Thank the Good Lord, I thought I was nuts smelling smoke at times!!! Thankyou all for the information, I will talk to my Dr. abou this.

Again A million Hugs and Thanks,

Colleen

Dear Coleen,

 Although I am 67 I am fit and healthy but for a few weeks now I have been smelling stale cigarette smoke! nobody else can smell it though so I keep quiet about it. Then yesterday I had pins and needles on one side of my head and face it lasted a few seconds so I forgot about it. Then five hours later it happened again but this time I tried to speak but could not. I took an aspirin and phoned the National Health Help Line within the hour I was in hospital having tests, it appeared I had had two mini strokes. I was surprised to be alive the following morning when I went back to the hospital for next artery scans and MRI scan. All normal so the specialist said that she believes I am suffering from migraine although I have never had that before. I still have a left sided headache..... I never mentioned the smell to her as I never thought it would be related till I asked "the computer"

best wishes

 

finally after alomst a year of "smelling smoke" off and on,  I get woken up by it at 4:30am! A light goes on..."google it stupid" I have been cleaning out my fireplace, shampooing my carpets, going nuts to get rid of the smell.....lol oh my, i could almost cry right now. I HATE THE SMELL! I am so so glad I am not the only one. Guess Ill be calling the doc...when they open...

Did you ever get a answere to your problem? I spent over 11 hundred dollars trying to find out where the smell was comming from that no one else could smell.PLUMBERS,SEPTIC, AIR DUCTS.WATER HEATER REPLACED. I went and seen a ENT. he acted as if I was crazy.He did order a CT. I'm waiting on results still.Suppose to find something out next week. write back,thanks. Marvin.

I have had this problem of what I guess are smelling odors that probably aren't there off and on for months ever since I lost much of my sense of smell after a respiratory virus.  I have read that loss of the sense of smell and smell hallucinations can result from damage to the smell receptors in the nose from an infection.  This sometimes drives me nuts, because it seems so real.  My son mentioned to me that someone told him about a relative who had had loss of the sense of smell from chemotherapy, and that they regained it after taking zinc supplements for a while.  So, if it worked in that case I am trying it.  I only just started, so I'll see.  (There have been reports of loss of the sense of smell from using those zinc nasal sprays, but of course taking it by mouth is a completely different thing, since not getting enough zinc causes loss of the sense of smell.)

Marvin,

I would be really interested to hear what the ENT found on the CT, if anything. I have had the same problem--smoke smell--since August 2010. Went to ENT for CT a couple weeks ago. The only thing he found was a slightly enlarged pituitary gland (which he said probably means nothing) and a little congestion in the sac right in front of the pituitary.

 

My sinuses were clear otherwise, although I have a terribly deviated septum. But I've always had that apparently.

 

I'm Iron deficient, Vit.D deficient, but those have been around for longer than the smell.

 

The only other thing that's new since August is that I started a workout plan and dropped 20 pounds. Anyone else out there lost weight simultaneously with this problem?

I have... I dropped 31 pounds since January 2011... Over the course of three months.... I wondered if that had anything to do with it.  I just saw my ENT today, who found nothing, but is scheduling an MRI for me in the near future.....

Just dropped 17 pounds and started smelling what I would characterize as more of a dryer lint or dusty smell. Through research, I am fairly convinced that this is caused by Acid Reflux. I have had problems with it on and off for years and since I've been dieting and exercising the reflux has been pretty intense. I believe the smoky strange smell is due to gases that are released from our stomachs due to the reflux. Have you noticed that the smell is more present when you are sitting? This is because of your stomach being compressed and exacerbating the reflux. And even if you havent noticed the common symptoms of reflux, such as burning sensation, etc, you can still have it - its known as A-symptomatic Acid Reflux, I believe.

 

For those saying things about brain tumors and such, I really wish you would stop. Yes, sometimes serious medical problems are present and if you are concerned you should always see your doctor, but seeing how many people have/are experiencing this weird symptom, what do you think is more likely - that we all have brain tumors or a much more common issue like acid reflux. When you consider a typical modern diet and stress levels we endure, it just makes sense.

 

I just started taking Prevacid 5/11/11, which I was on a few years back and really helped with the reflux - so far the smell has been reduced, and I expect that as the medicine does its thing and the reflux disappates, so will the odd smell/taste.

 

 

I think you're on to something as is the person who mentioned coffee and milk. The things we eat and the acid reflux make a lot of sense. I have noticed the problem is worse when I am sitting and/or laying down. It is also worse when I am digesting after eating or drinking foods high in tannins (coffee, black tea) because these inhibit digestion. Reducing the coffee has really helped (boohoo!).

 

The problem is better when I eat salad at dinner and (this may seem counterintuitive) use vinegar as dressing. The vinegar really cuts down on acid reflux.

vinegar is a weak acid and acts as a buffer...

I have had this off and on for more than a year and it appears to be worse when I'm sitting and working on a laptop and, yes, I have CFL lightbulbs.  All these are "causes" for many people.  

 

But your explanation is the one I'm leaning to most.  I can reduce the smell by cutting out coffee with cream.  And I notice that it is worst when I'm smelling my morning coffee.  Particularly bad is Starbucks Dark Roast.  I think it has to do with too strongly roasted coffee for me and, unfortunately, my morning buzz is all that keeps me going.

 

I guess if I really can't stand the smell, I'll cut out the coffee, but I'm currently working on the theory that it is in my sinuses from coffee fumes that are not being flushed out.  Perhaps it is creating an infection or are just being "digested" in my sinuses instead of in my stomach.

 

Thanks for the suggestion.

I have had this off and on for more than a year and it appears to be worse when I'm sitting and working on a laptop and, yes, I have CFL lightbulbs.  All these are "causes" for many people.  

 

But your explanation is the one I'm leaning to most.  I can reduce the smell by cutting out coffee with cream.  And I notice that it is worst when I'm smelling my morning coffee.  Particularly bad is Starbucks Dark Roast.  I think it has to do with too strongly roasted coffee for me and, unfortunately, my morning buzz is all that keeps me going.

 

I guess if I really can't stand the smell, I'll cut out the coffee, but I'm currently working on the theory that it is in my sinuses from coffee fumes that are not being flushed out.  Perhaps it is creating an infection or are just being "digested" in my sinuses instead of in my stomach.

 

Thanks for the suggestion.

Way to say it Acid girl.  I totally agree about dropping the whole brain tumor thing.  The thought of having a brain tumor only stikes fear into those of us suffering with this chronic "smoke smell".  Of course the fear leads to worry and of-course stress from worrying increases the acid reflux.  Absolutely brilliant!  Looking back after reading your comments - I now realize that I should have taken up stock in "TUMS" I go through about a bottle a week.  Unfortunately I have yet to experience the weight-loss problem.  Perhaps if I can put up with the "smoke" a few months longer I can finally lose those unwanted pounds.

I have read other articals that also suggest that the smell could be caused by an undiagnoised chronic fungus infection.  This could be sinus and or upper respiratory.  Symtoms include the smoke smell as well as dry, itchy, watery eyes from time to time.  I do tend to have sinus issues especially during this time of year. Thanks to your information and those articles I now feel well armed to go ahead and contact my physician and not have to worry about being sent to the "Looney Bin".

 

Either of these two diagnosis - sound much better than a brain tumor!

 

Signed: Waiting for the smoke to clear

OMG!! I just started smelling this annoying smoke smell over the last three days. I'm lying down now and it's stronger than ever. I feel like I'm at a bar, but no one smokes in our home!! I am so shocked to hear how common this is. I just got over a serious sinus infection that came complete with vertigo episodes. I also lost my smell completely!! (at this poiny, I'd prefer to go back to the nonsmelling problem). I just finished a predasone pack and another super strong antibiotic and have been feeling wonderful until this smoke smell began. I just don't know what to do. The whole brain Tumor thing is freaking me out. I just finished shelling out 1100 bucks for all of that previous care (no health insurance) and I just don't want to put that kind of money out there again. Grrrrrrrrr If anybody is interested in chatting about this, I could really use a friend who doesn't think I'm nuts because I claim to smell smoke. My husband thinks I'm exaggerating. He doesn't understand how I can smell smoke and he can't. I need a friend. My email is traceys67 at gmail dot com. (I typef it out in case they discourage that in the forum.) Regards, Tracey

Hi Tracey, my name is Amy and I have been experiencing this for a number of years. I don't even really tell anyone anymore because they all think I am crazy. I used to smell it over 7 years ago when I lived in a really old house with my dad. Thought it might be the lights or something. Well I have recently begun smelling it again. It has popped up here and there over the years but it is really bugging me now. Sometimes I think it is the coffee maker, but then it is not even on. It is so weird. I don't even know what to do or think!

 

Amy

 

Hi Tracey, my name is Diana and like Amy I've been experiencing this for a number of years (about ten). For me the smell has changed over the years - it started like dust, changed to smoke and is now just an unpleasant conbination of the two. Sometimes it's so strong it makes me feel sick and my eyes burn - I just have to go to bed and sleep to escape from it. It appears to be exacerbated at times of stress but other than this I have not been unable to link it to any food, drink or illness. I had a sinus scan about a year ago but this showed nothing. My ENT consultant is baffled. It does seem strange that so many people are suffering the same and yet no one has an accurate diagnosis. Diana

Hi Diana, I've had this problem for a long time too! I've asked for years, do you smell that cigarett smoke, recently it's changed to just a smoke smell and the smell of dust. I've not had any medical testing done or questioned my doc about it. I do have migraines, but I had them a long time before I started smelling smoke. I see my dr tomorrow and will mention it, but I don't expect anything out of it! EJ

I too am happy to see so many others with this dust and wood smoky smell.  Last March I had a full furnace check and all of my air ducts sanitized; also had new smoke alarms hard wired in, just 'cause, and compulsive changing of my furnace filters.  Anyway, the smoky smell ended.  This month the problem has reocurred

so, furnace service again and repeated filter changes. The smell seems to be worse mostly through the time I should be sleeping,but is also apparent in the day time-somtimes even outside.  My eyes get irritated and breathing this smoke in feels heavy in my lungs.  Psycosymatic or not, it's very unsettling.  Next time I see my doctor I'm going to mention it, although it sounds like there's no corrective cure.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this.  I have bought air cleaners and gotten angry with neighbors thinking they are smoking and the smoke was wafting into my house.  I realized it was coming from me while I was at work, and there is no smoking anywhere near my office.  The intensity of the smell just won't go away.  I open windows, I spray air deodorizer just to get some relief. 

