Phantosmia

Phantosmia is when one detects smells that aren't even there. The odors detected vary from person to person and can be pleasant or foul. Sufferers report smelling hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs), bad perfume, garbage, a gas leak, wet dog, pungent body odor or spoiled fish or feces. They can occur in either nostril or both nostrils and can waft in and out of a person’s life over the course of a few hours or a few days or a few weeks. . They usually can't be masked my any other scent. Phantosmia most often occurs as a result of a head injury or upper respiratory infection. Presence of Phantosmia, could be an indication of an oncoming disease. Phantosmia is also associated with Alzheimer’s and occasionally with the onset of a migraine. Sometimes people think the stink is coming from themselves, which can lead to a condition known as olfactory reference syndrome, says Hirsch. "They'll wash frequently and won’t go out. It will start with phantosmia, but then they’ll develop secondary paranoia as a result.” Most patients respond to medication, however, a surgical procedure involving the olfactory bulb has also been shown to provide relief.