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Should Episodes Of Phantosmia Be Ignored Or Can It Be Treated Medically?

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Posted on Thu, 7 Jun 2018
Twitter Thu, 7 Jun 2018 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 20 Dec 2021 Last reviewed on
Question :
It's complicated. I was smelling gas in my cafe a week ago. My baker noticed it too. Just randomly. I called the gas company and they came and checked, said maybe the was a bit of a leak around the water heater but nothing they could pinpoint or dangerous. Cleared us to open. I was still smelling it the next day a few times. Then for two days I noticed nothing. Then I was smelling it again. My baker was there and again agreed with me, as well as the barista. We called the gas company again and as we waited for them outside we got a big noticeable whiff out on the sidewalk, which makes me wonder if it's a neighborhood thing. They found one leak and tightened a fitting and it was ok. Meanwhile when I am in my apartment upstairs in the building I occasionally Feel like I'm smelling gas (its an old building), and occasionally when I'm walking down the street. I'm beginning to think it's as much me being hypersensitive to any smells, and maybe Im also just experiencing the flower smells, pollen, mold in the building (its old) etc as "gas". I'm 53 and just went through menopause. Im wondering if its hormonal, since its so random. Ive been under unrelenting stress for about three years now, and I know for a fact my hormone balance is way off. is that what this is? I am absolutely convinced that it's gas right on the moment I smell it but then I start doubting afterward. I should also mention that right now my ears feel blocked and slightly ringing like you do when you're about to pass out. I'm sorry this is so long. I just would love to know If this is consistent with menopause symptoms or if I should be running out and getting a carbon monoxide detector!
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Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Phantosmia

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

What you describe is similar to phantosmia (olfactory hallucinations) but we cannot label it for sure. Since there were proof that the gas was leaking and it was fixed in actual you thoughts were still lingering around that. The nose can smell anything if the brain is trained to detect it.
This kind of false smell is not part of menopause or hormonal thing at least it was not described in books.
I would suggest to get a detector and check if there is a real leak. If you do not find any leak I suggest to leave it alone. This is not a medical disorder to be worried about.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

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Should Episodes Of Phantosmia Be Ignored Or Can It Be Treated Medically?

Brief Answer: Phantosmia Detailed Answer: Hi, What you describe is similar to phantosmia (olfactory hallucinations) but we cannot label it for sure. Since there were proof that the gas was leaking and it was fixed in actual you thoughts were still lingering around that. The nose can smell anything if the brain is trained to detect it. This kind of false smell is not part of menopause or hormonal thing at least it was not described in books. I would suggest to get a detector and check if there is a real leak. If you do not find any leak I suggest to leave it alone. This is not a medical disorder to be worried about.