I was so relieved to see that others have
the same strange ailment that I do. Sorry
everyone! I smell the smoke almost all
the time, different places. No one else
here smells it. But...one thing that
seems different with me is that I can't
smell anything else. haven't been able to
for a few months now. I have had sinus
infections on and off since October 06.
Am on Augmentin right now, which I noticed
someone else took. Also took Avelox and
Z-pack. I had a CT of sinuses, which
showed infection. I am using Flonase too.
I have an appointment with an allergist
on Monday. Hope to find something out.
Has anyone else used the pepper nose spray
and does it burn?
|
kaysie
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 1 Location: new york
Cigarette Smoke Smell-- Posted: 07-23-07 20:26pm
i went to a doctor of naturopathy and
found out that i have allergies to just
about every food i eat every day.. my
symptoms were chronic sinus infection,
weird burning smell, head aches and as
well as stomach swelling. everyone reacts
to allergies differently but maybe it
could be what you are eating. go to a dr.
and see what you are allergic to
|
Phantai
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 14 Jul 2007 Posts: 3
Posted: 07-24-07 20:37pm
Not to scare any of you, but you may need
to seek medical help immediately. Phantom
smells (Which may be smoke) are a sign of
a brain tumor. They may be accompanied
with headaches, but even if they aren't,
you should check it out. If an Ear, Nose,
and Throat specialist has not been able to
identify your problem, and yet you still
have these "phantom" smells, get yourself
checked out for a tumor ASAP.
|
bjackso
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Florida
Same Thing Posted: 07-25-07 10:57am
I have been smelling smoke for over a
month. My doctor ordered a CT-Scan and it
showed nothing. He refered me to an ENT
(appointment next week). After finding
this forum, I am quite discouraged. Seems
nobody is finding any answers.
In may, I took 14 days of Levaquin 750mg
for a bad sinus infection (which came on
suddenly). I also use an AdVair inhaler
twice per day for a pneumonia that will
not go away (possible Aspergillus). But
otherwise, I am quite healthy and fit.
This did not start until about a month
after I finished the Levaquin. Wonder if
it is connected.
|
Lynn H
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Scotland
Burning Smell In Nose And Taste In Mouth Posted: 08-07-07 09:32am
After typing in 'burnt smell in my nose'
into Google I was amazed not only to find
this thread but also to find out how many
people suffer from this strange ailment.
I totally lost all sense of smell and
taste since suffering an 11 week bout of a
nasty chest infection recently. It took
four doses of antibiotic - the last of
which was a three week course of the heavy
duty Clarithromycin - which finally
cleared it up. After over 3 months of not
smelling or tasting anything whatsoever,
out of the blue two weeks ago l started to
have this burning smell in my nose and
also in my mouth. Everything I smell is
burnt and everything I eat tastes burnt! I
went to my GP who suggested that it could
be something to do with the Clarithromycin
and when I went back to read the small
print it did suggest that in some cases
people may react to the drug with a
TEMPORARY loss of sense of smell and
taste. Funnily enough all the time I was
taking it there was a horrid sour/bitter
taste in my mouth which I was looking
forward to getting rid of when I finished
the course - no such luck eh? One other
complication I have is that I suffer from
IBS and also intermittent reflux for which
I take Omeprozole once a day although what
that would have to do with my sense of
smell/taste is anyones guess! A common
denominator I have found is that most of
the other contributors have had sinus
problems and this is the one thing I do
not suffer from! I have noticed in these
posts that no one else mentions the burnt
taste aspect of this strange disorder and
would like to hear from anyone who does
have this too. In despair I went to my GP
once again this morning and he now agrees
that it should be investigated further and
has suggested I see an ENT specialist but
from the sound of things they are not much
help either. Will post the outcome - but
as they say Im not holding my breath!
|
maryh300
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Ontario
Smelling Cigarette Smoke Posted: 08-09-07 09:14am
Yeah, I am not imagining things.
I too smell smoke sometimes for long
periods of time. This makes me nauseous
to complicate matters.
I have had chronic sinus problems and use
a nose spray daily. I am sure it must
have something to do with the nasal
passages, I suspect the fungus\bacteria or
allergy theory.
I was rinsing for a while, I think I will
go back to it and see if it helps. A
visit to the ENT is also in order.
I will check back to see if anyone has
found an answer or if I am successful.
Could be that the cure will be different
for each of us.