 

There was a comment made earlier about losing weight.  I just lost a ton of weight within the last five months, and the problem seems to have exacerbated.  I am talking to my doctor about it, but I suspect there isn't much that can be done.  I just need a reprieve.  I HATE the smell of cigarette smoke. 

 

Thank you everyone for sharing and helping me to not feel like such a loony. 

Hi, my name is Angela and I was looking for an answer, also, to this smoky, musty smell. No one in my house smells it. I may call my Doctor, thought it may be a sinus infection. I normally don't have a very good sense of smell compared to most.  Like others I have lost weight recently and have acid reflux but take Prilosec and don't think it's a problem.

   BUT, have any of you taken diet pills to loose the weight?? I have been on them and wondered if that is the problem? I quit them starting today and will see if it helps. This is so anoying and puzzling!!

  Before this, I also had a strong smoky smell for days after a barbrque a few times. My brothers are big barbeque smokers at competitions, etc. other than that I usually have very little sense of smell.

 

I just started experiencing the same over the past few days. It is stronger when I am at home, but I noticed it first while at work a few days ago. We have patients that smoke, my neighbors below me smoke, and I was out at a couple of bars earlier this week where people were smoking (something I do rarely, because I HATE smelling like cigarettes).

 

At first, I thought I was smelling the smoke on myself because I was out at a bar. I smelled my clothes, hair and skin. All to no avail. Usually I could spot a patient who is a smoker from several feet away, but now I can't. Now, as I am sitting down, it smells stronger, and I can almost taste the smell when I breathe through my mouth.

 

A little more back history: I have been recently sick, within the past two months, with an upper respiratory infection and bronchitis. I have seasonal allergies, and am stuffy constantly. Unfortunately, due to a hypersensitivity to even over the counter medications, I cannot get much relief from allergy or sinus medications because they all make me either drowsy, dizzy or nauseaus.

 

Aside from this being an annoying symptom, I also fear for a safety reason. My sense of smell has always been much more keen than most of the people I know. My teenage son, who has similar sinus issues, has very limited olfactory senses. The smell would have to be very strong or pungent for him to notice it. Therefore, the safety issues would arise if there was a true fire emergency, because no one would smell it!

 

I am thankful to read these posts and find out that I am not delusional; however, I am not happy that others, as well as myself, are suffering from this olfactory hallucination.

 

More useful advice would be helpful. Less rhetoric about terminal illnesses would be appreciated. I will look in to getting Tums, or something else, for the possibility of reflux. I have gained several pounds over the last year, and have been suffering from the reflux for about three months, but am doubtful that this is the cause. The sinus issues seem more plausible, but I have been a sinus sufferer my entire life. I seems odd that now, at 41, I would be just starting to smelling the smoke / dust smell.

 

Thank you for any and all input on this. It is much appreciated!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i

I also lost a ton a weight on a stringent diet and exercise program.  Then I was sick for over a month with severe bronchitis and now I'm constantly tasting and smelling smoke and dust.  Seems like there is definitely some connection here!

I also lost a ton a weight on a stringent diet and exercise program.  Then I was sick for over a month with severe bronchitis and now I'm constantly tasting and smelling smoke and dust.  Seems like there is definitely some connection here!

It is amazing to read ab0out so many with the same sympoms I'm having...smelling a smouldering campfire all the time.  It started about a week ago and at first I was mad at the neighbors burning something all night.  But everyone in my house says they can't smell it.  Then I noticed the smell every where I go so I just realized its all in my head!  I have mygrain caused by hydroceflus (misspelled I'm sure) also known as psuedo tumor.  But have recently started accupunture for the headaches and this problem started as soon as the headaches stopped. Go figure!?!  vic

Hi Tracey, I have been doing this for about a year now too...I have a terrible post nasal drip cough which is caused by really bad allergies which I have recently started taking shots for hopefully they will start helping soon.  I started feeling like this when I was working at a grocery store and in the entry way it always smelled like cigarette smoke because people would put their cigarettes out before going into the store but I haven't worked there in over 8 months and I still smell it occasionally and no one in my house smokes either.  It's the strangest thing and I don't even mention it to anyone anymore because they would think I am crazy.  I am really glad I am not crazy and that other people have this same issue.  It must have something to do with allergies or maybe acid reflux, maybe the chronic cough I have is caused by acid reflux but the only thing is I don't usually have heartburn or anything just a cough that almost feels like asthma but it's not because I have been tested they said it's post nasal drip.  Right now I am smelling the smoke and have been feeling that way all day, it comes and goes but is very annoying like I am in a bar and need to go get some fresh air but can't get it.  Write me back when you can.  Good luck.  Laura

I started smelling cigarette smoke in February of this year. I'm 55 and healthy (although about 30 pound overweight). I went to my doctor thinking it was related to sinus issues I had been having off and on over the winter. I did have sinusitis but he sent me to an ENT because of the smoke smell. I had an MRI and they unexpectedly found an aneurysm in my head that was quite large (1-1/2 CM). They weren't sure if the smell was related to the aneuysm but left open the possibility that the restricted blood flow may have interfered with my olfactory nerves. I had the aneurysm repair surgery in May and had not had any incidences of smelling cigarette smoke smell until this past Saturday when it unexpectedly returned. Coincidentally, I have been having sinus problems again for the past couple of weeks and have been sneezing, blowing my nose and coughing a lot. I'm also experiencing a lot of acid reflux for some strange reason. I called my surgeon's office and they don't think its necessary for me to come in because they don't believe it's being caused by the aneurysm or the surgery. They said if it continued or got worse, which it has, I should call my regular doctor, which I did today. I'll let you know what happens, but there seems to be a definite pattern with all the posts I'm reading about sinus issues, acid reflux and allergies.

 

Thanks.

Lori

Thank God for confirming that I'm not crazy. Mine started about a two weeks ago. All of a sudden I smell this cigarette smoke inside my office. The funny thing is nobody in the office smokes. I smoke for a decade and been clean for seven years now. But I still remember the smell of the cigarette. The worst part is, it's the smell of a second hand smoke. I told my wife that someone is trying to "voodoo" me or something for I am the only one smelling the smoke. It's just good to know that I am not the only one experiencing this weird thing. I'll try to set up an appointment with my doctor soon and hope she will solve my problem. To those who post their experiences in here. You guys are awesome. Kind Regards, Miles

 

I have always thought it was my deceased "chain smoking" father's spirit coming to visit me.  I don't believe in such, but this always happens when I am struggling about something.  In the back of my mind I can hear daddy telling me "don't do it", or "you know better".  It has really been creeping me out.  It feels good to know that others are experiencing this.  I hate the smell, but the thought of daddy being near by makes it tolerable when this happens. 

 

Tracey, I was suffering from same problem and recently realized it was the CFL bulbs in my lamps. Try replacing them with incandescent bulbs and see if there is any change. They can emit mercury vapors and are dangerous. It's worth trying if u have those bulbs. Thankfully I don't smell smoke anymore since replacing them. Good luck

Hello.  My name is Martin.  I live in North Carolina and I have been driving my wife crazy a long time because I too constantly smell smoke when none is around.  Yes, all doctors think we are nuts and right away they have us dying from a tumor.  I have been to ENTs all my life, took every test and nothing shows up.  My wife sometimes thinks I too am exaggerating this.  My wife thinks it is perhaps a factor as to where we live that affects some, not all of us.  We live right by a major airport and naturally, the planes emit gases and fumes that may affect us.  I have always been an allergy sufferer and occasionally have sinusitis.  Nothing I do alleviates this.  I drink water all day.  Doesn't it seem to you that the odor is very like when you pass a house that burned down the previous day - the horrific burning odor?  It stays with you all day and even wakes you up at night?  It comes and goes and I never know when it will occur.  And, absolutely no flames or fire are around when I suffer.  As I am writing this, it is Monday, May 14 and I have it again as I am sitting here while I e-mail you.  Sooo many of us are suffering and no one cares.  As you say, how many times can you pay a doctor who invariably tells you nothing prudent!  You may e-mail me anytime at Friedmanmartin@rocketmail.com.  Thank you for yuur input.

Oh thank goodness.  I noticed the smell of smoke a few months back and it took me a while to realize I was the only one smelling it.  I smell it both at work and at home.  I do suffer from migraines and acid reflux, but I haven't had a headache in quite some time, so I'm not sure the smell is related to that.  This is such an annoying problem and I am terrified I have a brain tumor or something.  It is so refreshing to know that others share this odd phenomenon and it may not be a s serious as I thought.  I'm also having problems with my ears being stopped up.  This has been going on for nine months.  I have a doctor's appt in the next month and will probably also see an ENT specialist at UNC Hospitals to try and figure all this out.  I will keep you posted as I hope you will if you find out anything.

