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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Feeling Extremely Tired, Pain In Bones, Smelling Ammonia. Is This Sinus Infection?

Hi, I am a 45 year old female, 5'6, weight 134. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, went through chemo, radiation and then a lumpectomy. I just recently started feeling extremely tired, achy bones and started to smell ammonia. I was told it was a sinus infection but I doubt it. Any suggestions to the ammonia smell?
posted on Sun, 8 Dec 2013
Twitter Sun, 8 Dec 2013 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 10 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Ammonia smell in the nose is often caused by Phantosmia, a brain related problem. The odor can range from pleasant to disgusting smells. Although the causes of phantosmia are debated, it is often comorbid with psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, Parkinsons disease, epilepsy, neuroblastoma, and frequent migraines. It is also caused by lack of enough carbohydrates in the body. You should consider increasing the percentage of carbohydrates in your diet and if the smell persists, go for a thorough check-up by a good Neurophysician.

Treatments for phantosmia range from drug therapies (e.g., venlafaxine) and brain stimulation therapies to invasive surgical procedures involving removal of the olfactory bulbs or olfactory epithelium.

Do consider a positive feedback as a credit to my work. Let me know if you have any further questions.
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Feeling Extremely Tired, Pain In Bones, Smelling Ammonia. Is This Sinus Infection?

Hi, Ammonia smell in the nose is often caused by Phantosmia, a brain related problem. The odor can range from pleasant to disgusting smells. Although the causes of phantosmia are debated, it is often comorbid with psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, Parkinsons disease, epilepsy, neuroblastoma, and frequent migraines. It is also caused by lack of enough carbohydrates in the body. You should consider increasing the percentage of carbohydrates in your diet and if the smell persists, go for a thorough check-up by a good Neurophysician. Treatments for phantosmia range from drug therapies (e.g., venlafaxine) and brain stimulation therapies to invasive surgical procedures involving removal of the olfactory bulbs or olfactory epithelium. Do consider a positive feedback as a credit to my work. Let me know if you have any further questions.