin burns all over and I get nauseated. I know this doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the computer issue but when you’re in your car try turning the recirculate on instead of pulling in the outside air into your car which brings in exhaust. This is easier done in the summer. In the winter the windows tend to fog up in one of our cars and not the other. You might be overloading your body system with exhaust fumes from you car and other cars especially when you are in traffic making you sensitive to other things. I told a friend of mine about doing this and she said that it was the most useful advice that I ever gave her. I’m not a doctor but told this friend that I thought that she had MCS too and she had it confirmed by an Environmental Specialist. Good luck on getting this figured out and I’m sorry this is happening to you. It’s pretty awful.
Sincerely, Colleen
January 18, 2015 at 2:33 pm
Lucie Dumoulin
Thanks Colleen for the advice… I will read more on MCS… would you know why we suddenly become more sensitive to some smells?
January 18, 2015 at 3:28 pm
Colleen
Lucie,
You’re very welcome. There are a lot of causes. People with MCS have more reactive brains in a certain area on CT scans and MRI’s than most other people. It can also run in families as can sensitivies to things just like regular allergies and other diseases can be passed on from generation to generation. We are subjected to more chemicals now a days due to spraying of lawns, etc. which can cause MCS to due toxic chemical overloading our systems. Adrenal insufficiency is also another cause. I have both MCS and adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency cause allergies to go out of control if it isn’t treated with replacement hydrocortisone. Adrenal insufficiency can be caused by chronic steroid usage or even a lot of steroid usage within a short period of time. My adrenal insufficiency was caused by being on steroids used to treat my allergic reactions to air fresheners that they put up at my work place. I was on prednisone dose packs 6 times that year. The air fresheners sensitized me to most everything that has petrochemicals in it… regular laundry detergents, anything with fragrance in the ingredient listed on the back of products (which is everything), personal care products, etc. I’ve had to go as chemical free with everything as I can. I can’t even get gasoline in my car. My husband has to do it. I mainly use Seventh Generation cleaners or vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide for cleaning.
Sometimes brain injury or head trauma causes loss of smell or phantom smells as well. Gulf War syndrome & fibromyalgia are also closely related to MCS too.
January 19, 2015 at 11:58 am
Lucie Dumoulin
Hi Colleen… I wrote yesterday but I guess it did not get on here… tobad… must be something wrong I did… Anyway… thanks for the cleaning tips,….and you keep well.
I am not as vulnereable as you but I may think it might increase my sensible sent from now on after this episode of exhaust smell. I can also remember a few years back when I bought my house… mold smell was so bad… and only me could smell it. I had a guy come in and check underneath the furnace where it was coming from and we got all wet isolation stuff out. I live in a mobile home. Anyway, it gets warm and cold underneath and the isolation has to be changed once in a while…
I have to say that since I put the comuputer battery away, the sent went away 85%… and now I close the computer at night so it cools down … but I still get a smell after it is closed… only where the computer is. I did not get in my car yet which I sent that smell too a fews back. Analyse everyday sent is now my work. I know too that i am sensitive to freebrez for the dryer… hate that smell I smell people using it. but fleecy is ok
After reading on MCS all day yesterday, I might say that maybe I got it too… but not has much. Hopefully it will not increase. As for all the symptoms of MCS, I do have lots of them and than I say that my body is getting older and only natural that I do not feel the same way I was when I was 20… we all die of something… right. And even notice that people live to be more than 65 now… we see allot going to over 100. Life would have to better to my mind and body if I had to live that long.
And yes, whatever age we are, we all want to feel good… it is primary to happy life.
January 21, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Colleen
Lucie,
I’m sorry I can’t write more today. I’m dealing with a pinched nerve in my back and can’t sit long. I live in WV and my Environmental Specialist is in South Carolina. He is his website if you ever need it. He has a lot of information especially under Environmental Education for household products & personal care products that he recommends, etc that are better for people with MCS. Lots of info here. http://www.coem.com He has people coming from other countries just to see him. His name is Dr. Alan Lieberman. Another good website is debralynndadd.com You can ask questions and research all kinds of things and products that other people with MCS have used. She also has recommended products with lower toxicity especially for people with MCS.
When I said that Gulf War syndrome & fibromyalgia are also closely related to MCS too. I mean in similar symptoms. Mold exposure will give similar symptoms too. Many people get MCS during remodeling and painting, etc too so you might want to check into using low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, stains, etc before starting a project and I wouldn’t move into a newly remodeled apartment or house either. My friend pushed herself over the threshold and got MCS a lot worse after she painted a room in her house. Another person I met got it after working for an insecticide spraying company. Another one from smelling fumes from a broken part under the hood of her car leaking antifreeze. I tell you this because you’re still able to go out in public and be around people. I’ve had to go on disability and am mostly isolated in my own house and most people can’t come over to my house because they’re wearing clothing and personal care products with fragrance in them because I’m so sensitive. I can’t go to many stores and now she can’t either.
If you remember in the news about all the flooding in Louisiana and people put in new trailers after the hurricane a few years back they were exposed to the toxic soup in the water from flooding and then again with the FEMA trailers that contained formaldehyde so their systems were overwhelmed by that. The workers cleaning up the Gulf Oil Spill and people living near oil wells that are being drilled and fumes from that and the waste from the retention ponds from drilling. I know there are a lot more people with MCS but don’t know what is causing their problems and go to 25 or more doctors before discovering what it is.
It’s a quality of life issue and many people with MCS have a poor quality of life so you have to protects yourself now. The first environmental specialist told me “It’s a hard life.” and it is. I’m not afraid of death. I’m afraid of living an even poorer quality of life as you are. The more you decrease your toxic exposure in other areas such as with personal care products, and using low VOC items during remodeling etc the less likely you are to overwhelm your system and become worse.
Good luck researching and doing your detective work.
January 22, 2015 at 1:20 am
Anonymous
Thank you again Colleen for the information…. got to say, I am very happy for the last two days… no smell at all of the exhaust fume… I do not know if it is because fume went all away from my computer after having taken the battery out of it… or maybe because I did put a box of baking soda near the computer which might be taking care of the fume. I feel so relieved from that smell. Yet, I did not go to my sister where I was smelling the exhaust. I will be going next week… and will let you know.
I feel so sad for all those people I’ve read with MCS and wondering why not many doctors knowing about it… so many conversation about it on the net… and doctors not knowing with the symptoms. Maybe it is because .. they just do not know what to do or what to say …. or maybe … just too many to deal with… I do not know… but of course the way our century lives aint helping… we do not see green grass as much in older days… on earth and all those machine sent in the atmosphere… must not help our living bodies.
Anyway I feel just lucky that maybe it was only my computer… and yet I do remember about the mold smell a few years back and only me could smell it. I do have allot of the symptoms…of MCS headeachs, poor bones, stomach, sweating, bronchites, chest pains, sleeping… but I got used to those and manage with ALEVE, pumps, thums, sleeping pills. Not really sure if it is MCS… and you know… I think I just would not want to know… so people could say…. Ah… right … she got MCS. I just think of people who I know, that after a visit to the doctor… they got told with dementia or alzeimers…. and for me, I just do not feel tey are. And after the doctor tells them they are sick… some get sicker… and I feel, that if I knew I was diagnosed with something… I might just not take it… This is why I do not go see the doctor much… only to renew my prescriptions most of the time… and hope it will stay that way.