 

 

Oh thank goodness.  I noticed the smell of smoke a few months back and it took me a while to realize I was the only one smelling it.  I smell it both at work and at home.  I do suffer from migraines and acid reflux, but I haven't had a headache in quite some time, so I'm not sure the smell is related to that.  This is such an annoying problem and I am terrified I have a brain tumor or something.  It is so refreshing to know that others share this odd phenomenon and it may not be a s serious as I thought.  I'm also having problems with my ears being stopped up.  This has been going on for nine months.  I have a doctor's appt in the next month and will probably also see an ENT specialist at UNC Hospitals to try and figure all this out.  I will keep you posted as I hope you will if you find out anything.

 

 

Hello.  My name is Martin.  I live in North Carolina and I have been driving my wife crazy a long time because I too constantly smell smoke when none is around.  Yes, all doctors think we are nuts and right away they have us dying from a tumor.  I have been to ENTs all my life, took every test and nothing shows up.  My wife sometimes thinks I too am exaggerating this.  My wife thinks it is perhaps a factor as to where we live that affects some, not all of us.  We live right by a major airport and naturally, the planes emit gases and fumes that may affect us.  I have always been an allergy sufferer and occasionally have sinusitis.  Nothing I do alleviates this.  I drink water all day.  Doesn't it seem to you that the odor is very like when you pass a house that burned down the previous day - the horrific burning odor?  It stays with you all day and even wakes you up at night?  It comes and goes and I never know when it will occur.  And, absolutely no flames or fire are around when I suffer.  As I am writing this, it is Monday, May 14 and I have it again as I am sitting here while I e-mail you.  Sooo many of us are suffering and no one cares.  As you say, how many times can you pay a doctor who invariably tells you nothing prudent!  You may e-mail me anytime at Friedmanmartin@rocketmail.com.  Thank you for yuur input.

Hi Martin. I too have the same symptons. Started about 6 months ago. It only happens when I'm indoors and so far have only noticed it at my house and my mother's house. I have had reflux issues, but not lately. And I do drink coffee every morning. So not sure if gases in the stomach is a part of it as other here have suggested. I do have allergy issues and take over the counter meds for that. 

 

So similar problems as others here. Good to see I'm not the only one. As long as it is not a sympton of a serious problem, I can live with it. Don't want to change my life style or run a lot of expensive test. But if anyone gets an answer for our problem, I hope they will post it here.

Hello Tracey,

My name is Niccole and I have been having this same problem for a few days now and it seems worst when im sitting or laying down. My cousin always says "Google is great you can find anything"...so here I am 4:00 am reading to my surprise that others have the same problem.  I have a very senstive sense of smell that my husband always teases me about. I am semi-allergic to cigarette smoke and I avoid it at all cost.  The funny thing is I live in Las Vegas so that is very hard to do but I DO!!!! This smell of smoke is starting to make my throat irrated and my eyes watery.  Which is exactly how I feel when I am anywhere that people smoke for any  period of time.  You are not crazy and as you can see many are going through the same thing!!!!  I checked my neighbors next door because they smoke and I thought it might be coming in my windows...went outside to see if they were in their backyard but they weren't so I went in a checked all my windows anyway...NOTHING!! So, I am totally stumped on this one. I recently was diagnose with kidney cancer and I have went through surgery and now everything is fine and I dont have to have chemo or radiation.  So, I understand not wanting to go through a whole lot more test or money as you mentioned.  I have been reading different responses for about 20 minutes now and they have went from the bizzare tumor to acid reflux...so I really dont know.  To be honest, its better to be safe than sorry so I think we should both talk to our doctors and get a medical opinion and not get all freaked out over other people's self-diagnosing the problem.  I am a true worry wort...I worry about everything.  But in this case I say clam down, don''t panic , and seek medical advice...and yes, unfortunately it's gonna cost us but WE ARE NOT CRAZY and something is happening to us... I hope I've made you feel some better and at ease but if you need to discuss this futher at another time my email is niccole100@msn.com.

 

It's been a year since almost exactly to the date and even the time but I too have been smelling the smoke smell for a few weeks and it is soooooooooo irritating.  I haven't had any type of sinus infection, don't have migranes and haven't had any signs of acid reflux either.  I initially noticed this the day after being on a very smoky and rough water casino cruise and have been smelling it ever since. I don't and new have smoked, there is no smoking at my job but I smell it all the time. have you gotten any relief?? paulette

 

I have been smelling a smokey smell too!  And guess what?  I started walking to lose weight almost three months ago and have since lost 27 pounds.  And now I have this strange smell I can't seem to get away from.  I can tell it's only in my nose and not from external factors.  In fact, last night I had trouble sleeping just from the strong oder making me feel sick to my stomach.  I'm going to try to find out more about this....let me know if you have found anything out since writing this!  Thanks!

 

Just by chance my wife tolf to Google it, and I can't believe all of the people who have the same symptoms.  For about three months now all I can smwll is cigarette smoke.  I quit in 1981 and my wife quit in 1978.  We live in a condo and none of our neighbors smoke either.  And yes, it's driving me nuts too.  On July 18th. I'm going in for an endoscopy & colonoscopy, I hope that this may show the reason for this wierd symptom. No body else who comes into our home smells it, but I smell it all the time, even while outside or in a restaraunt.

 

Yes, I recently lost 20 pounds from eating less food and the smoke smell has started since losing the weight. I just had a CT scan and it came back normal. I see my Dr. next week. I read something on another forum that it could be related to acide reflux. I do not have any symptoms of acid reflux but the poster said you can have it without having symptoms. i am thinking of trying some Prevacid or other OTC med and see if the smells go away.

Hi, I'm experiencing the same problem and I can't get rid of the smell of smoke. I know I have mold in my home. I want to know taking the medicine for acid reflux helped you?

 

Hi, I'm experiencing the same problem and I can't get rid of the smell of smoke. I know I have mold in my home. I want to know taking the medicine for acid reflux helped you?

 

If anyone has started taking Phentermine, to lose weight like myself, I would like to know because I started a month ago and started smelling cigarette smoke.  Glad I'm not in this alone.

I have been taking Phentermine on and off for almost 2 years. I haven't taken it in about two months. I thought I was going crazy a few months ago when I could smell cigarette smoke!! My husband and child couldn't smell it and no one smokes in our home. It went away and it's been back for a week or so now. It's driving me crazy because I HATE that smell! I have been on to my friends, parents, and grandparents all of my life about quitting smoking because it stinks and the side effects and now this!!! This is the first time I've googled it and when people were saying they had lost so much weight I wondered if they had taken Phentermine to do it. I also have had sinus issues lately along with miagranes and acid reflux. I'm going to make a doctors appointment and hopefully figure this out.

Tonight I can't sleep because the smell of smoke throughout my home is soooo bad--and guess what--I'm on Phentermine, losing weight, and a non-smoker.  No acid reflux, though.

 

I've barely been able to eat today because everything tasted so incredibly bad. I even tried to cheat on my diet to see if I was just sick of my meal plan.  When I ate other foods, they tasted horrible.  Everything tastes horrible.  It's like I can taste every single synthetic chemical used to make up whatever I'm eating.  Very, very weird.

 

I got on line looking for a possible explanation to why I'm smelling cigarette smoke all the time. My eyes and throat sting like I'm in the presence of smoke. But I've never smoked; I work on a smoke free campus, and live in a smoke free home. About 3 months ago I went to the Doc. thinking I was about to have heart failure. It was acid reflux. It was the first time I had experienced acid reflux. Later my Doc. was concerned about my weight gain and suggested Phentermine. I took 1 daily for about 2 weeks. The constipation became so extreme that I cut back to 1 every 3 days; I lost 20lbs. I did have a sinus infection recently too.

 

I've also been smelling cigarette smoke all the time.  It started about 3 weeks ago while I was in the middle of a really bad sinus infection.  Based on many of the posts here I would definitely blame it on the sinus infection.  Hopefully it goes away soon!

 

I have been on Phentermine (a weight loss medicine) and have lost >20 KG. Thinking back now, the smoke smell and phentermine started almost at the same time... I also take Mecardis (hypertension) medication, it immediately caused a nasty dry smelling and breathing issues. Reading the above posts revealed a plausible relationship between weight loss and this nasty smell. I did smoke for 25 years and gave up 5 years ago. 

I started having this experience in August of 2010 too.  I live in the Grand Prairie area, could it be environmental or allergy medication related?

Hey Marvin, I have been on a work outplan and have been smelling smoke for about a month now.  I'm thinking it might be the combo of the shakes and the ingredients in them and another supplement i tried about a month ago.  I was thinking the combo was creating it so I stop the other suppements and I still smell it almost taste it :(

I have been smelling cig smoke where there is none as well. I saw a neurologist and he thinks I am having simple partial seizures.  I do not lose consciousness, but only smell the smoke.

"I saw a neurologist and he thinks I am having simple partial seizures."

Why does he think you are having seizures? This seems to be one of the reoccurring themes in our discussion--seizures and/or seizrure medication. Is there a test that he gave you that indicates that you are having seizures?

 

I just found this website and I can't believe that there are other people who actually smell smoke when there is NO SMOKE, too!!  Not that I'm glad anyone else is suffering with this, I just thought it was me : (  No one in my family smells the smoke besides me.  I have been suffering with this for over 2-years now and no physician has figured it out.  Went to my family MD and ENT who ordered a CT, nothing to answer why I am smelling smoke.  Surely there is a specialist somewhere who has dealt with this before.  Does anyone have any suggestions at all??  I can't stand this anymore, it makes me so nauseated...

Julia 

I too have had this problem for a couple of years. I noticed it after a very severe sinus infection and bronchitis. After I was "well" it started. But I didn't realize that, or connect the dots until about a year later. this May it will be three years. It is subsiding a little. Only comes and goes. but up until now it was constant. Shifting from cig smoke to gasoline...even to the point where my eyes watered and I would sneeze. I guess if I had a brain tumor I'd be dead already. So I just live with it.

