Smelling cigarette smoke when none is present usually means you're experiencing phantosmia (phantom smells), often caused by sinus issues, infections (like COVID-19), head injuries, migraines, medications, or neurological conditions, but it can also stem from stress or simply thirdhand smoke residue, so seeing a doctor is key to determine if it's a minor annoyance or something needing treatment.
An olfactory hallucination, known as phantosmia, makes you detect smells that aren't in your environment. The odors you notice in phantosmia are different from person to person and may be foul or pleasant. You may notice the smells in one or both nostrils.
Although lots of people think smelling something burning is a sign of a stroke, there's no solid evidence this is true. The idea of smelling phantom burning toast may be kind of amusing — but strokes are serious. They affect approximately 795,000 Americans each year — and around 137,000 of those people die as a result.
“Olfactory hallucination could be a sign of a temporal lobe tumor,” Grimm says. “It could manifest as part of a seizure.” Smelling smoke can also be a sign of other serious conditions, like stroke or Parkinson's disease.
Odors are interpreted in the olfactory area of the brain. Researchers suggest that a “miswiring” of the brain causes phantom smells in people with anxiety. Phantosmia may occur due to problems in the nose or olfactory receptors.
Phantosmia (Olfactory Hallucinations) Phantosmia is a condition that causes you to detect smells that aren't actually in your environment. It can happen in one nostril or both — and the odors may be foul or pleasant. Common causes include colds, allergies, nasal polyps and dental issues.
Diabetes: Diabetes is one of the most well-known health conditions linked to changes in body odor. People with uncontrolled diabetes can experience a fruity or acetone-like smell (think nail polish remover) on their breath or skin.
Some of the first signs of a brain tumor may include:
It's called a phantosmia, and for some people with epilepsy, a seizure might begin with the scent of burning rubber, smoke, or even something sweet.
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Other signs and symptoms may include:
A person with kidney failure may have breath that smells like ammonia or urine. Serious liver disease can make breath smell musty or like garlic and rotten eggs. Compounds that are transported through the blood can also be released through your sweat glands. That can make your armpits and skin smell bad.
There is also documented evidence of olfactory hallucinations for B12 deficient patients, i.e., smelling smells (usually unpleasant) that aren't actually there (medically called phantosmia).
Most people with phantosmia report it as an intermittent smell of something burnt, foul or unpleasant. Cigarette smoke and petrol are common but olfactory experiences can be varied. Sometimes it can be persistent. Smells are typically of something burnt, smoky, or foul but can be pleasant.
From the article: "For centuries, encounters with ghosts have been accompanied by descriptions of their earthly smells: the lingering scent of Old Spice aftershave, a favorite cigarette brand, maybe something romantic and Victorian, like rose perfume.
You may be experiencing phantosmia, or olfactory hallucinations, a condition that causes you to detect smells that aren't actually present. For most people, olfactory hallucinations bring up unpleasant smells like burning rubber, garbage, chemicals, and cigarette smoke—not exactly things you want to get a whiff of.
Seizure symptoms may include:
Use the three C's campaign (Calm, Cushion, Call) to ensure everyone knows what to do if they see someone having a seizure. Stay CALM and stay with the person who is having a seizure. CUSHION their head with a coat or cardigan to stop them from injuring themselves.
The early stage of a brain tumor can manifest as persistent or severe headaches, seizures, cognitive changes, vision problems, personality changes, balance issues, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, speech difficulties, or loss of smell. Brain tumor symptoms may vary in intensity and duration.
Brain tumor red flags include persistent, worsening headaches (especially in the morning/night), new-onset seizures, unexplained nausea/vomiting, vision changes (blurred, double), balance/coordination issues (clumsiness, trouble walking), significant personality or behavioral shifts, weakness/numbness on one side, and speech difficulties (slurring, trouble finding words). These symptoms often stem from increased pressure or direct interference with brain functions, and their gradual or sudden appearance warrants medical attention.
Early warning signs of a brain tumor often involve headaches (especially morning headaches), seizures, persistent nausea/vomiting, vision changes, and unexplained weakness or balance issues, alongside potential changes in personality, memory, or difficulty with speech, though symptoms vary greatly by tumor location and size, so any new, concerning neurological changes warrant a doctor's visit.
We get it — it's a common problem, but sometimes it can make you self-conscious (“wait, can other people smell that, too?!”) and affect your confidence. Inner thigh odor is caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.
Ten early signs of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, tingling/numbness in hands or feet, and dark skin patches, though symptoms can vary and be mild, especially with type 2 diabetes, making regular checkups crucial.
The number one sign of diabetes is dark, velvety skin on the neck, armpit, or groin. If you have diabetes, your dermatologist can be your partner in skin care.
If you have ruled out thirdhand smoke as the culprit, electrical faults may be the cause. When insulation on wiring gets too hot, it can emit an acrid smell that some people mistake for cigarette odour.