Aint easy to get old… right… sure would love to decide the day I want to leave this world with a simple pill… but aint in our country yet. When I Iook in the necrology listing, I see that people tend to live much longer then 50 years back… average now is about 95-100… and 50 years ago… was about 70-80. I have an aunt who is now 106… sure do not know how she does it… speciallly in a home care. I am sure she is not well physically/mentally… just keeping her heart beat… it is not a way to live.
I’m sorry you have to stay in … just hope you can get out in the yard or something… fresh air is good for you… hoping a miracle happens to you… that one day you wake up and smell only fresh things…and your body does not hurt anymore and you go out in the city and have fun.
Take care
January 27, 2015 at 2:49 pm
Colleen
Thank you. A miracle would be wonderful.
In the United States there are assisted dying laws restricted to terminally ill and mentally competent adults in Oregon, Montana, Washington, New Jersey and Vermont. I wish more states would adopt the policy. What country or state do you live in? Good luck and take care! It’s been nice chatting with you.
May 3, 2015 at 6:17 pm
TC Netzley
I have recently experienced the same minus the burning. Any new data?
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July 11, 2015 at 11:18 am
Dianne hooks
i list my ability to smell and taste nearly a year ago. Everything smells and tastes either bad or just neutral. Any advice I am willing to try anything.
August 1, 2015 at 11:14 pm
Lauren
I have been having the exact same, it’s horrible and so frustrating!
Did you find an answer / solution did it?
I am 6 weeks post partum and breastfeeding if that changes things.
August 22, 2015 at 8:28 pm
Kelly
I totally lost my sense of smell between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2013. I had an MRI done in January 2014 and the ENT said there was nothing visably wrong and that this sometimes just happens. That’s it. I was also stuffed up on and off so my PCP kept prescribing antibiotics. I took my MRI to a 2nd ENT who saw blockage around the bridge of my nose. I had surgery done to remove it and he also expanded my nasal passages. I had follow-up visits every month for 6 months. I was always stuffed up, he saw irratation, prescribed steroids and antibiotics, told me to use a nettie pot, benadryl, Allegra, etc. I ended up smelling a disgusting odor, not able to taste anything but sweet or spicy, or the smell that was with me from the time I woke up till the time i went to sleep. Again, PCP prescribes antibiotics. I had blood work done for allergies and found out that I am highly allergic to cats. We had 3 that we had to give away. Still no change. My hearing has been affected for about 7 months now. My PCP looked in my ears and saw “cloudiness” so I took more antibiotics. NO ONE HAS AN ANSWER AND NO ONE KNOWS HOW THIS AFFECTS MY LIFE. I found a new ENT and have an appointment next week. I am showing him this site. My husband and daughter see how it is affecting me. I can’t enjoy anything. I don’t cook a lot because I can’t stand the smell. Coffee, toast, beef, they all smell horrible. I’m glad to have found this site but I’m sorry for everyone on here who knows how I feel. Hopefully this new ENT will help
August 22, 2015 at 8:32 pm
Kelly
Oh, and I had a ct scan January 2015 which showed a 1/4 inch of fluid or swelling in both of my sinuses. WTF
December 1, 2015 at 8:52 pm
John Lowery
Ok everyone I have read all the reply’s and I’m going to give you the remedy to kill off what you may think is simple bacteria giving off the awful smell. I will soon come back and let you all know the true cause of this awful pestilence but right now you want to know how to get rid it. Are you ready? RICE VINEGAR! That’s right rice vinegar, the number one cure for E. coli, Salmonella and Typhimurium, bacteria associated with intestinal infections. All this garbage lives in your nose and body which will drive you crazy but your help is in the rice vinegar. You can buy almost any where but try to get Brown Rice Vinegar. Amazon – the market an so on. It also help with colon Health – Blood Sugar Control and most of all Anti-Bacterial. You take up to cap fulls in mineral water or purified water/ Drink to cup fulls at night and in the Morning. Do not – I repeat, do not buy any other Vinegar. If you do it will make it worse then before. Here’s why….
1. Regular vinegar is more acidic than rice vinegar.
3. Regular vinegar mainly processes from ethanol while rice vinegar is obtained by fermenting rice.
The bacteria that lives in your nose reacts with many type of ethanol fuels especially Alcohol – Diesel – Gasoline – Heat – Food bacteria – Dyes – Natural gas – Human waste – Ammonia – Sewer gas – Garbage fumes – Sulfur and even Mercury. So if you work on a computer for any length of time you’ll wonder why you get so sleepy and sometime want to pass out. A ton of Mercury is in computer monitors. I could go on and on but just go and stock up on rice vinegar.
I promised to come back and tell you what caused all this.
December 1, 2015 at 9:27 pm
John Lowery
Oh and by the way, Let me tell you the bad part, that garbage doesn’t just live in your nose but everything you touch – breath on – wrap yourself up in – or any cellulose material which has now been affected. You see it travel as a mold, form you to anything you touch or breath on. Actually its micro toxins that will penetrate and live in anything that allows air to flow. It can even live on hard surface for up to 6 months before it dies out and even then it can still affect you. Kinda like when a person dies, they stop breathing but the bacteria can still live for a very long making anyone sick if they are around them. Leather product are the worst. Almost impossible to get out BUT as I mention earlier…. help is on the way. So you know what I’m going to say right ?— Yes you guess it, you have to wash all products that can be washed or wipe down with rice vinegar. The thing is you need to wear a mask why? Because the bad bacteria will “off gas” and re affect you if it gets back in your mouth or nose. Off gassing is what bad bacteria does to fight back when threaten since it too has a immune system just like a human. It will try to fight and protect itself but because rice vinegar is made with fermenting rice it kills it on contact. Regular vinegar actually feeds it because of the high acidity. Keep in mind bad bacteria loves heat and acid. The only other way to kill this stuff off is by freezing it and it has to be a temperature of 5 below zero to do the job. The killing of the bad bacteria produces a super strong gassy smell like rotting garbage, vomit or sewage. So please don’t be alarm when you drink the vinegar and become dizzy, light headed and faintness. Its not the vinegar, its the nasty “off-gassing” of that horrible bacteria dying out inside you. So its best you lye down on your bed after drinking your vinegar.
December 7, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Neco
Try eating vanilla ice cream.. It shouldn’t have a smell or rotten taste to it. I had it so bad that I couldn’t even bring food up to myouth w/0 gagging.. Mine was so to epilepsy..good luck!! Hope you find out what’s wrong with you.
December 20, 2015 at 10:41 pm
Karmen
I have been dealing with this issue for the last 3-4 months. I have been to the ear, nose, and throat specialist and nothing. I had a MRI and nothing (That’s a good thing I know). I’m getting so frustrated with all of this. I am now waiting to see a neurologist. I have tried medicine to clear up any possible bacterial infections, nose sprays, nose oils, etc. Nothing seems to help. I even started choking about a week ago when I smell the phantom smoke. I’m willing to try just about anything at this point.