Not necessarly. It is still prudent to get a work up by a Neurologist to rule out tumors (yes they can be slow growing), seziures, pituitary problems, sinus issues including cancers. If all is clear, then just live with it. 

I just found this website too. I am actually amazed that anyone else has this problem. But it is driving me crazy. I thought maybe I was getting smoke from the apartment next door but noone else  smells this but me and I don't even know if they smoke. It is driving me crazy. I can't stand it. It comes and goes. I read where some doctors talk about seizures. Could this actually be acurate. I am going to put a scent out and see if that helps cover this smell. I am actually getting sick from the cigarette smell. Sorry anyone else has to suffer with this but glad to see I'm not alone....Wendy

 

I'm so glad I found all of the other people who are experiencing this besides me (I'm not glad that you are experiencing it, but that I'm not alone, or worse yet, crazy!). I too, thought I was getting cigarette smoke from the apartment next door, but that was proven to me not to be the case. It was driving me nuts, I could SWEAR I smelled the smoke. But when a long time friend did not smell what I could plainly smell and looked at me quizzically, I knew something was up.

In October 2009 I had alcohol-related seizures that landed me in the ICU for 7 days. Luckily I had not experienced any long-term effects that I could tell. This smoke smelling has only been present for about the last 4 months or so, that I can recall. Could it be related? What triggered it? I don't know.

I'm unemployed and have no insurance so I guess I'll just have to try to live with it and ignore it.

Doug

Hey Doug, I feel for you, mine isn't exactly a smoke smell so much as a burning smell but I think it may be computer related. I just started using computers last April 2010 and have had trouble with smells ever sense, could be acid reflux or bile reflux or something to that effect because we are bent in half most of the day but also our nasal passages get dried out a lot faster than if we were outside breathing the fresh air, I tried moisterizers but i just dry up to fast so I am going to give a go at no comp for 30 days and see if things return to normal. My Drs can find no problems Ct scans, antibiotics, acid reducers no luck SOOOOOO. No computer whats to lose?  

Hey Doug, I feel for you, mine isn't exactly a smoke smell so much as a burning smell but I think it may be computer related. I just started using computers last April 2010 and have had trouble with smells ever sense, could be acid reflux or bile reflux or something to that effect because we are bent in half most of the day but also our nasal passages get dried out a lot faster than if we were outside breathing the fresh air, I tried moisterizers but i just dry up to fast so I am going to give a go at no comp for 30 days and see if things return to normal. My Drs can find no problems Ct scans, antibiotics, acid reducers no luck SOOOOOO. No computer whats to lose?  

Over the past few days I have been smelling cigarette smoke where there is none. I had a friend last year who went through the same thing and was told there may be a brain tumor, had a CT and they found nothing.  They symptoms went away for him.  As mine continues yet again today, I wondered what could be the cause.  I just started putting antibiotics in my ear for an possible infection and thought it might be that.  Now that you mention possible partial seizures, it makes me wonder if its connected to these mini-seizures I began having when hitting my head hard.  I went through a huge battery of tests for epilepsy including MRI and CT and they found nothing.  I do have a displaced c7 verterbrae pressing into my spinal cord that may have contributed to the mini-seizures and perhaps this smell of cigarette smoke is connected to this as well.  It is so weird!!

What was your CT scan said?

I use to smoke but kicked the habbit back in 1999.  I have the same problem but it only lasts for a few days.  I thought it was my body trying to get rid of the old tar that was in my lungs long ago

Did you ever get a answere to your problem? I spent over 11 hundred dollars trying to find out where the smell was comming from that no one else could smell.PLUMBERS,SEPTIC, AIR DUCTS.WATER HEATER REPLACED. I went and seen a ENT. he acted as if I was crazy.He did order a CT. I'm waiting on results still.Suppose to find something out next week. write back,thanks. Marvin.

Did you ever get a answere to your problem? I spent over 11 hundred dollars trying to find out where the smell was comming from that no one else could smell.PLUMBERS,SEPTIC, AIR DUCTS.WATER HEATER REPLACED. I went and seen a ENT. he acted as if I was crazy.He did order a CT. I'm waiting on results still.Suppose to find something out next week. write back,thanks. Marvin.

Thanks goodness I am not alone! This is soooooo weird. Mine started just recently, the past few weeks. It is not constant, but periodically through the day no matter where I am at. And it does smell like the smoke from damp wood burning. It has had be thinking and a bit worried so I even told my colleagues at work about it and showed them all where the fire extinquishers are just in case I spontaneouly combust.. just put me out if that happens!

 

Daren

You are not alone.  My doctor ordered extensive tests including an MRI of my head and found nothing.  Ruling out all possible physical causes, she diagnosed it as a migraine aura.  Migraines do not always result in pounding headache.  Mine don't.  I will get a mild headache if the smell is long lasting or intense causing me to sneeze or eyes burn.  Stress will also bring on the smell which is often associated with migraine.  I have just learned to live with it and as time goes on, I notice it, but it doesn't drive me insane as it did when it first started.

I'm ecstatic to find out I am not alone with this problem.  I have had it for over a year now.  I have had migraines in the past and am wondering if this is connected.  I was hesitant to mention this to my doctor since I have so many other ailments I know he'll think I'm nuts.  But I have to ask now.....it has been driving me crazy...even the eyes burning.  Thank you for your post.

 

I have been experiencing this for two weeks. It is driving me mad! Someone please help! This is making me crazy. :(

Can you tell me how I can inform someone of this who is in complete denial...

 

My roomate has had these symptoms for 2 months now and hes proceeding to try and ruin my life because he thinks that I smoke in his room when hes gone and blow smoke towards his room when he sleeps but he wont listen to me at all, I'm getting really stressed out.

 

I've tried talking to him but he yells over me, wakes me up at nights/morning banging on my door and screaming profanities.

 

Recently hes been trying hard to deter my landlords from giving me my damage deposit, because I'm definitely moving out. He's also talked trash behind my back to my family and friends...

 

Anyways, How can I guaranteed convince an unreasonable/unrational person of this?!

I'm warm hearted in nature and while he's really really getting on my nerves I dont wanna see him go insane.

 

FYI: We are both smokers, after a month of him complaining I decided to stop smoking for 1.5 weeks without telling him just to see if it really was me. On the seventh day that I stopped he came shouting at my door really aggressively, so I woke up and got dressed (I had been asleep for around 6 hours) and went to the hallway. His eyes were glossed over and he said he could see my cigarette smoke in the air, but I didnt see anything. Then he said his room was filled with the smell so I asked him if I could go in his room and smell, I did and I smelled 0% smoke at all.

 

Please give me a hand if you can I'm super stressed out and hope this information helps :(

Hi Broodie,

This is my first time on this site and I seen your post...I am hoping and assuming that you have moved out and all your stress and problems are gone!!!  But just in case you are still dealing with this "special" individual why don't you let him read the post of othe rpeople who have smoke smelling symptoms..in a calm and rational way and then maybe your roommate will see that there is other serious issues here!! He may have a medical problem not a bad roommate

Hi Broodie,

This is my first time on this site and I seen your post...I am hoping and assuming that you have moved out and all your stress and problems are gone!!!  But just in case you are still dealing with this "special" individual why don't you let him read the post of othe rpeople who have smoke smelling symptoms..in a calm and rational way and then maybe your roommate will see that there is other serious issues here!! He may have a medical problem not a bad roommate

I almost cried when I found this!!  It is such a relief to know that I am (hopefully) not going crazy! 

 

I have never had a very good sense of smell, that is until I got pregnant.  We live in a single family home and during my pregnancy I could actually smell our neighbors smoking inside their home. 

 

Well our son is now 19 months old and, even though I cannot smell other scents as acutely as I did when pregnant, I still smell cigarette smoke like it's right next to me.  The problem is, it apparently isn't there... Not in my home, or my car, or my place of work.  No one else can smell it.  It's not constant, but occurs several times (maybe a dozen or more) throughout the day.  It's awful - my eyes and throat burn, I can't breathe in through my nose. I can take a full breath with my mouth, so I know it's not a lung capacity issue...  I really wish I could get rid of it!!

It was only out of desperation I googled it.  I would never have thought this happens to others. I am neither a smoker nor anyone in my family.  Months ago I started smelling cigarette smoke in my office to the point where I could not breathe. Hovever, no one else smelt it.  The smell was so intense that I left the office in search of the person smoking near by. I started to worry when I would smell cigarette smoke in my car, at home etc.  The episodes occurred for some months and then it stopped as suddenly as it appeared. Nearly forgot about it when it all started again two days ago.  I am home by myself at this moment and the cigarette smoke is taking my breath away. What amuses me is "why cigarette smoke" and not roses??? :-) The sad think is I have never thought to mention it to my doctor.

This is crazy, I've been smelling smoke for the past three years, but I always thought it was  psychosomatic because my Dad died almost 3 years ago and it always happens when I'm in my home office. I just thought maybe he was visiting me or tormenting me somehow. He was always a jokester and he knew how much I hated smoking. I'm sitting here working right now and I smell it clear as day. I was wondering if it could be some type of tumor or some brain thing, but I don't know, maybe it is just Dad checking up on me and not letting me forget him.... oh by the way, I have 2 monitors on my desk, hmm maybe it is computer related?