Thank you for writing in about this
bizarre condition.
|
blackcoffeetogo
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 10 Aug 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Louisiana
Posted: 08-10-07 23:16pm
Here's my situation. I'm 28. Haven't
really had problems with sinus or
allergies. About 2 weeks ago I started
smelling cigarette smoke all the time. I
first noticed it at work when I was around
a co-worker who smokes so I thought that's
what I was smelling. But I haven't
stopped smelling it yet. I smell it
everywhere...work, home, car. As if the
smell is inside my nose. I've noticed
that my nose is a little stuffy but only
late at night and my throat is dry. I do
have migraines, but that's nothing new.
My husband was worried it was a symptom of
a brain tumor so I Googled it and wound up
here.
|
blackcoffeetogo
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 10 Aug 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Louisiana
Posted: 08-10-07 23:41pm
I forgot to mention that I don't usually
smell the cigarette smoke smell when I'm
outside...usually it only occurs when I'm
in a closed space (i.e. home, work, car,
etc.). At first I thought my downstairs
neighbors were smoking and it was wafting
up through their ceiling to our floor but
I actually went and asked them and they
said they didn't smoke and I've never seen
them do so. I did have a serious sinus
infection several months ago (6 maybe) and
took a Z-Pack to treat it. But this smoke
smell didn't begin until 2 weeks ago. I
smell it now. It doesn't trigger my
migraines and my eyes don't burn but it
does make my throat really dry. I've
noticed to most everybody on here
mentioned sinus infections and Z-Pack.
|
brockroberts
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 1
What You All Said... Posted: 09-06-07 01:41am
... me too
INTERESTINGLY, i have the worst time with
this, right here, right now sitting in the
den right next to my laptop!! i'm going to
do some experiments in this regard. don't
forget wall mount or other types of LCD
TVs you might have.
but thought I would post here. I have
smelled smoke for a over a month and after
finding this forum I went to an ENT today.
He put a scope up my nose and said I have
nasal polyps in both sides! He said what I
have is parosmia and it's not uncommon but
occurs when there is disease or injury to
the upper olfactory area - whether it's
allergies, infection, tumors or polyps
etc. I'm now on Nasonex 2x a day then I go
back in 3 weeks. I'm also getting a CT
scan next week I'll report back.
You most likely have something treatable
so definitely go see a ENT not a general
physician!!
|
Leetie
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 1
Cigarette Smoke Smell Posted: 09-13-07 14:20pm
This is weird. I guess you really can
find anything on the internet! I have had
this cigarette smell issue on and off for
a few months. One thing I noticed I have
in common with a few other is I take
Atenenol for blood pressure. I saw that
at least 2 others take this. I don't have
sinus infections, headaches or any of
that. Just every once in a while this
strong cigarette smell like someone near
me is smoking. It doesn't seem related to
where I am and no one else smells it. I
also take lipitor and supplements of red
yeast and COQ10. I'm not sure how widely
used Atenenol is. It could be just a
co-incidence.
|
youngcheryll
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 1
Smelling Smoke Posted: 09-17-07 23:52pm
I also have developed this weird disorder
but i'm just putting it on the list of all
my other weird medical problems. I also
had severe sinus problems and bronchitis.
The treatment for the sinuses was massive
doses of Levaquin Adviitar. My immune
system is probably totally screwed up and
the smoke smelling thing is a side effect.
I also just smell it indoors. I haven't
mentioned it to anyone because if I say i
have one more thing the matter with me my
family will freak. The sinuses and
bronchitis were following foot surgery and
two torn miniscus. No I was not playing
football, I wish I could. I'll come back
to this site to see if anyone finds a
solution to the smoke smelling "thing."
It sounds exactly like what I've been
experiencing myself. I've had 3 years
chronic sinusitis now, and am still
getting through almost a third consecutive
month of very bad allergies and
infections. My doctor's put me on a
rigorous antibiotic plan, and I will get a
CT scan next month. I'd suggest you all
find a doctor who will do the same.