May 18, 2016 at 7:19 am
Anonymous
hi karmen I’ve commented many times on here as I too suffered with the condition only mine wasn’t just smoke , I lived on milk bread and cheese spread for months as food smelt like rotting flesh , not just food , my son is a chef , I couldn’t stand to be near him as I could smell the odour on his chef whites , car fumes , petrol stations , supermarkets , I lived a life of gell to the point I was suicidal as once mri tests and entertainment and neorologist couldn’t find anything they thought it was in my head … I did my own research and found 1 , yes just 1 doctor that deals with smell and taste issues , he works in a hospital in great Yarmouth so I had a 6 hour journey , but it was worth it , 5 appointments in one day , smell test , taste test , blood test , endoscopy, consultation and camera up my nose , he is very thorough,. I git diagnosed that same day and felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders , so there is hope honey there we really is , not sure if you check back or if your better but feel free to reply if you would like any other information as I check back from time to time , even if I do have to scroll through the idiot posts , the condition u need to research is dysomia , I think it’s possible that the one you have us called phantomsnia
May 18, 2016 at 7:33 am
Marilynn Braile
What was the diagnosis
December 19, 2016 at 8:39 pm
Anonymous
Hello how can I find this doctors details please?
December 29, 2015 at 8:52 pm
Anonymous
I found the reason for my “phantom smell”. I starting researching because ER visit yielded no results or ideas. I could smell smoke, kind of like a dirty oven smell. It went on for about 1 week, in my case it started shortly after I had a “scaling and root planing” dental cleaning.
I believe my issue was a badly decaying tooth. Bacteria around the tooth caused a sulphur smell, which after going through sinuses, ended up smelling like smoke.
So, if you have any cavities use mouth wash, tooth picks, floss, brushing, thouraghly clean, disinfect every part of your mouth.
June 1, 2016 at 5:43 am
Nicole Takacs
MERCURY AND/OR BARIUM POISONING.
Trust me…get tested for heavy metal toxicity immediately. The damaging effects will only get worse and are irreversible.
June 22, 2016 at 10:21 am
Jay
So I’ve had this happen to me a few times now so I’m not as afraid when or if it happens again I find myself having these smells after I drink to much (to the point I puke obviously,) I’m thinking all the alcohol going threw my nose as I puke is what caused it but a few times before and currently now as we speak all I can smell is rotten burning flesh yes I’m a smoker and any real smoker will tell u f* that smell I’m smoke regardless haha I wish this was true every hit of a cig or taste of food or anything smells nd taste like the burning flesh you just can’t bare it at all now the last 2 times that I can remember typically lasted about 2 weeks a piece but I’m finding myself on a month right now so not sure if this time I permanently messed myself up. This is 2016 now so I was hoping someone had answers or a doc reference?
June 22, 2016 at 12:47 pm
Colleen Buskirk
I get the burning flesh smell when I take antibiotics and my skin burns too.I’m allergic to them.
October 6, 2016 at 7:04 am
Dawn
Mold or toxic mold exsposure sewer gas, I’m dealing with everything failing and doctors don’t have a clue until I found out the house we bought was flooded in sewage right befor we bought it.and we were never told about til June a neighbor came and said he was so sorry that I was on my death bed, I’m human to say the least,how could anyone do this to a family, internationaly,it should be conciteder attempted murder
October 6, 2016 at 7:05 am
Dawn
And if your allergic to penisilan then u are allergic to mold
December 19, 2016 at 9:02 pm
Colleen Buskirk
Yes. I’m very allergic to mold as well as most antibiotics as well.
December 19, 2016 at 8:32 pm
Anonymous
Hello.
I hope you’re at a peaceful place now.
I am unfortunately in the same position as you have described above.What was your outcome? Any advise would be apappreciated. My GP wouldn’t even refer me tothe nose mouth ear dept. He just gave me antibiotics and nasal spray prescription.
February 13, 2017 at 5:28 pm
Krista
I would like to know if this person has ever found out what problem is/was!!! Asap please!! Thank you. I’ve had this same problem for a long time…..on nd off. Ugh?! Its debilitating and lonely and depressing.
February 17, 2017 at 9:32 am
SFgirlResident
Probably the nuclear reached our shores or you dying of GMO or toxin from food and water. In the news there a city were city official knee the water poison. Take table spoon baking soda only by armer hammer its pure with squeeze lemon and spoon full caster oil cold press hexon free a day. If not better in week stop. OK I’m not expert so don’t try it. I do. Do you talk back to gov online maybe or some one even your work have insurance on you. Do you own anything that will be handed down to family or friend. @sfgirlresident (twitter). Maybe fish poisin
February 17, 2017 at 10:13 am
SFgirlResident
Look up Taurine…I think that is cure for crazy mental unbalance people and if your deficient you develope disease like diabetes lupus ect..
Ok that’s what I think from research. You look it up . I could be so wrong .
Maybe your mind playing tricks on you.lol
That song by the Ghetto boys back in the days.
I hate rap but love the old school rap.
Take care, I hope I Save You.
March 24, 2017 at 7:37 pm
MrFindASolution
RE: AMMONIA SMELL/PHANTOM SMELL OTHERS CAN SMELL BUT YOU CAN’T.
I have spent about 45 minutes skimming through the posts on this page looking for information on ammonia-type smell you can smell when you breath in VERY deeply, as well as a “phantom” smell some others can smell but you can’t. Didn’t find any enlightening information about my issue, just others experiencing the same thing–and a host of other health issues not related to mine. In the vein of enlightenment, here’s my info:
WHAT I THINK I HAVE: An ammonia-type smell coming from the kidney area of my body or my pores all over my body. I believe it is linked to low liver and/or kidney-filtering ability, meaning my liver/kidneys are functioning below 60 units. I know I am dealing with Candida, but I don’t know how bad.
I also may have something called TMAU (Google it). I ate chicken liver for dinner one night. About a day and a half later, I had a bowel movement that smelled of burnt rubber and bad fish (TMAU red flag!).
WHAT IS THE CAUSE: Bad liver and kidneys most likely. I am also researching Leaky Gut Syndrome due to the Candida. Years of eating like a high schooler may be the cause, which means weeks/months/years to get back to normal. Also on the hit list, issues with digesting fats and muscle (lactic acid issues?). Pancreas issues–maybe. It is definitely a GUT issue, but hell if I know what.
HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE “THE SMELL”: After a couple of morning runs, I smell a very strong “Ajax” smell from behind me (Thanks Mr. Wind). Although I usually can’t smell it, I can tell I have it by the reactions of people around me. If someone can smell me, they usually go “WHEW!”, whistle, rub their nose, make a nasty face or move away from me. Some people spray perfume, cologne or Lysol behind me.
WHAT DID MY DOCTOR SAY?: I don’t smell anything. Test look normal. Drink more water. Here’s my bill.
WHEN IS “THE SMELL” BAD: It seems others can smell “the smell” if I have had WAY too much protein, but especially if I haven’t eaten anything all day Body digesting muscle/fat???). Also, the smell is WAY strong for 8+ hours after running several miles. The range of the smell is interesting, as well, sometimes people 50+ feet away can smell it. Wow!
WHEN DON’T I SMELL: I believe overnight/early morning, which makes sense. If this is a metabolic issue, which I would bet money on, my body balances itself during sleep/extreme low activity periods. A couple of hours into the workday, BOOM, I start stinking.