 

Lovetambra,

I completely agree that it is your father checking in on  you.  My daddy was a chain smoker, and this always happens when I am stressed about something major in my life.  Daddy was also a jokester.  He also hated that when he got very sick, that I would not go and buy his cigarrettes.  I do not have any other health problems and I can say that I can sort of feel his presence when this happens.  It took me a while to  figure it out when it first happened about 5 years ago.  My eyes water, and my throat feels as if I am in a smoke filled bar.  I have convinced myself that it is my daddy, and I just deal with it with the comfort of knowing thaat he is watching over me.   I hope this helps to comfort you, even if just a little bit.

This is crazy, I've been smelling smoke for the past three years, but I always thought it was  psychosomatic because my Dad died almost 3 years ago and it always happens when I'm in my home office. I just thought maybe he was visiting me or tormenting me somehow. He was always a jokester and he knew how much I hated smoking. I'm sitting here working right now and I smell it clear as day. I was wondering if it could be some type of tumor or some brain thing, but I don't know, maybe it is just Dad checking up on me and not letting me forget him.... oh by the way, I have 2 monitors on my desk, hmm maybe it is computer related?

 

I almost cried when I found this!!  It is such a relief to know that I am (hopefully) not going crazy! 

 

I have never had a very good sense of smell, that is until I got pregnant.  We live in a single family home and during my pregnancy I could actually smell our neighbors smoking inside their home. 

 

Well our son is now 19 months old and, even though I cannot smell other scents as acutely as I did when pregnant, I still smell cigarette smoke like it's right next to me.  The problem is, it apparently isn't there... Not in my home, or my car, or my place of work.  No one else can smell it.  It's not constant, but occurs several times (maybe a dozen or more) throughout the day.  It's awful - my eyes and throat burn, I can't breathe in through my nose. I can take a full breath with my mouth, so I know it's not a lung capacity issue...  I really wish I could get rid of it!!

HI the first time I experienced this was when I was pregnant too. I thought it was  something to do with hormones. It would come and go, but even now not pregnant it happens. I feel like someone is right next to me smoking, and no one in my home smokes. Very freaky, strange. I would love to know what is causing this? I was very surprised to see so many people have the same problem!

 

Oh man, I tore my place up looking for the smell and it's not to be found. I too have a) Acif Reflux b) have recently lost 20 pounds (dieting makes reflux worse - the lighter my meal the worse I feel which is wierd) and c) I had severe bronchitis in December around the time this all started.

 

Wow.  I recently (about 5 years ago had a Brain MRI to check for MS and all was fine) so unless it's something new I don't think it's that. I think it's something related to a, b, c above. I've started doing sinus irrigation with salt water just to see if it helps anything

I fell down my steps about 6 months ago and landed on my face on a concrete floor.  I had a severe concussion, and I still suffer from daily headaches (concussion headaches are very different from normal headaches or migraines).  I was smelling smoke for days, and I finally googled it and found this site.  I was so relieved to know that there are other people experiencing the same thing.  My "concussion" doctor said it is completely normal.  Today, I am smelling skunk, and there is none in my office.  I hope it all goes away soon - the smells make me nauseated!  My doctor tells me that I should be thankful for being 6 feet above the ground instead of 6 feet below the ground.  I agree.  Good luck to everyone! 

Oh my. I was so baffled as to why my boyfriend could not smell this noxiuos burning smell that plagues my days and nights. To me it smells like plastic burning. But I only experience it in our bedroom. I was convinced that the wires were burning in the walls! But NO ONE ELSE smells this. It is so strong that it makes my eyes burn and water all the time. And I swear I can feel like a coating of soot from this smoke smell in my nose and down the back of my throat. It even feels like it is permeating down to my stomach making me nauseaus. It also seemed to make my bones ache and seems to affect my memory as well as makes me lethargic, so I was certain is was some kind of poisonous fumes. The odd thing is that my little dog that stays in the same room as I smell it in has started hacking/choking/coughing. I too get a flem build up from what I thought was a layer of soot from the burning substance. I have always had an excellent sense of smell and a very sensitive pallate. There was an occassion where I smelled a gas leak when no one else could. This is baffling. So many people with this symptom. If it is a brain tumor it is probalbly from using cell phones. Is there anyone experiencing this that hasn't used a cellphone? It is hard for me to accept this. We are going to rent an air sensor that detects gases and fumes. I will definitely post the results. If they do come back negative I will definitely be making a Dr.s appt. P.S. I am a long time smoker, I have been experiencing this off and on for the past 2-3 years (mostly on) and only while I sit on our leather couch in our room, which is most of the day and night...So what is it that we all have in common that is causing this symptom? Could it be our cell phones? The Swiss did find that it caused brain tumors in rats. After pondering I have a few other possibilities: Silver fillings and/or root canals. As an assistant I have observed Dr.s heating a metal instrument in order to seal the gutta percha in the canals to finalize the root canal. Smoke would appear when the hot metal seared the gutta percha and that could now be seaping into out nasal passages and down our throats and stomaches and up into our orbital cavities. Maybe. Plausable. We need to take a poll of everyone experiencing this to find out what is causing it. Truly bothersome. Any suggestions anyone?

So we used a tester and it didn't detect anything. Bummer. Hope it is not a brain tumor. But unlike everyone else, I only smell it in our one room. No where else. Weird. Oh well, 2012!

So we used a tester and it didn't detect anything. Bummer. Hope it is not a brain tumor. But unlike everyone else, I only smell it in our one room. No where else. Weird. Oh well, 2012!

A number of times over the last few years, I have been awakened by the smell of smoke (wood-burning smoke, not cigarette smoke).  You wondered if there was anyone who experiences a faux odor who doesn't use a cell-phone.  I do not.  I don't have acid reflux; however, recently, I have lost about 15 pounds.  It is past midnight and I got awake thinking our house was on fire.  Doesn't appear to be. I decided to see if I could find an answer on-line and found this sight.  Very strange that so many people have similar weird experiences.

I have had this issue on and off for about a year now. I do not normally have sinus issues. I have however owned a cleaning business for 15 years in the past and now worry that the chemicals I used has somehow caused me to be ultra sensitive to smell or to smell things that are not there. I dread doctors. I really don't want to go even though I have insurance. I'm glad I'm not alone (although sorry you all suffer with this too). I will probably have it checked out soon though. It even makes my chest ache like I need to cough from the smell. I don't have any congestion at all. Its just like someone is nearby smoking or was in the room before me smoking and I'm not working or living with any smokers. 

 

 

I am so relieved to read that I'm not alone.  This 'smoke' thing has been bothering me off and on for a couple of months.  I had a head trauma about six years ago which left some deficits.   At one point, some of my physicians were concerned about Alzheimer’s. I also developed throat allergies to 'summer' two years ago and it has been a long, hot, humid one here in OH so my allergiy has gone from throat to ears and nose with allergy medicine not helping.  BTW, I have since been evaluated as not having dementia of any kind (a fact my brothers still refuse to believe) just still have the aforementioned head injury deficits.  So I can take my pick of causes, and I am not rushing back to the doctor (for a while, I felt like the guy from Verizon with the 'network' outside - only mine was a network of specialists).  BUT, it is a relief to know it isn't so abnormal.  Thank heavens it is only cigarette smoke I am fantasizing - it could be worse (maybe I’ll add a gorgeous George Clooney type hunk to the smoke in my head – that might make smelling the ‘smoke’ worth it).  Thanks for the chance to share.

I am so relieved to read that I'm not alone.  This 'smoke' thing has been bothering me off and on for a couple of months.  I had a head trauma about six years ago which left some deficits.   At one point, some of my physicians were concerned about Alzheimer’s. I also developed throat allergies to 'summer' two years ago and it has been a long, hot, humid one here in OH so my allergiy has gone from throat to ears and nose with allergy medicine not helping.  BTW, I have since been evaluated as not having dementia of any kind (a fact my brothers still refuse to believe) just still have the aforementioned head injury deficits.  So I can take my pick of causes, and I am not rushing back to the doctor (for a while, I felt like the guy from Verizon with the 'network' outside - only mine was a network of specialists).  BUT, it is a relief to know it isn't so abnormal.  Thank heavens it is only cigarette smoke I am fantasizing - it could be worse (maybe I’ll add a gorgeous George Clooney type hunk to the smoke in my head – that might make smelling the ‘smoke’ worth it).  Thanks for the chance to share.

I am so relieved to read that I'm not alone.  This 'smoke' thing has been bothering me off and on for a couple of months.  I had a head trauma about six years ago which left some deficits.   At one point, some of my physicians were concerned about Alzheimer’s. I also developed throat allergies to 'summer' two years ago and it has been a long, hot, humid one here in OH so my allergiy has gone from throat to ears and nose with allergy medicine not helping.  BTW, I have since been evaluated as not having dementia of any kind (a fact my brothers still refuse to believe) just still have the aforementioned head injury deficits.  So I can take my pick of causes, and I am not rushing back to the doctor (for a while, I felt like the guy from Verizon with the 'network' outside - only mine was a network of specialists).  BUT, it is a relief to know it isn't so abnormal.  Thank heavens it is only cigarette smoke I am fantasizing - it could be worse (maybe I’ll add a gorgeous George Clooney type hunk to the smoke in my head – that might make smelling the ‘smoke’ worth it).  Thanks for the chance to share.

I came across this site while seeking a similar answer, only mine is even more baffling!  Not only am I smelling the smoke, I came home from work the other day & kissed my husband, and he became defensive, and said my mouth tasted like cigarettes.  He wanted to know when I started smoking, which I denied, so then he accused of kissing someone who had been smoking (which I had not done).  I don't smoke, drink, use illlegal drugs, or cheat.  So I am baffled.  It has been going on for about a month now & I'm worried.  Any ideas?

