Constant smoke smell in nasal passages.

[PN904]

I am a non-smoker. We are a non-smoking family. I am not around smokers at all. Why do I have the constant smell of smoke in my nose. It used to be just an occasional thing, but lately it seems to be all the time. I am concerned that this is a symptom of something I don't know about. The smell is strong. I used to notice it about a half hour after taking my Allegra-D 12 hr. tablets, but now I smell it much more often. Am I going crazy or is there something to this I'm not aware of. Has anyone else experienced this? Please help?

[Mi1231]

So many things can cause it I read it typically not the brain but could be. I also read on a site written by a Dr that sometimes it's a symptom not quite understood. I also read on that site herpes 1 and 2 can cause phantom smells I'll try to find the link. I'm no Dr I just research online but professional sources. Also it said be sure to go to not only an ENT but one with experience in this situation

[Chris_Miami_007]

I have this burning cigarette smelll the last couple of days while my nose is stuffy from the flu.I was a smoker but quit 10 years ago and never had this sensation unless of course I am next to a smoker smoking. I smelled this at home and office so it is nothing coming from exterior, it's internal. I am wondering if a med is causing this. I am taking antiviral TAMI-flu and also Mucinex DM for relieve from the flu symptoms. Was anybody else taking the same meds while having the burning cigarette sensation?
Same here, glad to see that I am not going crazy with this.

[wtantallon]

I smell it before a seizure. I have had epilepsy for years and live with this and another horrid smell. The cigarette smell is the worst. I would not claim everyone who smells it has epilepsy, but it is comforting to know it is not just me. I see know ghost or think its paranormal. I know it is not allergies or sinus. It is not because I do not brush good or any other health reason. I'm simply an epileptic. However, it was nice to read the boards.

[SilentPlanet]

I have epilepsy too. And this is one of the smells I have before a seizure. Sometimes I smell it even if I'm not having or going to have a seizure. Which ***** because I tend to get a little panicked when I smell it because of smelling it many times before having a seizure; so I never know if the smell is a precursor to a seizure or not. I guess what this is called is Olfactory hallucinations or Phantosmia which could be an abnormal electrical discharge or “firing” in the brain; a seizure. These are just seizures we are not used to recognizing because they don't change our physical behavior or motor skills, it's very subtle and doesn't seem to cause any harm. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one experiencing this as well. It's comforting knowing I'm not alone.

[brian_bb]

I have had the smokey/exhausty/egg smell coming and going stuck in my nostrils for about a month. It is now driving me nuts.

I was convinced it was mould in my car AC. But none of my family members can smell it. And my car cabin filter is new and clean.

I am going to have the rest of the car AC system checked.

This point about the charcoal water filter is interesting. The smell is a charcoaly smell. And new cabin filters are often charcoal. I am thinking that my car probably got a new charcoal filter about 3 months ago. Now I am thinking could that be it? Can't find anyone else linking this to a charcoal cabin filter... I will keep looking... and try out a non-charcoal cabin filter...

[Goh88888888]

Try washing your nostrils with mixture of toothpaste and mouthwash. It should kill the germs harbouring there.

[metroccfd]

Horrible suggestion regarding toothpaste and mouthwash - DO NOT TRY THIS!!!

[alissa422]

I found my source of phantom smoke smell, and it's now gone.

I had a badly decaying tooth, which I think was producing bacteria, causing a sulphur like smell.  By the time this all went through sinuses it smelt more like smoke.  I'm guessing if someone smelt my breath, they would have smelt the sulphur.  I didn't even have the tooth removed yet, just thoroughly cleaned entire area.

I believe this is bacteria or some such.  Spend at least 30 min cleaning mouth with wash, picks, floss, electric tooth brush etc.

[alissa422]

Hi,

I also have this sensation for about 3 days now.  Could this be related to dental work.  I had a deep cleaning done at dentist and they numbed my mouth, the area where they injected swelled up, and went away after 2 days.  Since then, I've been getting this smell.  It's exactly like a dirty oven turned on, or something burning.

I'll be checking back to this post frequently and will answer any questions that anyone has.  I'm trying to see if it's somehow related to my dental work or shots.