WHAT I’VE TRIED/TRYING: Various diets/changes in eating habits–removing most carbs, heavy on leafy greens (No good). Stone age diet–blood sugar went down, but still had “the smell.” Drink LOTS of water–been there, doing that (150 oz. sometimes a day). Long showers, yeah. Soaking in a tub, please. Mask the smell with deodorant, tried it. Nothing works.
For the Candida, I am trying at least 1 pill each of a probiotic, cinnamon, ginger root, garlic and a teaspoon of coconut oil 3 times a day. I drink apple cider vinegar once in the morning and try to once before bed. I did see “cloudy” urine with white stuff a few times when I started, but not much since. Because Candida is such a tough customer, I will be doing something to treat it for the rest of my life. No biggie if I can keep it in check.
I also ordered a TMAU test online through MeBo Research ($190).
THE TOLL OF “THE SMELL” ON MY LIFE: Devastating!!!! I quit my last job partly because of the harassment from a co-worker. Nerve breakdowns, panic attacks, popping Xanax like candy, thoughts of suicide–I could go on. Unemployed, living of a friend, I try to find a solution and get my head back on straight.
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: I try to believe that for every problem, there is a solution or a parameter I need to stay within or out of. In taking the items above, it does seem like I am offending fewer people. I will probably up my doses. NOTE: I am using the NATURAL way to resolve Candida and avoiding antibiotics.
MY SUGGESTIONS: Stop whining about your issue…well, whine, but resolve your own health problems. Your doctor, bless their sweet heart, cares…but doesn’t really care about your issue. They go home to their family and enjoy their life, while you carry your health issue like Altas holds up the world. BULLSH*T!!! Use your doctor for labs and prescriptions…and Q & A about your issue. RESEARCH your symptoms. Safely try supplements for at least 3 days and monitor other people’s reactions. Change your supplements or habits depending on other’s reactions. Diet is probably the main key, as well as your hereditary line. Watch your urine and bowel movements–oh yeah, part of the answer is what is coming out of you.
Create a safe haven for yourself–your own “Happy” place. Have a support group or be friends with people who can’t smell you. Dealing with any major health issue alone is like facing a firing squad–every day or with every situation you’re put it. I have NO idea how I am still living after all the CRAP I have gone through–must be my hard head…or my determination.
IN CLOSING: Sorry for the long post, but if you’re trying to solve your own problem, reading other people’s venting posts won’t help. I am tired of feeling sorry for myself–that’s not going to make this smell go away (although I have thought about wrapping my body in stink-proof plastic). I will try to follow up in 2-4 weeks with an update.
Good luck everyone!
March 24, 2017 at 8:58 pm
Moi
You hit the nail on the head!!! Its flippin awful!!!
March 25, 2017 at 12:16 pm
MrFindASolution
What a difference a day makes…or, at least a few hours. After I wrote my previous post, my brain went into hyper-overdrive as I continued researching online. The symptoms I have relating to “the smell” are related to my body being in a catabolic state most of the day, or being hungry for carbs and protein.
Being the hard-headed dumbass that I am sometimes, I would exercise on an empty stomach and not refuel after a run/workout. Stupid! Also, at work, I wouldn’t eat in the morning, start at 7:30-8am and not eat again until 2-3 in the afternoon, if I did at all. I was/am starving my body, and it, in turn, was forcing my body to convert muscle into energy. The by-products of this process: “Cellular wastes include lactic acid, acetic acid, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and urea.” Weird, as I have never felt foggy or weak (go-go-go-do-do-do, that’s us go-getters).
Everybody’s body chemistry is slightly different. You may/may not smell yourself stinking, but surely someone else probably will.
I had thought my liver and/or kidneys were going bad. They may not be filtering the way they were when I was 20, but they both are still working. But with all the waste I was generating in a catabolic state, it might have been too much for them. I’m 54 now, but I like to think a healthy 54.
TEST (Short and Long term): Obviously, I have to eat more. One website said to eat 5-6 meals a day and focus more on weight training than cardio. Another website suggesting powdered amino acids and added digestive enzymes 4-5 hours before workouts. The idea here is to fuel the body hours ahead of when I would actually need the energy. The 4-5 hours would allow the digestive enzymes to break down the amino acids and allow the body to absorb them.
I am going to try an amino acid supplement with the 20 aminos and couple that with digestive enzymes. Until then, it’s skinless chicken, rice and veggies and fruits several times a day.
More…later.
March 25, 2017 at 11:50 pm
Miles Lawrie
It’s been 2 days since I tasted something funny with ketchup I was using, so I checked the bottle. Well it was horrifyingly rancid so I simply chucked it. But now for the past 2 days I’ve had the exact same symptoms and even would describe the smell the same way, and I keep having to pop my ears. I have noticed the recurrences of smell and taste are alot stronger, but not limited to, in food that also has a vinegar component, pickles especially. Please let me know what you find out because I hope to god this doesn’t last 2 weeks or more lol
April 1, 2017 at 10:25 am
MrFindASolution
I have been trying a slightly new approach to my smell issue (seems like a I have a “new” approach every few days). I am drinking 10oz of water with probably 4-5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before AND after meals. I am also drinking 20oz of protein shakes 2-3 times a day with 3 Veganzyme capsules to increase absorbtion of the protein. In addition, I am drinking a homemade version of electrolyte drink for carbs.
Yesterday, I was in a small liquor store with about 9 other people and I didn’t hear a WHEW!, a whistle or observed people holding/rubbing their noses. I was shocked!
In preparation for my 5 mile run this morning, drank the water/acv solution, a protein shake with capsules and 12oz of electrolytes (probably not enough for the run, but a decent start). After the run, drinking 2 10oz of the water/acv solution, 2 protein shakes with only 3 Vegazyme capsules and 18oz of homemade electrolytes. What is all this supposed to do? Well:
Water/Apple Cider Vinegar = neutralizes smell, is a prebiotic, helps with digestion of protein and helps control blood sugar levels.
Protein shake with Veganzyme capsules = Replaces protein lost during workout, capsules help with nutrient absorbtion.
Homemade electrolyte drink = carbs (energy!), make yours: go to http://everydayroots.com/homemade-energy-drink.
THEORY: I believe I am not making enough stomach acid to neutralize the smell of the protein I eat. My liver and kidneys probably can’t handle all the undigested protein/waste I am generating, so the waste remains in my blood. As I sweat, the waste (the smell) oozes out of my pores. Now, when I don’t eat and I am in a catabolic state (cell-to-cell nutrient transfer), the protein from my muscles is not being neutralized by stomach acid–it’s all in my blood stream, so the smell is MUCH worse. The ACV should neutralize the smell, but I am trying to figure out how much to drink. By the way, ACV tastes like CRAP, but it works!
If you have ANY type of smell, apple cider vinegar should be able to neutralize it. I would start with 10oz of water and 4 tablespoons of ACV right after you wake up in the morning and another 10oz water/4 tblspoons of ACV after breakfast. Continue to drink water/ACV before and after meals. Try to eat 3 medium-sized solid food meals, and drink a protein shake and electrolyte drink between meals to stay out of a catabolic state.
For workouts, you have to gage your activity level. Water/ACV, protein shake and electrolyte drink before and after the workout. Eat a solid meal after the workout, as well.