I also  have been experiencing the cigarette smell for the past month - and it is literally making me sick.  In reading all of the comments, I think weight loss has something to do with it.  I lost about 50 pounds rather quickly about a year ago (stress) and then another 15 pounds over 2 months.  Part of the losing the last 15 pounds is due to the constant cigarette smell that I smell.  It seems so odd, but the constant nasty smell and now a constant dull aching headache (probably due to lack of food) that makes it hard for me to keep food down or even want to eat.  I was also told that I have some nerve damage in my foot.  Going to a neurologist next week and will discuss the smoke smell as I didn't originally talk about it to my primary doc.  Do you think it could be from a vitamin deficiency or something?  I know I am not at my healthiest and am wonder if others are in the same place.  Lost alot of weight-maybe too much and may not be eating healthy now which could cause a vitamin deficiency and maybe even nerve damage.  It is making me crazy. 

I have been complaining about the smoke smell for about 2 weeks now.  I smell it at home and at work though both places are smoke free.  I recently started losing weight (15 lbs) and I take Rx for acid reflux.  I have suffered from migraines since third grade and I will turn 50 this year.  I also have a history of sinus problems.  I work at a highly stressful job.  It is wild that so many people experience this "smoke" sensation and we all have the same health issues.  

 

I have no issues with brain tumors, brain damage, schizophrenia or Alzheimer's Disease.  I am pretty much ruling these out.   

          Being in the field of addiction, I can report that it's NOT always an indicator of a larger problem! I would first ask if this individual has recently stopped smoking cigarettes , or marijuana? It's common that one starts to smell the substance about twenty to thirty days after discontinuing the substance that he or she had been using,(smoking) or ingesting. This process occurs when the chemical begins to exit from the fatty tissue in our body. The substance still has to travel through the blood stream, which means "through the brain", which is where the sensors are (olfactory) that allows one to smell! This only occurs for a couple of seconds once the substance enters the brain but long enough to trigger the smell which the normal reaction is to look around to see where it's coming from? Even though it's a very short process I have had clients report dealing with this problem up to a year. I say problem because of how many of them end up relapsing not knowing or understanding what their body is going through, I always let my clients know that if they do experience this process that it is progress, and evidence that they are clearing up enough which basically means that they are recognizing the (internal body signals) which they were not able to do before, "you can't feel what you can't see". 

          Being in the field of addiction, I can report that it's NOT always an indicator of a larger problem! I would first ask if this individual has recently stopped smoking cigarettes , or marijuana? It's common that one starts to smell the substance about twenty to thirty days after discontinuing the substance that he or she had been using,(smoking) or ingesting. This process occurs when the chemical begins to exit from the fatty tissue in our body. The substance still has to travel through the blood stream, which means "through the brain", which is where the sensors are (olfactory) that allows one to smell! This only occurs for a couple of seconds once the substance enters the brain but long enough to trigger the smell which the normal reaction is to look around to see where it's coming from? Even though it's a very short process I have had clients report dealing with this problem up to a year. I say problem because of how many of them end up relapsing not knowing or understanding what their body is going through, I always let my clients know that if they do experience this process that it is progress, and evidence that they are clearing up enough which basically means that they are recognizing the (internal body signals) which they were not able to do before, "you can't feel what you can't see". 

It could be the early signs of a lung infection. I suffer from COPD (14 years now after 1st diagnosis :) and whenever I start "smelling" smoke when there's no fire burning, it generally means that an infection is brewing. Usually it's the first sign. Even before the yellow phlegm. As I exhale normally, I 'taste' a slight smoky 'flavor'. What it really is I think is rotting bacteria and old phlegm that the new bacteria is breeding in. And the odor is wafting up as I exhale and then passing up slightly through my sinuses. Thereby giving me the sensation of a bar-bee-queue going on down there. Bummer :(. I'd say look out for that and get with your doctor about finding out for sure. Lung infections can smolder a long time before they get REAL serious and cause you to get pneumonia or kill you or whatever. But the thing is, they do loads of damage to your healthy lung tissue in the interim (which leads to scar tissue and that leads to more infections. Or even COPD like me). Get on an antibiotic asap. I know that's the first thing that I do.

It could be the early signs of a lung infection. I suffer from COPD (14 years now after 1st diagnosis :) and whenever I start "smelling" smoke when there's no fire burning, it generally means that an infection is brewing. Usually it's the first sign. Even before the yellow phlegm. As I exhale normally, I 'taste' a slight smoky 'flavor'. What it really is I think is rotting bacteria and old phlegm that the new bacteria is breeding in. And the odor is wafting up as I exhale and then passing up slightly through my sinuses. Thereby giving me the sensation of a bar-bee-queue going on down there. Bummer :(. I'd say look out for that and get with your doctor about finding out for sure. Lung infections can smolder a long time before they get REAL serious and cause you to get pneumonia or kill you or whatever. But the thing is, they do loads of damage to your healthy lung tissue in the interim (which leads to scar tissue and that leads to more infections. Or even COPD like me). Get on an antibiotic asap. I know that's the first thing that I do.

Hello fellow smoke smellers, thank goodness I am not alone, this happened to me a few years ago and I just thought it was me, it is happeneing again now and I am starting to see a connection. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid a couple of years ago when I smelt smoke but through medication got over it, it has started to muck up again and I am again smelling smoke when there is none around. Just maybe it is thyroid related or at least hormone related a simple blood test will answer this. If thyroid problems do show up PLEASE let me know on this link. Its worth a try.

I have a slightly underactive thyroid and also have what are referred to as 'cold nodules' and I have had this smoke smell everywhere I go, sometimes a burning sensation while breathing in and have allergies & asthma which I take Advair, Allegra XR, Albuterol.

Advair, like any inhaled steroid, can seriously mess up your sense of smell. I used to use it, so I know. It can actually eventually destroy your sense of smell altogether, although, more than likely, your sense of smell will return to normal when you stop using it unless you use it for years on end.

 

It's a risk you have to weigh against the benefits, but this may be the cause of your particular problem. It took me a couple months to totally recover from Advair.

I have been smelling smoke for at least a month now.  At first I thought someone in my building at work was secretly smoking (it is a non-smoking building) and it was coming in through my vents.  No one else could smell it.  But lately I notice that I smell it at home, in my car and even outside.  Your mention of hyerthyroid caught my attention.  I just started medicating my cat for hyperthyroid with a swab applied to the inside of her ear.  I try to wash my hands right after applying it, but I'm wondering if there is any link to the medication.  I take no medications other than an occasional Benedryl for alergy to the same cat.  I really see no other change in my life or routine that could be causing this.

can't tell you how relieved I am to see I'm not the only one experiencing this.  I'm not and never have been a smoker and no one in my family smokes.  but this overwhelming smoke smells shows up at home, work, in my car, at the store, everywhere.  i even complained to my work several times bc i thought the ventilation system was blowing in the smokers fumes from outside.  they keep changing the filters and the smell remains.  i too have sinus issues, but i found out last year i have thyroid problems and thats about the time the smoke smell started.  i will talk to my dr. about this.  thank u for sharing--i don't feel so alone in my smokey misery:)

Dear Bob,

 

I live on Maui in the middle of the Pacific and have been having this sensation of smelling cigarette smoke where there is none for a week now. I am not sure it is linked to location. It is amazing how many people have this symptom happening though.  Has anyone thought about chemtrails? There are companies who seed the clouds to prevent global warming. Could we all be smelling this?  The medical conclusions in these postings seem to be all over the place.

I googled this tonight because I wanted to know why I've been having this sensation of smelling smoke in my nose and almost tasting it.  My nose and mouth have a burning sensation too.  After reading all the responses I realize I have a few things in common with most of the people who have posted.  In Nov.& Dec. 11 I had a severe sinus infection with bronchtis and wheezing in my lungs.  I have never had an infection that bad.  I went on 3 rounds of antibiotics in the last 2 months.  I am still struggling with sinus issues like post nasal drip and stuffiness in my nose and ears, sinus pain in behind my eyes and some headaches.  As a side note to relate to relate to other posts, I also have taken Nexium for at least 2 years for Acid Reflux.  I am convinced that this smoke smell issue is a result of the sinus and respiratory infections and the treatment with antibiotics.   I haven't taken antibiotics in several years so that is the only thing I can pin point this wierd taste/smell sensation to.

Hello,

 

I am wondering if you ever went for the MRI you were going to do in regards to the problem with smelling smoke?

 

If yes, did you find out anything that might provide answers for this condition we suffer from?

 

Sincerely

Joanne

I've been mulling this over in my head (because I don't want to chalk it up as a brain tumor) and think maybe we are all smelling the fallout from all the radiation from Japan. It still has not been contained and if you check the wind directions it is bound to reach us if it hasn't already. Plausable, perhaps. Or, I would love to know if anyone experiencing this has not/never used a cell phone?

I've been mulling this over in my head (because I don't want to chalk it up as a brain tumor) and think maybe we are all smelling the fallout from all the radiation from Japan. It still has not been contained and if you check the wind directions it is bound to reach us if it hasn't already. Plausable, perhaps. Or, I would love to know if anyone experiencing this has not/never used a cell phone?

Well, I have a new spin to add here. And it may sound flaky, but I assure you that I was the biggest sceptic of all...but especially around full moon, I have episodes of the burnt-smoke smell...it will last sometimes for days.  No one else can smell it, but it is so strong, it burns my eyes. So I wondered...and I bought an EMF detector and voice-activated EVP digital recorder. I have some strange feelings that this may be spirit-related. I have smelled many things that were not "there", such as a strong smell of roses right after the death of my grandmother. I am not suggesting that this in any way explains anyone's phantom smoke smelss/phantom smells in general, but am seriously looking at this angle. It just comes and goes...and since no one burnt anything and no one smokes in this house, it's got to have some explanation.

