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What Could Be The Reason For Feeling A Burnt Metal Smell?
Hello, I have been smelling something what seems to be burnt metal; it started years ago at my old house so I figured it was the area now I am at a new home and the same thing is happening. nobody else around me smells it and I don't know what it is should I see a doctor? thank you
Mon, 3 Mar 2014
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Smelling burnt metal without any stimulus suggests some disorder of the nasal receptors which respond to smell or area of brain concerned with the sence of smell.
Experiencing altered smell is called parosmia.
There are various causes of parosmia.
Upper respiratory tract infection is most common cause of parosmia.
However, it resolves once the infection is treated.
Damage to the smell receptors in nasal mucosa or olfactory receptors is another cause.
Damage to olfactory receptors can occur due to inhaling fumes of certain solvents and chemicals.
Damaged olfactory receptors are not able to sense the correct smell.
Trauma to brain (the area which responds to smell) can also result in parosmia.
Is there any history of trauma to head?
You need to consult your ENT specialist for clinical examination and relevant investigations.
If no nasal cause is found you need to consult a neurologist.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Smelling burnt metal without any stimulus suggests some disorder of the nasal receptors which respond to smell or area of brain concerned with the sence of smell.
Experiencing altered smell is called parosmia.
There are various causes of parosmia.
Upper respiratory tract infection is most common cause of parosmia.
However, it resolves once the infection is treated.
Damage to the smell receptors in nasal mucosa or olfactory receptors is another cause.
Damage to olfactory receptors can occur due to inhaling fumes of certain solvents and chemicals.
Damaged olfactory receptors are not able to sense the correct smell.
Trauma to brain (the area which responds to smell) can also result in parosmia.
Is there any history of trauma to head?
You need to consult your ENT specialist for clinical examination and relevant investigations.
If no nasal cause is found you need to consult a neurologist.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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