Also, make sure you are SLEEPING deeply. Your body does so much when you are sleeping–not sleeping screws up your system!
More…later…
April 3, 2017 at 10:43 pm
MrFindASolution
The first round of “in-the-public” tests have been completed…with success! I went to a bar, a couple of small stores, a restaurant and a pharmacy and didn’t offend any noses. I was nervous as hell, but got through it all.
The next round of tests will involve increased activity (dancing, golf, running), with the last round of tests involving a simple work day. I have to test the limits of my new “diet” and fine tune how much of mixtures I need to take.
Never thought I would see the light of relief at the end of this tunnel of Hell…but I think I’m looking at it.
April 9, 2017 at 10:32 am
MrFindASolution
So far, things are going okay. I appear to be staying out of a complete catabolic state and offending fewer and fewer people. It was nice being able to walk into a large department store and not hear a WHEW! or see people rubbing their noses.
I did test this solution after a run. I waiting 5-6 hours before going out, but sure enough at least one person near me said “Oh My God”. Oh well, this is a work in progress.
I surmise that my adrenal glands or something related is to blame. Going to try “calm” them while still taking my fixes above…and see what happens.
April 22, 2017 at 9:58 am
MrFindASolution
UPDATE: Tests so far are going unexpectedly great! No smell issues since I started the protein shake/carb drink regiment.
I continue to fine-tune this regiment, taking a 10oz protein shake AND a 10-20oz carb drink about 1-2am. I try to eat a “breakfast,” which could be turkey bacon and eggs to cold chicken or pizza. Lunch maybe a sandwich or a chef salad. Dinner, hell, I pig out on anything. I find I am drinking 2-3 24oz carb drinks through out the day–that could be 100-175 grams of carbs, based on the food labels of the liquids I’m using. I am taking one Veganzyme capsule with liquids and 2 with solid foods to help with nutrient absorption. Weight is holding steady. Occasionally sipping 10oz of apple cider vinegar. I don’t feel hungry and have energy.
SIDE NOTE: I noticed that I am sleeping much better. I used to take Advil PM or a sleeping pill, but don’t need to these days. It feels good to sleep most of the night getting quality sleep…and dreaming (REM sleep). Pissing more these days, but to be expected drinking 110+ oz of liquid daily.
Hung out at a few bars with no “WHEW!”, people whistling or people avoiding me/holding their noses. I was again nervous as hell, but got through it.
BEST GUESS: I probably have had issues digesting solid foods in the past. Switching to a half solid/half liquid diet appears to be helping. My body can easy absorb the liquid nutrients much faster than breaking down and absorbing solids. This, in turn, doesn’t set off the “I’m hungry!” alarm that starts the catabolic daymare. That way, my body doesn’t have to grab protein from my muscles for energy, which, in turn, creates the waste that my liver and kidneys can’t seem to handle.
NEXT TEST(S): I did a 5 mile woggle (walk/jog) this morning using a juiced up version of my daily regiment. Helping a friend move today, so will take a couple of carb bottles with me. I am considering other tests at this point, like a night out dancing or a round of golf.
April 29, 2017 at 8:39 am
MrFindASolution
UPDATE: Experience a slight set back. While starting a round of golf, had one person both WHEW!’d twice and whistled 15 feet behind me in the clubhouse. Not good. No other people (12-15) I passed by or played with during the round seem to display any changes in behavior.
No public tests after golf (didn’t have the courage).
TMI ALERT: Noticed after a bowel movement this week, my gut felt like I needed to have another bowel movement…not a good sign.
I ordered a leaky gut seal supplement. I will continue using Veganzyme Enzymes, protein shakes and home carb drinks. Something is working, but it’s not full-proofed yet. My gut is probably out of balance, but slowly healing.
May 1, 2017 at 6:27 pm
Louise
Omg? No comments??? What ended up happening?? I’ve the SAME issue….
May 2, 2017 at 11:39 am
MrFindASolution
If you’re referring to my issue, nothing yet. Still waiting for the gut seal supplement to arrive, which should be today or tomorrow.
I have found that there are several medical conditions relating to having an ammonia smell. In my situation, I am guessing the ammonia is a by-broduct of a catabolic state (being hungry and thirsty) and having a bad gut flora (bad bacteria). I am in the process of repairing my gut, altering my diet as needed and taking supplements to help my digestive system. I don’t smell ammonia in my nasal passages anymore, but occasionally others do smell ammonia coming from me….and it’s their behavior (or lack thereof) that determines if something is working or not.
If you can afford it, go see an endocrinologist to have your gut checked (digestive system). Read my past entries to start troubleshooting on your own.
May 4, 2017 at 5:18 am
MrFindASolution
Received results of my TMAU today: negative for this disorder. All indicators are within the NORMAL range. So much for that.
Start taking Leaky Gut Seal yesterday. Let’s see what happens.
All throughout this troubleshooting process, I have been thinking….I wouldn’t want to be a doctor. I started by treating myself by sensing the symptoms I thought I had, but nothing has worked. All the sh*t I have tried–I will be laughing at all the things I have done to cure/mask this smell. I will also cry at all the money I have spent on supplements that didn’t have any effect.
After all I have been through, I would have fired myself…LOL.
May 4, 2017 at 5:50 am
MrFindASolution
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR SENSE OF TASTE/SMELL: I have been posting updates on this blog for a while and was curious if the person who originally started it found her solution. She did.
Alpha Lipoic Acid.
Not sure how much she takes, but she stated her sense of smell came back 80-90%. That’s probably why she stopped posting updates in 2009–she found her solution. Good for her!
May 9, 2017 at 10:21 am
MrFindASolution
NON-UPDATE: LOL, a non-update is basically “I’m doing something, but I haven’t tested it yet.” I started taking a leaky gut seal supplement a week ago, but haven’t gone out in public to test the result.
I am running low on money. To think of all the money I have spent on supplements that address one symptom, as opposed to the core problem, bothers me a little. However, this is the old-school-trial-and-error way of resolving a health issue your doctor isn’t/can’t resolve.
I am suffering bouts of emotional breakdowns and depression. I think of how proud and mighty I was only a few years ago. A job with benefits, a good consulting gig…and hanging out. Man, was I cocky. Now, I don’t have a job, I stay indoors mostly (I live with a friend, caring for her elderly father), and I try to piece together my life and focus on solving this smell issue. It has been a long and painful journey.
A friend who is suffering panic attacks and breakdowns herself misses me. I was her sunshine…and a reprieve from the madness in her world. She is caring for her 90-year old mother and raising a 15-year old daughter. She can’t smell my smell…and probably is wondering about my mental state (LOL). All I can say is it’s hard to help others when you can’t even help yourself.
Looked online for free/low-cost mental health services in my area. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
I have a job interview later this week. Got to get my head together!
May 11, 2017 at 4:08 pm
MrFindASolution
PERSONAL RESEARCH UPDATE: I am SMH on this one: Urinary tract infections can generate an ammonia smell from your skin pores.
I had a UTI several months ago and took antibiotics for them. However, you can redevelop UTIs if you are dehydrated (guess who was dehydrated before and after his runs???). Luckily for me I have kidney cleanse pills with the herb Uva Ursi, so I can start address the issue immediately.
Ain’t this some sh*t!!??
