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Phantosemia=smelling odors that aren't there-does anyone else have this?

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Posted 9/22/2015 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
To add to the list of growing symptoms caused by this wretched multiple systemic infectious disease aka M.S.I.D.'s...

I now have phantosemia-smelling of odors that aren't real aka phantom odors!

My family says I've done this FOR YEARS; smelling something that they don't smell!

But a neighbour knocked on my door the other day, and as I spoke w/her I had a very strong sense of a chemical odor blowing inside as I stood in the doorway speaking w/her. I thought it was HER! I almost mentioned it to her, but didn't. Then after she left, I still smelled it off-n-on. I asked my son to smell me, my clothes etc but he said I smelled normal-LOL!!!

Anyway, I've been on Cipro and flagyl for a salmonella infection; could it be the meds?

I'd really be interested in hearing back from Lymies who've been on synthetic antibacs, because I've only used herbal antibiotics for a year now so this VERY STRONG phantom smell is new to me-or is it???
Posted 9/22/2015 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
I used to have this off and on throughout the time I was infected. I would be the only one to smell gasoline, or smoke, or any number of other things. It didn't matter whether I was using pharma abx or herbs, I experienced it on both.

I've also been super sensitive to the smells that really are there. Someone's perfume/aftershave would make me gag, and my husband, who was right beside me would tell me he hardly even smelled it.

It's a documented symptom of these infections.
Posted 9/22/2015 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
Well that makes sense regarding the herbal and vs synthetics, because I've already been experiencing extreme sensitivity to REAL odors, but this time it was very strong but not real!

I just thought maybe the new(to me) antibiotics might've exacerbated the symptom?
Posted 9/22/2015 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I used to smell bananas a lot. Never any bananas around. Other things too, but can't think of them.

I too have commented on it to family. They never smelled it either. lol
Posted 9/22/2015 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
The introduction of the new abx could easily explain it, especially if it goes away and doesn't return.
Posted 9/23/2015 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
I smell cigarette smoke or garlic - no reason I should be smelling either of those two. I smelled both before and after meds. It is a very weird symptom!
Posted 9/23/2015 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
So happy that I smelled bananas. You guys got it bad with the smoke. lol
Posted 9/23/2015 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Who's to judge if it's a phantom smell? It's real.

It's just part of the "Too" problem. Too much noise. Too cold. Too hot. and so on.

Smells are the worst. People who wear perfume or cologne don't realize that their nose becomes used to the smell and they end up wearing more than is necessary.The worst for me was when my husband and I went to see a play and the lady next to me put on half a bottle of perfume. My husband and I switched places but I could still smell it. I was sick for days.

An allergist I saw told me that there is a major nerve that runs through the sinuses and for some people it is easily irritated. It manifests as being sensitive to "strong" smells and weather changes.

He prescribed a nasal spray. It's a steroid, but it works to counter act those things we can't protect ourselves from. I took it for about 8 months and haven't had many problems since. I stopped because it was a hike to get to see him and didn't need one more dr appt. I think maybe I haven't had problems lately because like food sensitiviies you give things a break and they kind of reset themselves.

The spray was Azelastine HCL and really did work.

Hope everyone has a good day,
Kim
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