Also, it might be worth mentioning that
most of these posts seem to be happening
during the fall season. I wouldn't be
surprised if this phenomenon is related to
seasonal allergies.
|
Cinthia
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 1
Wow!! Not So Alone.. Posted: 10-15-07 06:43am
I am a 35 year old mother of 4 and I have
had this problem for a year or more.. I am
a Singer and I have Nodules on my Vocal
cords and I am wondering if that could be
an issue. No one in my house smokes,But
growing up I lived with a mom that smoked
about 3 or 4 packs a day So I just assumed
maybe it was that and the Smell I am
smelling is cigarettes ,after living with
a mom that smoked and died of lung cancer
I would no that smell from anywhere and as
I am reading I am seeing alot of this
problem is from people who have sinus
issues.So I guess mine could probably be
from the Nodules,But in any case I do feel
better that I am not going crazy and this
is not in my head.. *Blessing and Love*
|
Exposed
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 4
Exposed Posted: 10-24-07 10:07am
to heavy cigarette smoke at a chain
restaurant recently. Noticed it
immediately and have had issues ever
since. Time passed after my dining
experience with no immediate smelling
issue. However later that day and
definitely the next day I kept smelling
smoke. Then I remember how severe the
smoke was when I visited my favorite
nationwide chain for the seafood lover in
me.
However each day passes and I have since
developed flu like symptoms and this
chronic smell of smoke. I can still smell
other things when they are close by or I
put my nose up to them. I have not had any
sinus issues. I had a dry scratchy throat
the day I dined. It was sandy dry and I
would have to take a drink of liquids to
relieve it.
I feel like my impaired immunities or dry
sinuses etc... might have been further
aggitated (my nasal cilia) . I think
somehow those darn smoke toxins have
adhered somehow into my sinuses. I have
never had such a distaste for second hand
smoke as I did on that particular day. It
seemed exaggerated. My sinuses must have
been hypersensitive for some reason.
I do use an LCD screen, but gosh I have
had this for years now. Since they first
came on the market. My flu has come and
gone but the smoke stays. I tried the
saline bit with no luck. I might try a
neti pot. And a z pack. This is freaking
ridiculous and I believe it is linked to
allergies associated with coming in
contact with second hand smoke. I can
normally pass smoke or smokers and never
develop this symptom. However, now it is a
definite issue. Odd how I developed this
as I was unknowingly becoming ill too.
I hate the smell of smoke. I have always
been sensitive to it. But it was normal
because a lot of people get that same
smoke headache. Or that heavy perfume
headache.
Anyhow.... I thought I was definitely not
experiencing something that was unheard
of. It seemed to coincidental. So google
away and here I am.
Makes me think of a tobacco or chain
restaurant lawsuit.
And another thing. That was about my 3'rd
or 4'th visit to that particular location
to dine and I had realized in the past
that their so called smoking section did
not seem well ventilated or far enough
away.
What do ya'll think?
|
toyguard
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3
I Smell Cigaretts All the Time Posted: 10-26-07 07:32am
It started about 5 months ago. I only
smelled the smoke after dinner when I sat
to watch the evening news--and that would
be it. Now, for the past 2 weeks, I smell
smoke all the time--occasionally it stops;
but returns with a vengence. I do know
that if I am near a smoker or where there
was smoking going on--I would then get
very sensitive to this and could not shake
the smell for a long time. I've hardly
ever had sinus problems and only take
Clonazapan (generic--its a mild relaxer).
I am 47 years old and in good shape; I do
get migranes but maybe 2 or 3 a year;
regular headaches I get are maybe 3-4 a
week; but they are mild and don't last
very long ( I don't take med for the
headaches beacause they don't last long) I
am hoping someone posts a success story
soon.
|
toyguard
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3
I Still Smell Smoke Posted: 10-26-07 07:46am
I just posted a message; and while going
over some other comments--I realized that
as irrational at it sounds--I bought a new
laptop about 7 months ago; and I use it
almost every evening after getting home
from work--and only about 6 months ago I
was smelling smoke only in the
evenings--my problem is that (in the last
2 or 3 weeks) I smell smoke now all the
time. I know it doesn't make sense about
the laptop--but I figure I throw it out
there--who knows.
|
Exposed
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 4
Still Smelling Smoke..... Posted: 10-28-07 08:06am
Smoke smell is only alleviated by sneezing
and having a bit of sinus congestion. OR
by the smell of something else in the air.
Like dinner cooking or a candle etc......
Occasionally when the smoke smell is
overwhelming me I will intentionally put
my nose to my shirt so I can smell my
perfume or my fabric softener. I have
noticed that the smoke smell makes me feel
a bit uneasy or aggitated at times because
I get the sensation to suddenly roll down
the car window. SUBCONSCIOUSLY
BUT THEN...... I realize it is ONLY ME in
the car that is smelling the smoke.
So no need to roll down the window.
Additionally the climate here where I live
has been very unseasonably warm and we
were still in the high 80's until mid Oct.
