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Original poster

All I can smell is smoke…

38 replies

FG19473 · 23/04/2024 20:42

It’s almost a cigarette smoke smell, though not as harsh. I could smell it downstairs and now upstairs. I’ve been able to smell it all day.
My partner can’t smell it at all. I’ve asked a friend who lives nearby if they can smell it and they’ve said they can’t.

Could it be Phantosmia?! I’ve experienced it before, a few months ago and again, no one else could smell it. No one in my house smokes, neighbours on either side as far as I’m aware do not smoke (even then, it wouldn’t be all day and surely it would be more frequent) I’ve not turned anything on today that could be causing the smell. It’s actually making me feel dizzy and sick 😷

OP posts:
MagpiePi · 23/04/2024 20:45

I had a similar thing and it turned out to be a nasal infection.

MalbecMakesMeHappy · 23/04/2024 20:47

I had this for a couple of months. Put it down to a COVID side effect

Singleandproud · 23/04/2024 20:51

I'd check any charger or wires, I have sensitive sense of smell and twice Ive caught chargers as they are burning through the plastic.

If not, and I had time for a trip down a rabbit hole then I might look on your local Fire service website and see their live log and if any fires have been in your local area, although that doesn't account for 'safe' fires.

Or accept I was coming down with something.

Tommalot · 23/04/2024 20:56

I have this whenever I come down with a virus (even mildly) since I got COVID quite badly over a year ago. So every few months. I think COVID really did a number on my sinuses, which weren't great to begin with 😔

quizzys · 23/04/2024 20:58

Pregnant?

FatFilledTrottyPuss · 23/04/2024 21:28

I get this a lot with phantosmia, either the smell of smoke or a strong artificial citrus scent. Try taking a decongestant or antihistamine, with me it’s usually blocked sinuses so might be something similar with you. It drives me up the wall!

Original poster
FG19473 · 23/04/2024 21:49

Thanks for the replies. I have to say the charger/wires suggestion has put me on edge… but surely my partner would be able to smell it? I’ll have a look at all plugs regardless!
Definitely not pregnant. I’ve not long had a really bad cold so hope to god I’m not coming down with another one!

It’s genuinely so strong I just can’t understand at all how my partner isn’t smelling it. Like, it feels like the air is thick, but there is no smoke?!

OP posts:
VeraForever · 23/04/2024 22:04

I've often heard that this was a prelude to COVID.

Diversion · 23/04/2024 22:21

I had phantosmia pre menopause. It started with lovely smells such a baking smells and flowers and then turned nasty, cigarette smoke, cannabis smoke and cat pee. I spent hours walking around the house sniffing in corners because I could smell cat pee which my husband insisted did not exist. Apologies if you are not the age for peri menopause but I do sympathise, it is really unpleasant.

Brightandbubly · 23/04/2024 22:23

If it continues it’s wise to have a chat with the GP

PrimalLass · 23/04/2024 22:24

Covid? That was a fairly common symptom.

Quinque · 23/04/2024 22:26

I had this after covid. I lost my sense of smell completely for a couple of weeks and when it came back I kept smelling smoke when there definitely was no smoke around. The sensation gradually stopped after a few months.

mummy2oneandtwo · 23/04/2024 22:26

Are you wearing new jeans?

I had this once and honestly thought something was really wrong, then realised it was the smell of the new black jeans I was wearing and the dye they use.

Returned them as even washing wouldn't get the smell out!!

Original poster
FG19473 · 23/04/2024 22:34

I don’t have any other symptoms that would make me think I had Covid. Although, this could obviously be the first…
I feel really light headed from it, proper knocking me sick this smell. I’m going to put it down to Phantosmia and hope I wake up without it tomorrow. It’s so bloody strong, I can taste it.
Not peri-menopause age, but I appreciate everyone’s suggestions and help! If it continues or happens again later down the line, I’ll definitely speak to the GP.

OP posts:
thedendrochronologist · 23/04/2024 22:36

Yes phantosmia or olfactoryhallucinatikns

I've had them for about 8 years triggered by a severe virus and allergies at the same time

Try antihistamine, Sudafed and a steroid nasal spray and a water pulse nasal rinse
Need to give it two weeks to reach therapeutics levels though

It's hideous and quite distressing. Ensure you have a Carbon monoxide monitor. Mine are worse with allergy triggers now (pollen/ dust)

It can come on very suddenly in the middle of a shop! Usually I smell smoke but once I had a spell of bleach Envy

I also felt sick nauseous.

MsFaversham · 23/04/2024 22:38

I’ve had this, a smell of rotting meat but also acrid smells that seem to be triggered by actual smells but lingering for days. It is very disconcerting. Not related to Covid as far as I know.

Original poster
FG19473 · 23/04/2024 22:46

thedendrochronologist · 23/04/2024 22:36

Yes phantosmia or olfactoryhallucinatikns

I've had them for about 8 years triggered by a severe virus and allergies at the same time

Try antihistamine, Sudafed and a steroid nasal spray and a water pulse nasal rinse
Need to give it two weeks to reach therapeutics levels though

It's hideous and quite distressing. Ensure you have a Carbon monoxide monitor. Mine are worse with allergy triggers now (pollen/ dust)

It can come on very suddenly in the middle of a shop! Usually I smell smoke but once I had a spell of bleach Envy

I also felt sick nauseous.

I do have hayfever! I have also been deep cleaning the house today so maybe I’ve disturbed some dust and that’s set it off?! I did think, maybe I’ve burnt my nose hairs with the bleach 🤣 But can’t remember if it started before or after I got to cleaning!

It’s enough to drive you round the bend!

OP posts:
PrimalLass · 23/04/2024 23:39

The bad cold you just had was maybe Covid.

jimjamjames · 23/04/2024 23:45

Could you have walked through smoke and it's on you? Sometimes my own nose smells of it!!

Wonkywinky · 23/04/2024 23:47

I have this it can last hours or a few days
I think stress makes it worse

Original poster
FG19473 · 23/04/2024 23:57

PrimalLass · 23/04/2024 23:39

The bad cold you just had was maybe Covid.

I took a test a couple days into it and it was negative. Bloody well felt as bad as Covid though!
Haven’t left the house today so not from walking through anything smokey.

I will report back in the morning if it has disappeared or remains!

OP posts:
glittercunt · 24/04/2024 01:06

I experience olfactory hallucinations. Its mostly happened since covid hit, and has been much better since we moved house. I used a vicks nasal inhaler to help.

SummerFeverVenice · 24/04/2024 01:40

Sinus infection did that to me. Also had headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

CrunchingOnSand · 24/04/2024 05:04

I get this, the first time it was cigarette smoke, then vomit 🤢 then back to smoke. Really unpleasant but I put it down to perimenopause. Pirinase spray really helped me so it may be a sinus problem instead.

07whatever · 24/04/2024 05:07

I have this, to the extent my GP sent me for a brain scan as I was getting headaches with it.
Scan was clear but now I seem to get it (along with a headache) when my blood pressure is high.
It's always a smoky smell inside my nostrils, like pp said it can be quite distressing