Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Keep smelling burning when nothing is

32 replies

HibiscusPot · 05/04/2020 23:34

... it’s driving me nuts! Randomly, engrossed in something, I’ll suddenly smell burning. The other day I was teaching my son how to fold clothes neatly and it was strong enough to get me rushing out the room to find the fire. Or I’ll be dozing off and I’ll get up with a start because I smell burning. Not in any particular place, over the last 3-4 weeks I’ve had this really strong smell of burning a few times . It’s so strong, so convincing it’s hard to ignore and not check everywhere. Even though I’ve realised nothing is actually on fire, it’s strong and impossible to dismiss. One day I was terrified driving along the car was going to go up in flames. It’s so strong for 30-60 seconds then it goes. Like a bonfire smell.

I’ve been outside and asked friends, who have looked blank and I’ve asked the kids- so I’m pretty sure it’s just me.

Has anyone else had this...? Any ideas? Did it stop?

OP posts:
WorkingItOutAsIGo · 05/04/2020 23:35

You need to speak to your GP x

YahBasic · 05/04/2020 23:36

I get this a day or so before I get a migraine.

Do you suffer from migraines?

Smellbellina · 05/04/2020 23:37

Speak to your GP

Wishforsnow · 05/04/2020 23:37

You need to speak to your gp I believe that could be the sign of a brain issue

Northernsoullover · 05/04/2020 23:38

You do need to speak to your GP, however I get this when I'm really stressed. I even called the fire brigade once Blush. Please don't put it down to stress though.

LizzieBananas · 05/04/2020 23:38

The smell of burning toast is a neurological sign. Speak to your GP

morecoffeerequired · 05/04/2020 23:38

I get something very similar sometimes. With me it smells something like burning mushroom compost. Do you have a tendency to suffer from sinusitis?

TimeAintNothing · 05/04/2020 23:39

It can be caused by a viral infection like a cold or flu or sinusitis, DH gets it when he has a cold and it's often the first sign he's coming down with one. Usually it should go away on it's own in a week or two but I'd speak to a GP if it doesn't. If you've had a head injury or any other worrying symptoms them speak to one sooner.

Original poster
HibiscusPot · 05/04/2020 23:44

-migranes, sometimes but not recently. I have bouts of cluster headaches but not for ages (thankfully!)
-sinus, not a particular tendency. I am 90% sure I’ve had covid19 mildly (my husband had it). Otherwise I’m well.
-no injury

OP posts:
Original poster
HibiscusPot · 05/04/2020 23:48

Googling it seemed to give every possibility in the world!

Otherwise I’m mid-30s, active and healthy.

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 05/04/2020 23:51

I get this in the run up to a migraine.

EnthusiasmIsDisturbed · 05/04/2020 23:58

I had this with a viral infection

I could smell cigarette smoke and often it was quite strong. Also has a sore throat that came and went over a few weeks

It then just suddenly stopped along with sore throat symptoms

wheresmymojo · 06/04/2020 00:05

I've had something similar for the past two weeks.

Every so often I can smell burning or a smell almost like motor oil or something like that...

I was looking around the lounge the first time trying to figure out how someone had spilt something that smelled like diesel/oil.

I've had a few weird symptoms lately which I've been paranoid were CV but I think I actually have hay fever from tree pollen. Never had it before but apparently the levels are very high at the moment.

Have a sore throat on and off, tired/slightly sore eyes, sinuses bunged up on and off.

TiddlesUpATree · 06/04/2020 00:09

I get this when hormonal. Around a week before my period starts I start to smell smoke. Usually lasts around a week. It's awful. Makes me really grumpy. It started a year or so ago I think. X

LadyGrey66 · 06/04/2020 00:15

I have been getting this on and off for the last six months or so, but have a heightened sense of smell anyway so just dismissed it ☹️. The last couple of times have been enough to have me running around the house looking for the source of the fire, once after the ‘smell’ had woken me up in the middle of the night. Sorry I don’t have anything useful to add in terms of advice OP - interested to see what other posters might say.

PrincessConsueIaBananaHammock · 06/04/2020 00:24

Pregnant?

TheRealHousewife · 06/04/2020 00:35

When I was in a high stress job I got the smell of burning regularly. It’s called an Olfactory hallucination and can be caused by stress, infections or dental problems. Mine was stressed induced ... not had them since retiring.

Hotcoldsometimessnowy · 06/04/2020 00:37

Phone 111 and tell them of your symptoms.

Thismummyruns · 06/04/2020 00:44

I have this! I've been suffering with nasal issues since my baby was born 10 months ago.
I sometimes smell burning and sometimes smell an almost cheesy type smell.
I have a runny nose but it isn't snotty (sorry for the TMI) it's a watery liquid and my nose is so sore.

It's gone on for so long I feel silly to contact my GP especially with everything going on at the moment.

shggg245 · 06/04/2020 00:46

Op I've got exactly the same thing, had it a couple of days, so watching with interest. . I also have massively swollen glands so figured that was the cause. In fact my whole face is swollen. 😕

Fumnudge · 06/04/2020 00:52

Nasal polyps do this too, I've been like this for years now, annoying but I'm used to it. Please don't panic, apparently it's exceptionally rare for it to be related to tumours and you'd be feeling other symptoms too if it were (according to my gp and ENT doctor, not just me spouting rot).
Thismummyruns - same here with a constant clear running nose.

MasakaBuzz · 06/04/2020 10:37

I have had this a couple of times in the last couple of weeks. At least one was burning toast that was actually burning.

Like most of us I am under high levels of stress at the moment. I think I am also fighting off something. Slight sore throat, sporadic cough, runny nose, low level headaches. Sore eyes. General aches and pains. However temp is low.

I did have a minor head injury back in early October. Tripped in the bathroom. Hit mu head of plastic baskets. Bled like a stuck pig, but was checked for concussion the day after.

A bit scary. Not good for my health anxiety.

Thismummyruns · 11/04/2020 10:40

@Fumnudge

What is your nose like in the mornings? Every morning mine is quite sore and blocked with all of the dry liquid that has formed in my sleep. Absolutely disgusting but I have to pick it all out just to breathe through my nose. I should've gone to the GP months ago, instantly regretting it right now.

Saz12 · 11/04/2020 11:05

I get this, but mine is cigarette smoke. Dr Google will say you’ve about 10 days left to live, but for me it just means I’m getting a cold. It’s been about 15 years.

Probably worth a GP visit but not worth getting stressed over.

CigarsofthePharoahs · 11/04/2020 11:30

I've had a few phantom Snell's that were migraine related. Mostly solvent type smells or petrol.
The only other time was when I had cellulitis on my nose. Kept thinking I could smell stale wee. Ugh.