May 14, 2017 at 2:54 pm
MrFindASolution
Went on a 45-mile bike ride this morning. Made my homemade Gatorade and put it in my Camelbak sak (3 liters). Towards the end of the ride, stopped into a gas station to get Sunday newspapers. Neither the cashier, nor the customer behind me said WHEW!, whistled, held their nose or turned/walked away.
I almost wanted to blow it off as, “I got lucky.” However, after such a long ride in 50-degree temperature, I usually would be reeking. Signs point to a leaky gut as the problem.
Will try to do more tests in the coming days. Also, no job interview last Friday (rats!).
May 20, 2017 at 7:11 am
MrFindASolution
UPDATE: I conducted another couple of tests yesterday. I had a job interview with a large organization that went without a hitch. I had about 20-25 people I passed by, not hearing one WHEW! or nose rub.
Afterward, I stopped into a bar where more than a few times I have been sprayed behind or heard WHEWs! Was there for about 45 minutes–NO ISSUES! There were about 50-60 people there, including a large group that sat 12-15 feet away. Normal, a person or the whole group would get up and move away from me. Not yesterday.
On a side note, I quality of sleep has GREATLY improved. Whereas I needed to take a sleeping pill or fell off to sleep from exhaustion before, now I just close my eyes and dream. I guess the health of your gut CAN affect your level of rest.
I still have three more tests to perform: a round of golf with people I don’t know, dancing for 2 hours and, of course, working in an office environment. I also have a UTI issue to deal with, so I ordered antibiotics, as the apple cider vinegar is not really working.
I am already getting a lot of self-confidence back, but I am VERY cautious still. I have been here before and got my ass handed back to me by the world. Here’s to hoping for the best!
May 25, 2017 at 9:34 am
MrFindASolution
I started my Levoquin antibiotic treatment yesterday for a possible UTI in either my bladder or kidneys. This action would fall under the “don’t try this at home without a doctor’s permission if you don’t have to” category. My hope is that if I have a bacterial infection that is causing the ammonia smell, the antibiotics will wipe it out.
I am taking two 250mg pills twice a day for 14 days. I am continuing my probiotics and supplements to keep the flora in my gut healthy. I am having a friend monitor my behavior and reactions for any trouble signs.
So far, I have a slight headache and didn’t sleep well last night. A few (LOL) anxious thoughts and doubts in my abilities as a person. To be expected, as I am doing some of the craziest sh*t in my life these days.
I hate Vegas bets, but I’m letting this one ride.
May 28, 2017 at 9:43 am
MrFindASolution
This is Day Four of my Levoquin treatments. So far, things are looking decent. Had a job interview Friday with 4 people that went well (no WHEWing, whistling or nose rubbing). Was at the bar later–no issues. I did go golfing by myself Saturday and noticed nervous eye contact from one lady and gentle whistling from a groundskeeper, but nothing that shouted “You stink!”
I had originally calculated that I was going to take 500mg of Levoquin a day (one pill in the morning, one at night). Stupid me took 1000mg a day (2 pills at a time instead of one). Easing back to the original pill schedule and taking prebiotics (apple cider vinegar) and probiotics to counteract the antibiotics. Also, eating decent home cooked meals.
I may test out the affect of the antibiotics with a round of golf tomorrow with other people (trial by fire….YUCK!). However, so far…so good.
May 30, 2017 at 6:50 pm
MrFindASolution
I am debating whether to stop my Levoquin treatments. Public encounters have been uneventful–a good sign the stuff is working. Bubbles in my urine have been minimal. On the flip side, have been a little sleepier these days (also lightheaded at times) and have developed a slight case of tendonitis in the back of my legs (expected). I also noticed I have been thirstier (dry mouth) after sleeping and during runs.
After an intense week, I think it’s time to stop the antibiotics and refocus on diet and associated supplements. Have been taking 3 Veganzyme pills before or with meals…time to get some more!
June 2, 2017 at 5:38 pm
MrFindASolution
I stopped the Levoquin antibiotics a couple of days ago and my tendonitis and lightheadedness are slowly going away, if not gone. I reordered my digestive enzymes and will probably buy more 24-strain probiotics. This regiment will probably be something I will do for the rest of my life….but at least I won’t stink!
To recap, I have had an atrocious smell or series of atrocious smells coming out of my pores for years, probably decades. Ammonia, probably burnt rubber and a moldy smell all were coming from me. Could not figure out what was going on. My doctor couldn’t figure it out (my blood tests showed I became a diabetic, but that’s it).
In this blog, which is actually someone else’s, I have logged the various things I have tried. Although I still have a few more tests to do, my money is on malabsorption of nutrients. My guess is that proteins, carbs, fat and veggies all have a weird smell if they are not properly digested (or only partially digested). This, along with leaky gut syndrome with a side order of Candida, helped me smell like I needed a stick-up air fresher inside my clothes.
The fix/solution is to continue using 2-5 Veganzyme (digestive enzyme) capsules 0-30 minutes before meals and workouts. I have to continue testing which foods have what effect on the smell–that will take a LONG time. However, the few tests I have done have shown that the enzymes and the antibiotics (for the UTI) had the most positive effect.
From a mental standpoint, I feel I am on the way back from being crushed. To be ridiculed job, after job, after job for something most people couldn’t smell nearly drove me to suicide. I shake my head at all the evenings and weekends after work that I curled up in a ball in bed, not wanting to EVER face the world again. Shudder!!! As part of my recovery, I am writing letters to two presidents of the organizations that I had issues with their staffs. As you can tell from these entries, I can most certainly write–and I will be professional, but as BLUNT as I can get!
I hope others with an ammonia smell, oily smell, moldy smell, rotting smell take a shorter route to their solution then I did. Try these options (these sort of applied to me):
1) If you smell even after a good soapy shower, it could be, (A) a UTI in your kidneys or (B) your gut (digestive issues). You will need antibioitics for the UTI. For your gut, get Veganzyme or a digestive enzyme with multiple enzymes in it. I also would get a leaky gut seal to help heal your intestines.
2) If you think you have leaky gut, Candida is probably all up in your business. Think of Candida as weeds wrecking your beautiful lawn. You can buy a Candida Solution or use coconut oil/water, cinnamon and garlic to nuke it. The Candida spit test is a sham, so don’t use that as a ruler. Watch your urine for white strands…that’s the Candida you’re killing (YEA!!).
3) This is a tough call, but at times I choose to eat the SAME meal 2-3 times a day. As long as you get your protein, carbs and veggies, you are good. I was trying to see if a particular food or drink was causing the smell–didn’t have ANY luck with it. I tried the vegetarian juice meals and shakes–I was still smelling. Go with what you like.
4) Your smell may be caused by your liver or kidneys not working properly. If you walk by people, and they go WHEW! that’s one of the first things I would address. Try a 2- or 4-day liver/kidney cleanse.
5) Don’t waste too much money on air fresheners, deodorants, fans or anything to mask the smell. Trust me, the smell coming out of your body is SO powerful it will bitch-slap Febreeze. Avoid or keep your distance from those that can smell you.
6) Make note of the people who CAN smell you, and the ones who CAN’T smell you. Use the people who can smell you to test your fixes. It’s embarrassing, but at least you get an honest opinion. Stick around the people who can’t smell you to “heal your soul.”