This smoke thing has been with me for the last 12 years or so. Every few months  and at first it would last only for awhile, now its at least a week. When I first got it, I thought it was a Spirit around me, but I can't understand why its still here after all these years. And as you know its very frustrating, I have been to see if it was seizures, MRI for brain tumor, ear,nose and throat doctor, and each of those havent come up with an answer, but one thing by the time I get to these appointments I am not smelling smoke. This time was the first time I had the blurred vision for a few minutes. The thing that is bothering me lately is its hard to concentrate, or feel good when its constantly there.

Why can't someone find a cure for this? 

I am thankful it has been going away for months at a time.

But so far I havent come up with any similarities. Its different circumstances each time.

Linda

Hi Linda,

I live in Hawaii and have just started smelling cigarette smoke now for 1 week and it is already driving me crazy as I've always hated cigarette smoke!  I too had a short bout of blurred vision last week while watching TV. How is your cholesterol, mine is 228.  I wonder if we are having mini-strokes as someone else has suggested in other blogs?  My breathing is clear, but my taste buds are weak.  I find myself eating more to try to taste the food.  Also, I have been under a lot of stress at work for 4 months straight, sleepless nights, etc.  The stressful time has passed but now I have this problem! 

Has anyone found a way to get back to normal????

Stephanie

This smoke thing has been with me for the last 12 years or so. Every few months  and at first it would last only for awhile, now its at least a week. When I first got it, I thought it was a Spirit around me, but I can't understand why its still here after all these years. And as you know its very frustrating, I have been to see if it was seizures, MRI for brain tumor, ear,nose and throat doctor, and each of those havent come up with an answer, but one thing by the time I get to these appointments I am not smelling smoke. This time was the first time I had the blurred vision for a few minutes. The thing that is bothering me lately is its hard to concentrate, or feel good when its constantly there.

Why can't someone find a cure for this? 

I am thankful it has been going away for months at a time.

But so far I havent come up with any similarities. Its different circumstances each time.

Linda

This smoke thing has been with me for the last 12 years or so. Every few months  and at first it would last only for awhile, now its at least a week. When I first got it, I thought it was a Spirit around me, but I can't understand why its still here after all these years. And as you know its very frustrating, I have been to see if it was seizures, MRI for brain tumor, ear,nose and throat doctor, and each of those havent come up with an answer, but one thing by the time I get to these appointments I am not smelling smoke. This time was the first time I had the blurred vision for a few minutes. The thing that is bothering me lately is its hard to concentrate, or feel good when its constantly there.

Why can't someone find a cure for this? 

I am thankful it has been going away for months at a time.

But so far I havent come up with any similarities. Its different circumstances each time.

Linda

This smoke thing has been with me for the last 12 years or so. Every few months  and at first it would last only for awhile, now its at least a week. When I first got it, I thought it was a Spirit around me, but I can't understand why its still here after all these years. And as you know its very frustrating, I have been to see if it was seizures, MRI for brain tumor, ear,nose and throat doctor, and each of those havent come up with an answer, but one thing by the time I get to these appointments I am not smelling smoke. This time was the first time I had the blurred vision for a few minutes. The thing that is bothering me lately is its hard to concentrate, or feel good when its constantly there.

Why can't someone find a cure for this? 

I am thankful it has been going away for months at a time.

But so far I havent come up with any similarities. Its different circumstances each time.

Linda

Yvonne, I think you are spot-on with this one. I have had this issue, too, since my mom died, and lots of weird things happening in our home. Doors slamming that are closed and LOCKED, things flying across the room, wallets and phones coming up missing, things being moved by no one in this family--all sorts of things. I am the one who smells this smell. It is more like a heavy exhaust smell, like burning petroleum of some sort. It lasts for days when it happens. I very much wonder if it's spirit-related.

Hi, I found the cause of my smelling smoke is dicalcium phosphate.  It's in a lot of vitamins, supplements, and, I'm assuming, medicines.  I've been smelling smoke off and on for about a year, and followed a suggestions I found on another site.

It was to stop taking any new or different vitamins (keep reading though, these are not the only places you'll find dicalcium phosphate).  Since, at the time, I had started taking a vitamin b complex, I stopped.  The smoke smell went away.  Just to see, I started taking them again, and the smoke smell came back.  So I wrote down the ingredients in the vitamin.

 

Months later, the smoke smell came back, so I looked at ingredient lists of food and drink I'd been consuming, and compared them to the vitamin ingredient list.  Dicalcium phosphate was the common ingredient.

 

Since then, I've periodically smelled smoke, and sure enough, whenever I check for it, dicalcium phosphate is there.  I've found it in other supplements, soy milk, whole wheat tortillas, and cereal. 

 

Here are some other names for dicalcium phosphate...

-dibasic calcium phosphate

-calcium hydrogenphosphate

-calcium monohydrogen phosphate

 

And some related compounds...

-magnesium phosphate

-monocalcium phosphate

-tricalcium phosphate

-strontium phosphate

 

Hope this works for you and your family!

Right - I wouldn't mind chocolate! 

I've had some relief with the saline solution using a 'neti' pot which you can buy at any health food store.  Also with pranayama [breathing] exercises such as are taught sometimes in yoga classes, and esp by the Art of Living.

But I would like to know how to get rid of both the smell [which happens for me randomly] and the congestion [which is daily when i don't do pranayama] though....!  time to talk with my Dr. about this I guess.

I'm with you - why not a pleasant smell like chocolate or cinamon!!!

I too am relieved to know I'm not losing my mind - I have the symptoms mentioned and also a tight chest and a bit short of breath - some brutal headaches too.  Have tried many natural remedies, nasal flushes etc but none are working so far.

I don't drink coffee but I do have the deviated septum. Have experienced the smoke smell for over 2 yrs. now.

i truly understand how you feel!  mine started in may after a bad head cold it lasted most of the month then i started smellling a smoke coffee smell also,  my ear nose and throat dr. chedked me and i had a mri which is pretty standard for this problem,  my MRI came out clear and i do have a deviated septum also and he told me that my cold damaged my smell sensors and that certain smells are altered because of this and it gives a weird smell , manly a smoke smell from what the dr. says and my ENT dr. sometimes just a bad smell . but it seems from all that i ve read its smoke, i thought too it might be coffee and i also have it more at home and nite maybe cause the drainage from the deviated septum causes some crusting in the nose and the smell just lingers, i do use a neti pot each morining to clean my nose and it does help and i don t get as much moring drainage in my throat,  Its probably not a brain tumor like we all tend to think , sounds like we are all in the same boat here! I think we are all normal,  also mine did go away for  a month or so   but its back off and on, maybe the change in the weather it s cooler ,  good luck to all

Actually mine tends to be worse in spring and summer when we have the doors and windows open more.  That's why I'm thinking it may be some kind of alergy.  I'm not on any kind of medication so it's not a side effect of some sort.  As I stated earlier it feels so good to know I'm not alone.  I think I'm going to try using a saline spray on a regular basis to help keep things flushed out.

i truly understand how you feel!  mine started in may after a bad head cold it lasted most of the month then i started smellling a smoke coffee smell also,  my ear nose and throat dr. chedked me and i had a mri which is pretty standard for this problem,  my MRI came out clear and i do have a deviated septum also and he told me that my cold damaged my smell sensors and that certain smells are altered because of this and it gives a weird smell , manly a smoke smell from what the dr. says and my ENT dr. sometimes just a bad smell . but it seems from all that i ve read its smoke, i thought too it might be coffee and i also have it more at home and nite maybe cause the drainage from the deviated septum causes some crusting in the nose and the smell just lingers, i do use a neti pot each morining to clean my nose and it does help and i don t get as much moring drainage in my throat,  Its probably not a brain tumor like we all tend to think , sounds like we are all in the same boat here! I think we are all normal,  also mine did go away for  a month or so   but its back off and on, maybe the change in the weather it s cooler ,  good luck to all

Hello, our combination of possible causes: i drink about 3 cups of coffee (fairly strong) per day and have for 40 years.  The smell of smoke arrived about 6 mos.- 1 year ago.  I do have a deviated septum and much nasal drip in spite of taking Allegra every night before bed and in the AM followed by very frequent need to blow nose throughout the day.

I also smell smoke the past few days, seems to hit me at night, but I think it is because things are calm and I notice it more.  I recently became extremely run down and developed a bad sinus infection after a cold.  I am on an antibiotic and generic nasal spray combo for two weeks.  I have never been on anti-depressent meds, so don't have that connection.  It is frusterating, and I know this smell has come on before in the past, but not sure why. My Dad died from nasopharyngeal cancer recently, so think I might get tested for polyps or check the general area to get re-assurance.  He complained of dizzyness and being extremely fatigued before he was diagnosed.  Not sure if he had smell sensations, can't ask him now.  I have been VERY fatigued, so hope that also ends soon.   Hope it is nothing to worry about... wish I had more answers.  I do agree that having a sinus infection is a link.  I am dosing up on probiotics and extra C pack vitamin combo to get my immune system back in check.

 

PS... just baked brownies hoping it would help :o)

 

 

I've been smelling smoke now for 4 months - on and off - mostly on!  However, I don't smell cigarettes what I smell is more like a burning brush fire or smoldering.  I did mention this to my Dr. and he put me on an antibiotic!  The smell went away and then came back.  I then went to an ENT (the smell was driving me crazy).  The ENT convinced me that I might need a stronger antibiotic for a longer period of time (not much blood flow to the cartilage and bones in the nasal cavity).  Well, once again the smoke smell went away but came back with a vengence.  I just went for a CT scan yesterday.  Current thinking is nasal fungus or nasal polyps.  Nasal fungus makes sense to me since an antibiotic woul mask symptoms for a while but not "fix" the problem.  One needs to be put on anti-fungal medicine to clear up nasal fungus.  How one gets nasal fungus, I don't know.  I thought I read somewhere that overuse of antibiotics can actually cause fungus which is why I thought it so interesting that I was put on 2 different ones for what may turn out to be a fungus!  For the last week, it seems I have added constant headache to the list.  Today it was so bad I took tylenol and laid down for a while.  I never, ever do this!  I am a very active person and don't have time for this.  I thought this smell might be connected to the addition of vitamin D to my regimen - something my doctor insisted I needed.  The timing seemed about right.  So I stopped taking the vitamin D to see if that would cure the problem.  Unfortunately, it did not.  So, off I will go to the ENT with my CT films some time this week and hopefully get an answer.  Will post more when that happens.