We now have a somewhat feel of Fall , but
not really.
I know cigarette smoke emits particals
into the air that are not present by other
normal scents we smell on a day to day
basis. I believe I have some sort of tar
smoke nicotine type air molecules that
have adhered somehow to the cilia and
found themselves in the membranes.
The sensation of smelling cigarette smoke
is so darn annoying. I would rather be
stuck smelling some sort of other smell
rather than this irritating one. Even
when I mouth breathe I am still fooled by
the smell up inside my nose. It is fooling
my brain into thinking that I am inhaling
a lot of smoke. And I am not sure how the
long term effects of that are going to
playout with day to day health. This
cannot be a PHANTOM smell because if that
were the case then we would all be
smelling a variation of OTHER TYPES OF
SMELLS.
Sure is a COINCIDENCE that we are ALL
SMELLING SMOKE.
Why keep trying to blame it on other
things? I honestly believe this is some
sort of unknown affect and direct result
of second hand smoke.
Other smells don't really aggravate or
irritate like SMOKE does.
Yesterday there was a man smoking on a
corner while I was walking down the street
and the smell hit me from 40 feet away. I
could smell it drifting.
I got annoyed and held my breath until I
could get into my car and shut the car
door before I took another breath.
YES I AM THAT FREAKED OUT OF COMING IN
CONTACT with ANYMORE SECOND HAND
SMOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
kimer
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 1
Smoke/campfire Posted: 10-31-07 11:04am
I've got the same probelm. Sometimes, like
for the past couple of weeks, it's
cigarette smoke. Other times it's like
burning wood like that of a camp fire.
I am not exposed to cigarette smoke at
all. I live and work in a smoke free
environment. I don't go to clubs and
restaurants and such where there is
smoke.
I did used to use menthol 4-Way each night
before I went to bed because sometimes I'd
wake up in the middle of the night with a
little bit of a stuffy nose. But aside
from that I've never had any allergies,
sinus problems, I couldn't tell you the
last time I had any sort of headache, or
any other health problems.
I also noticed over the weekend that I can
no longer smell a citrus candle, but if I
use a cinnamon one, I can smell it fine.
I live on the Texas Gulf Coast so there is
a lot of humidity. Although the past
couple of weeks it has been very
pleasantly cool with hardly any humidity.
|
Tomoi
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 1
Smelling Smoke Or Burning Smells Posted: 11-01-07 00:23am
I have been suffering from this problem
for the past 4-5 years, intermittently.
Recently, my symptoms have become more
regular - every day. I used to think
someone was smoking in the building where
I worked. My co-workers thought I was
nuts, although sometimes, just to humor
me, one or two would actually say they
smelt it, too. 2 years ago I changed jobs
and I now have the problem even more
prevalently.
At first I was afraid to seek professional
help, thinking any physician would think
me crazy. In fact, a year ago, I broke
down and saw an ENT specialist. He did
allergy tests but did not find anything
significant. I have also suffered from
sinus headaches, and thought I had some
sort of infection. That route did not
provide any results.
I saw a neurologist approximately 2 months
ago. She thought I was wise to seek her
help. I had an MRI and a sleep deprived
EEG to test for brain tumors and/or
epilepsy. Fortunately, the tests were
negative, although epilepsy is not ruled
out. She has opted to treat me for
Migraines using anti-depressants. This
hasn't worked. The reason for the migrain
treatment is because I generally develop a
long term headache along with the burning
smells, as well as burning eyes and
throat, which leads to chronic coughing.
My neurologist believes the burning smells
are olfactory hallucinations pre-migraine,
as opposed to a visual hallucinations or
light sensitivity. I don't believe I have
migraines either, as my understanding of
migraines, people don't have them day
after day after day.
Sometimes, I will wear a face mask which
helps, for whatever reason. It's like the
smell is outside my body, in the air and
if I can block it, by covering my nose and
mouth, I am okay. Only thing is, no one
else can smell it! I don't get it!
I would really love to find a "cure" for
this as it affecting my life in a major
way. I am in my early fifties now and
have wondered if my symptoms aren't
related to menopause, although reading
some of these posts, I find my situation
is not limited to females.
However each day passes and I have since
developed flu like symptoms and this
chronic smell of smoke. I can still smell
other things when they are close by or I
put my nose up to them. I have not had any
sinus issues. I had a dry scratchy throat
the day I dined. It was sandy dry and I
would have to take a drink of liquids to
relieve it.