7) Let your boss know you are trying to resolve a personal health issue. If your co-workers are doing “innuendo harassment” tactics (indirectly whistling around you, going WHEW!, rubbing their noses, etc.), you may have rights under your company’s HR policies. Even contract employees have some rights.
8) Develop a support group. I cannot stress this enough! Trying to figure out what is wrong with you will drive you to the brink of sanity! As a guy, I found it VERY difficult to talk with people about this, but I needed to…and did. Email me if you need support.
9) Don’t depend solely on your doctor to resolve your issue. I like my doctor, but quite honestly he could give a rats ass if I am healthy or not. I got more Xanax from him than solutions. He probably thinks I am crazy because he, his staff or people in the medical office could not smell my smell. I should have kidnapped one of my ex-office workers and taken them to my doctors…then he would probably believe me.
10) Finally, develop a come-back plan. If you find your solution, your world will have been SO jacked up that you don’t do a lot of the things you used to do. Who wants to be laughed at damn near every place you go??? Slowly reintegrate activities you used to do, always watching others to see if they WHEW! you. You will be pleasantly surprised when they don’t.
I have lost so much: my dignity, my house, my career, my lifestyle…and I am going to get all that SH*T back and MORE. I will make the people who laughed and ridiculed me pay (by writing to the president of the company about their behavior toward my medical issue) and I am going to repay the people who helped me through this.
DO NOT VIOLENTLY GO AFTER PEOPLE WHO HAVE LAUGHED AT YOU!!! Be smart about your paybacks…hee hee.
June 11, 2017 at 7:16 am
MrFindASolution
SET BACK: Just when I thought I could leave this blog, a set back in my recovery.
After golf yesterday morning (went by myself), I bought a western omlette with hash browns and wheat toast. I was feeling so good I even bought donuts, something I haven’t done in a while. Well, later in evening I decided to perform another smell test — the club test. I went to a bar I used to frequent. There were at least 3 people that showed they were affected by the smell, including a waitress. I shrugged it off and decided to go on to the club anyway. The security guards at the door didn’t seem affected, nor most of the people inside (probably 200-300). However, as soon as I reached my “perch,” a lady sitting 18 feet away from me appeared to “make a bad smell face” moved. One other lady walking up to the bar put her hand to her nose briefly. A half hour later, I noticed the club dj/emcee, with his back to me) getting a drinking and looking at his phone about six feet away. Usually, I get a head nod….not even that this time. The clincher was an older man who was walking by. He rubbed his nose as he passed then glanced back at me. I had had enough and left.
There appears to come a time when you move so beyond pissed, so beyond depression, so beyond being out-of-answers that you are just numb to the world. My drive home was a numbing experience. After getting home, I talked with my house mate about the night and went to bed.
This morning I stay in bed. I usually do my 25-40 mile bike rides, but I’m just not feeling it today. Nice morning for a ride, too–sun is shining and it’s probably 70 degrees. I might run after getting the Sunday papers. Dunno.
The first calm thought I had about yesterday is I didn’t take enough enzymes for the amount of food I was eating. It could have been the type of food I was eating (eggs, potatoes, wheat toast, donuts). It could have been the fact that I haven’t drank any apple cider vinegar in days. Whatever the reason, the affect must have been all day as I ate the omelette at 10am and went out to the bar and club starting at 8:45pm.
Judging from the faces people have made all throughout this experience, I surmise that the smell probably is a feces/burnt rubber/rotting food type of smell. I still haven’t worked up the courage to ask someone again what the smell actually smells like.
I was doing SO good up to this point. Job interviews, 18 holes of golf with someone else and popping into stores without a WHEW!, whistling or even a nose rub. I was actually dreaming of a normal life again and getting cocking about my achievement. This past week, I wrote 2 letters to the executives of a couple of companies I recently worked for who’s staff clowned me about this smell. I “professionally” stated I have a smell, specific staff sprayed or whistled around me and that employees at these companies should have more professional development. It’s not a waste of effort, but this set back makes my victory lap less sweet.
So, I will spend time in my lonely world again….drinking my apple cider vinegar, overloading on enzymes…..and trying to figure out what the hell is going on…..AGAIN!!!!!!!
June 13, 2017 at 2:44 am
MrFindASolution
Slap me with a wet fish.
I re-researched the digestive process and discovered a mistake I made–I stopped drinking apple cider vinegar for a days. The ACV kick starters acid in the stomach, so along with digestive enzymes helps breakdown AND deodorize the food eaten. I have been focusing in only on enzymes. Stupid me.
I drank ACV with my enzymes and went out before Sunday and yesterday. NO ISSUES. Went into busy stores, the post office and a gas station–NO ISSUES.
I ordered HCL (hydrocloric acid) with Pepsin supplements yesterday. If they arrive before Saturday, I will try the smell test at the club again (aren’t I into personal punishment). I know I can put all I have researched and practiced together and make this thing work!
June 18, 2017 at 1:58 pm
MrFindASolution
I have been on the ACV/HCL + Pepsin/Veganzyme regiment this week. This combination appears to be keeping the main body odor issue in check. I had a job interview two days ago that went without any issues. I still have to perform a bar/club test, but so far things look good.
The HCL is subtly powerful stuff and I am only using it when eating solid protein-1-2 pills per meal. I try to use apple cider vinegar when consuming veggies, carbs and protein shakes. I am trying to find the right mixture for most meals.
SIDE NOTE: Went on a 20+ mile bike ride this morning. Afterwards, picked up newspapers and other items at the gas station and Walgreens–no WHEW! issues, although I did here an exhale from someone standing a couple of feet behind me at Walgreens. Brushed it off as a reaction to 20+ miles of biking funk.
How will I ever deal with a “normal” lifestyle again? I dunno, but I embrace the challenge with a gentle smile and bitch slap the life of the past.
June 27, 2017 at 11:12 am
MrFOUNDaSolution
My dear readers/Internet searchers, I think this is my final entry on this blog.
I successfully passed by bar/club smell test–actually going to two bars and a club and not experiencing ANY WHEW!/Whistles/Looks/Nose rubbing or walkaways!!! At the end of the night, with a slight buzz, I quietly sighed….knowing I had finally defeated the smell issues that have cost me so much pain and suffering.
I am still without employment. No home of my own, though I am staying and helping a friend and her dad. Thank God I still have a car and some of my personal belongings. Now, instead of researching smells, symptoms and supplements, I can focus on job interviews, making money, paying bills and rebuilding my life.
To recap: I had (2) offense smells–ammonia and possibly feces/burnt rubber. The ammonia smell was apparently caused by a UTI which I nuked with 1000mg of Levoquin for 4 days, then 500 for 2-3 days afterward. The feces/burnt rubber smell was apparently caused by a lack of sufficient stomach acid to neutralize the protein I was eating. I now take 650mg of HCL with Pepsin with each protein-based meal. I also take apple cider vinegar to help initialize my hunger and control blood sugar.
Wooohhoooo!!!! Hello normal lifestyle!!!!
Good luck to all!!!
August 5, 2017 at 3:58 am
MrWOOOHOOOIamOUTofTHISbitch!!!