I just wanted to let you know that my towels are smelling the same way. I have had this smoke smell for over 2 yrs. After I read the post about mold it was an ahh haa moment! I have noticed that when I sit on my couch I keep smelling a musky mold smell. It was coming from the vent with the filter in my home. My husband changed it a month ago but I can still smell it. I had just not thought anymore about it until I read the mold post. Now I am wondering if there is mold growing under my home and is coming out through the vent. We have noticed a weird fungus or mold growing in our flower bed. Our neighbors have the same mold. We had this house built 2 1/2 years ago.. Coincidence, I'm not so sure.. the timing is on target... Now I want to go out and look under the house... we have black widows bad here so maybe I will send my husband..lol.. either way I have to know if something is growing under there and if not I already know that something has been growing in our flower bed the last two years during the summer so is it the soil that my house is bult on or is it the mulch in the flower bed? There's got to be a connection here... Tell me what you guys think...I live in South Carolina...

blnix@bellsouth.net

Dear All,

 

I decided to google the `burning smell' sensation because my daughter, 10,

complains about it for about 2-3 months now. It comes to her on and off and

she becomes really irritated and cranky because of that; especially somehow

when it's time for her to sleep. We were dismissing her complains as we

felt no smoke at all; but now I see it can be serious and real!  As far as I see,

it indeed may have had started after her especially bad cold, some 3 months ago.

She also had rather weak sinuses before, mostly having stuffed nose every time

after swimming for the last 2 years, and she swims a lot. I even thought she has

allergy to the chlorine in the pool water... My husband did smoke but quit 3

months ago, and she says she never had it outside of the house. It is monsoon

season now in India and mold (spores) is probably everywhere. I will definitely check

for polyps and/or nasal fungus; it's just possible that this is the reason. Any severe

infection lowers the immunity (what with antibiotics) and fungus could have taken

over...  The problem with the child is that she can't really express what she is

feeling, just gets too cranky, cries and screams at us...

 

 

 

I first started noticing strang smell sensations about 10 months ago. Mine started as a chlorine like smell, I was living in an apartment in New Orleans at the time and had been swimming in a chlorinated pool and thought there might be a connection there, at the time. I also had an abcessed tooth a few months before that and was on the Zpack. And also had a short time before went through laser surgry on my gums for peridontal disease. I also found I had an ear infection from my doctor around that time too. I noticed I never had the smell problem while traveling away from home, so thought it was in my apartment in the AC system. (first started in June) Well then I moved to Missouri and again started experiencing this smell thing only this time it was like exhaust fumes and I thought it must be happening because of somethong related to my car, because I was living in a new apartment in a new state, though I stilll wonder about the mold thing, especially after this started in New Orleans.... When this happens to me it lasts two or three days, and it seems like drinking water helps. Then lately it has happened to me and it's this burnt wood like smell. I am a smoker, but when I had my first onset in New Orleans I had quit for a couple months. I started wondering if it was somethnig in the cigarettes. I had another onset a couple days ago that led me to this site. I had a sudden anxiety feeling and then the onset of this smoke smell happened. I did some green tea, and cilantro in tomatoe soup and it went away, also used relaxation / meditation techniques and relaxed my brain...which is constantly spinning...

I have however noticed a correlation with drinking red wine. Seems like when I drink red wine regularly, it sets it off. I'm laying off the red wine; definately seems to help.

Hi all, I, too, have smelled cigarette smoke off and on for the past four years. I do not smoke, never have, nor did anyone else living in this house. I also smelled the smoke in my car at times, and no one ever smoked in my car. My house and car are clean, free of molds, dust, etc. This is going to sound unbelievable to some, but having consulted two psychic mediums, the smoke is attributable to my parents who smoked heavily when I was a child. As a kid I would admonish them about smoking and hide their cigarettes or vandalize the cigarette packages to make it harder for them to smoke. The psychics informed me it was their way of letting me know they are around. It would make sense that they would use the smoke as a signal. Additionally, my mother uses Jean Patou's perfume, Joy, as well. There is no perfume in this house.

Just thought I'd throw this out to you as another possible explanation.

Now, I welcome the scent. It comes every now and then.

Me too.   Same issue.  No alergys known?  First happened last year off an on for a few days then gone over a couple of week period.  Its back now. Only thing I can add that is bugging me that Ive read from others is I have developed migrane in the last 1-2 years.   Only very occationally. Maybe once every other month.  Either head ache or the eye spot (most commonly) light in the eyes.

 

So Ive had this smoke smell symptom for over a week now again.  It comes and goes during the day.  off and on.  Im amazed so many have this but no doctors know what it is.   I also have not been sick or anything.   I seldome ever get colds, flu or sinus infection...

 

Im stumped, wondering.....

Thank God for the Internet.  How else would we learn that so many of us are experiencing such a peculiar situation?  It first happened to me in 2007 on a trip to Istanbul. The smoke was so heavy in the hotel/restaurants that it stayed with me when I moved on to Brussels.  I complained because my floor was supposed to be non-smoking but I kept smelling cigarette smoke (no one else did).  How embarrassing to blame innocent people of smoking....yikes.  Anyway when I returned home it went away for a while but it's back again.  It's shocking to calculate how much money has been wasted on all kinds of test and misdiagnosis and worst - taking medications that clearly have not solved the problem.  I'm also experiencing a constant watery eye and suspect that stress, poor diet and allergies are an important link.  Will keep you posted on my progress.  Good health and best of luck to all....C

I first has this sensation about 8 years ago - it followed a really bad cold and sinus infection. I took antibiotics but it somehow just when on its own. Since then I've had it on and off but it's become more intense recently and I've had it almost non-stop now since last October. I've been keeping a log of what I eat and drink but no pattern has emerged, I've stopped using spray deodorant and perfume but again no relief however, the one thing I have noticed is it's worse when I'm working in the office - I wear suits to work that are dry cleaned regularly - I was wondering if it's something to do with the dry cleaning solvents? Can anyone else make this link?

What a relief, I thought I was alone until I found others suffering from same suffer only smoke smell.  I visited my ENT yesterday, and share the smell of smoke with him he suggested a MRI and boy was I scared.  I will schedule one but feel alot better knowing I am not the only one or that I was losing my mind when I was the only one smelling smoke every where I go. I will try anything to alleivate this smell.  It oftens give me a slight headache but truly annoying to say the least.  Your suggestions I will try and if my doctor suggest something that is helpful, I will pass it on.  Stay strong and here's to try to smell the roses once more and more often.  I am not a smoker and I am asthmatic and with severe sinusitis

I have now seen an ENT consultant and had a CT head scan - results have come back showing nothing is wrong. My consultant has said that the smell I've been experiencing is likely to be caused by a direct effect of a very bad sinus infection slightly altering the function of the olfactory (smell) nerve. He has said that it is likely to improve and return to normal over time (although for some people it never actually goes away). I also feel that my symptoms could be exacerbated by stress.

http://ehealthforum.com/health/topic7299_100.html

 

 

http://ehealthforum.com/health/topic30007_260.html

I get the same thing. Its driving me to insanity! my breathing goes heavier and it stays for a good hour.. i find if i eat something it helps go away faster. My smell is a strong burning down from my throat, up through my nostrels and then all the way to my head. Its horrible!! But there is NO cure or any actual decent answer to cure it. But I think i have found the answer, i have never smoked before and no one in my family have smoked before, only recently my mum started taking up the habbit, and its strange because its only been recently i have started getting this horrible pain.. i believe that i'm just sensitive to smoke, and thats what the answer is to everyone that also has it. i mean, what else could it be?

Oh WOW I can't believe this is so common!! I started to smell "cigarette smoke" too, about a week ago. Was going NUTS.. sniffing my husband's clothes- he smokes! I thought oh he is leaving his smelly clothes here. But it wasn't that. My husband does NOT smoke in the house ever. He will smoke in the garage- I thought it was coming in from there. No, it's NOT. The garage doesn't even smell like smoke at all! I thought okay I need to clean more. That didn't do it. When I smelled it in my bedroom- that was the last straw. I keep my bedroom very clean, and I air it out all the time, with fresh air, EVEN throughout the MN winters! For I DO have allergies and that helps keep my bedroom a haven of freshness for me. WHen that happened- smelling that smell in bed! I was sad.. what could be going on????? I google it and voila! I find this page. I have had sinus and allergy woes for so long. Many years ago, a septoplasty, which didn't help me, I can't really breathe out of my right nostril to this day. Drives me crazy. But this smell is too much. I hate cigarettes in the first place, and now to have it "follow" me. I got a Neti Pot and am going to go on a neti pot regime. I can't go to the doc right now cause we have had such disasters and have no health insurance at all right now. Barely making ends meet at the moment. I am praying the Neti Pot routine will help. I have read that eating Horseradish also is great for sinuses, better than chili pepper... I am going to try both. Wow I am SO glad I am NOT nuts and not alone in this.

 

OH I do NOT take ANY medications! Except for the occasional Ambien or Melatonin pill when I can't sleep.