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OverviewWhat is phantosmia?Phantosmia (pronounced “fan–TAAZ–mee–uh”) is a condition that causes you to detect smells that aren’t actually present in your environment (phantom smells). These odors may be pleasant or unpleasant, occasional or constant. Phantosmia can affect one or both n...
Symptoms and Causes...
Diagnosis and TestsHow is phantosmia diagnosed?First, a healthcare provider will need to determine why you’re having phantom smells. Determining the underlying cause will help them choose an appropriate path of treatment. During this appointment, a provider will examine your nose, ears, head and ...
Management and TreatmentHow is phantosmia treated?It depends on the underlying cause. When phantosmia is a result of colds, allergies or infections, the phantom smells should stop once you recover. Treating neurological (brain-related) cases of phantosmia is more challenging...
PreventionCan I prevent phantosmia?You can’t prevent phantosmia because it’s often a symptom of other unpreventable illnesses and conditions. However, once you find out what caused phantosmia, you can take steps to reduce your risk. How can I lower my risk for phantosmia?To reduce your risk of ...
Outlook / PrognosisDoes phantosmia ever go away?Phantosmia is usually temporary and should go away in a few weeks. But your symptoms may linger if a neurological issue is the cause. You should see a healthcare provider if phantom smells last for more than a few weeks...
Living WithWhen should I see my healthcare provider?If you have phantom smells that last more than three weeks, you should call a healthcare provider. In most cases, phantosmia should go away once you’ve recovered from the underlying illness. What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?If ...
Additional Common QuestionsPhantosmia vs. parosmia: What’s the difference?Phantosmia is when you detect smells that aren’t there, while parosmia refers to a distorted sense of smell. These conditions share many of the same causes...