I just finished my third week at my new job. Working in an office all day was the last test environment…and I passed the test! I did have some smell issues and paranoia during the first week, but I adjusted my protein intake and got it under control. During the work day, I eat mostly carbs, and get this…about a teaspoon and a half of protein from meat. Meals are usually cereal, taco pasta and veggies, sometimes a few slices of lunch meat on wheat bread. It’s weird, but it’s working. I am physically close to people all day. No more people whistling, holding their breath or noses, turning their heads/walking away/avoiding me…none of that shit! Bubbles in my urine are minimal. I still take my enzymes and HCL, but I will probably test to see if I can stop taking them–save some damn money.
Although the terrible memories of having smell issues are slowly fading away, this entire experience that has lasted decades has clearly changed me. For one thing, my doctor is my partner in health–not my health CEO. If you have a medical issue not being resolved by your doctor, do your own DAMN research on your health symptoms!!! The Internet is the best knowledge portal in the fucking world!!! Also, don’t be afraid to try home remedies or health store supplements. Try to BE SAFE and SMART about what you take…but there were times I risked my health to beat the issue I had. I was lucky and didn’t have any lasting side effects.
Another change I have experienced is my perspective of people. I dealt with so much evil behind co-workers “looks” that I almost seriously thought about suicide. I don’t know HOW the HELL I made it through all the shit, but I did. Maybe it’s emotional perseverance–the NOTION that I KNEW I could find a resolution…maybe that’s what kept me going. I know deep inside I am angry at the people that laughed, harassed and avoided me. Now, I work have to emotionally heal myself. It’s a long road, but so was curing my smell. No biggie.
I hope all of the entries here, mine and others, help anyone who comes across this blog looking for answers. Don’t spend any more time suffering than you have to. Get back to living your life on your terms.
Good luck!
August 11, 2017 at 4:03 pm
Nc
Find a solution? I have same problem
September 27, 2017 at 5:49 pm
Jax
Thank you to everyone, this has been most helpful and inspiring. So many similarities in types of smells and Doctor’s attitudes.
October 23, 2017 at 7:21 am
MrFoundASolution
It’s been three months since I rejoined the working class, I still can’t believe I found a solution that works. However, I need to add a few notes about taking HCL and diet.
First, when taking HCL capsules don’t just gulp all of them down at the start of a meal or snack. Your stomach is a tough customer! It can handle you taking 8-10 HCL capsules per meal, however, a normal stomach continually produces HCL. So, if you need to take 8 capsules, spread them out over the course of your meal. For a typical steak dinner, I would take a total of 8 capsules; one or two fork fulls of steak, then three HCL capsules with a couple of gulps of water. Then throughout the meal, take 2 capsules with a gulp of water. Take the last capsule after the meal…and dessert are eaten. For breakfast, say a bowl of cereal and fruit, I would take 5; three at the start of the meal, two at the end.
I made the mistake of taking all my capsules either before or after a meal–stupid. Before the meal, there is nothing in my stomach, so I usually ended up with abdominal pains or a “need to take a crap” feeling. Taking HCL after a meal doesn’t no good, as the food at the bottom of my stomach was being dissolved by my digestive enzymes without HCL…and that would make me stink. I found that I have to take HCL anytime I eat or drink anything….with the exception of water, tea or alcohol (weird).
I don’t take digestive enzymes as often, anymore. I alternative between 2 DZ capsules and apple cider vinegar. ACV helps with digestion, deodorizes (like HCL) and lowers blood sugar.
If you have read my earlier posts, you know I was dealing with two smells; the smell of shit and burnt rubber, and the other of ammonia. The ammonia smell I attributed to being dehydrated. The ammonia smell was probably fluid from my liver oozing through my kidneys and out behind me. I think I read somewhere that when you’re dehydrated, your liver helps supply your body with water. The solution was homemade gatorade or water. In the morning when I wake up, instead of coffee, I try to drink a glass or two of homemade gatorade to hydrate.
That’s all for now! Time to get ready for work!
December 24, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Kitty
I am going through the same thing. For the last year it is the most horrible experience. It is like old stale orale bread and I smell it 24 seven. It is so bad at night did it keeps me awake. I can’t even enjoy the smell of my favorite perfumes because this is all I smell. I am losing my mind I can’t figure out what the heck it is. When you find out please let me know. I’m desperate.
December 24, 2017 at 8:03 pm
MrFoundASolution
Interesting. I smelled something like that off and on. For me, it sort of reminded me of beer or barley. It may be Candida/Yeast or something fermenting in you. Have you tried a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8oz of water, 2-3 times a day? Cinnamon capsules?
In a general sense, something is out of balance in your digestive system or “filtering system.” Start troubleshooting it using safe, simple things.
March 10, 2018 at 8:32 pm
MrFoundAnotherSolution
UPDATE: Through trial-and-error, and a lot of embarrassing moments, I confirmed that I have Leaky Gut Syndrome. I state this because many people on this blog have complained about loss of smell and taste. LGS definitely will mess with your sense of taste.
I have noticed more than a few times when I would eat a food I used to think was delicious (like pizza) and then almost throw up minutes after eating. I have been treating my LGS with coconut water (about 6-8 gulps in the morning before work, same amount before bed) and the supplement Marshmellow (1 capsule per meal). Along with the HCL and digestive enzymes I take, things seem to be returning to normal.
LGS was probably one of the core issues with my kidneys functioning at a lower level and the mysterious smell of feces/burnt rubber/whatever people would smell as they passed behind me.
Testing out a solution to improve kidney function. More…later.
May 22, 2018 at 10:31 pm
Aimee Smith
What was it?
May 25, 2018 at 5:50 pm
Anonymous
I had this same thing a few years back and suffered with it for over a year. I finally found relief after much research and found that it was a fungal infection. My infant son had nistatin cream at the time for thrush… I used qtips and coated the inside of my nostrils as deep as I could with the nistatin cream. I did this 3 times a day and the smell was gone within two. I was very thankful to be relieved. I hope this helps you too.
May 29, 2018 at 8:55 pm
MrFinallyGettingOffThisCrazyThing
I can finally and truly say….that until I have another smell issue, I am outta here! The final solution for my body smell issue is: HCL, digestive enzymes and Slippery Elm. I tried Marshmellow, but didn’t see any benefit.
I could never have been a doctor. Leaky Gut Syndrome has the same symptoms as a tens of other gut issues. I just happen to discover the “solution” by plain ole trial and error (and MAN, were there a LOT of errors). After successfully testing my theory for a few months, I called by doctor to let him know I found my own answers.
The HCL (1-2 capsules per meal) takes care of the low stomach acid issue. The digestive enzymes help break down foods faster. The real key is the Slippery Elm (thank you native americans!), as it coats the digestive track and seals up the holes. I have already began to see improvement in the filtering of my urine (if you have a smell-in-your-nose issue or a bad-taste-in-your-mouth issue, check your kidneys!).
To think I have spent probably a couple of thousand dollars on supplements , doctor’s appointments and quackery!!! It is what it is and I am glad it’s over.
In looking at the other posts on this page about smell (as opposed to smelling stanky like I was), I would try the Slippery Elm for a bit, say 1-2 weeks). I used my own Digestive Body Clock to see what worked and what didn’t. The clock is the amount of time it takes from the time you eat something to the time your body reacts to it, usually within 15 minutes to 48 hours.
Good luck to all! Never stop searching for the answer to your problem!