Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Forum - I Smell Cigarettes All the Time And I Don't Smoke.


I Smell Cigarettes All the Time And I Don't Smoke.	Join us now!

Medical Questions-> Health Forums -> Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders -> I Smell Cigarettes All the Time And I Don't Smoke.

Medical Questions

Author

Message

mandarella

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 17 Mar 2008
Posts: 1
Location: Andover, MA

I'm not crazy!! Posted: 03-17-08 18:31pm


I am so relieved to see that I am not the only person who has this problem!! I am 30 years old. I have my issues but I'm in relatively decent health. I first had the constant cigarette smell when I was a kid in third grade. I was on my way from the bathroom back to class and I went by the janitor's room where they were all sitting around smoking. The smell lingered with me for days afterwards! It was bad enough that I still remember it 22 years later!! After that, I have gotten that smell stuck in my nose on and off over the years. I never noticed it between the ages of 15 and 27 at which time I myself was a smoker. Now, ever since I quit, I have become very sensitive to cigarette smoke and if I am exposed to it for any length of time, it's like the smell gets stuck in my nose for days. Odd thing is that I don't really notice when I'm inhaling. It's only when I'm exhaling. It's so bizarre. Anyways, this past weekend I was in Pennsylvania visiting a friend (who is a smoker) and we went out to a bar on Saturday night. It was so disgusting! Everyone was smoking and I only stayed about an hour and a half because I just couldn't stand it. I would have insisted on leaving sooner but I didn't want to be rude. The smell has been stuck in my nose ever since!! I have to say, I have had other smells get stuck in my nose on and off for my entire life. When I was really little (like 6 or 7) I got the smell of pork fried rice stuck in my nose after eating chinese food and still can't eat it to this day!! And in 5th grade, I got a duck tape smell stuck in my nose for weeks after hanging up posters for one of my teachers. The difference this time with the cigarette smell is that it is making my eyes burn and I have a raging headache. That's never happened before but it is making me miserable. I do feel better knowing that I'm not alone, though!!

moonphaz

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 05 Mar 2008
Posts: 2

Hi Again - update Posted: 03-25-08 12:40pm


I have been going to an acupuncturist & spoke with my allergist. He had me use the neti pot, 2 sprays of Afrin & 2 sprays of Flonase twice a day - I am to do this for 5 days. I am not completely over the smoke smell, but it is less & less & today I have not seemed to have it at all. I do not know if it is the acupuncture or if it is the treatment from the allergist or a combination of both, but I am feeling better & things smell a lot better!! You might try this to see if it helps you. Good luck - I will update you if things change.

2anche

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 30 Mar 2008
Posts: 1

Newbie with that horrible smell Posted: 03-30-08 06:51am


I was sitting here at my computer thinking how do I google smelling smoke all the time?? and I found this forum!!!!!!! I haven't had the sinus problems that most others seem to have had. However mine seemed to have started with a very severe cough that lasted for 3 months and after 60 days of steroids I seem to have gotten rid of, it them turned into losing my voice (I havent had a normal voice for 9 weeks now) in amongst all this I kept getting the smell of smoke (to me it smells like something electrical is burning) as I do smoke (minimal) I know that it not a cig smell. I am off to a ENT in the very near future due to my lack of voice, so I will make a point of asking about the smell and the headaches that accompany it. I will post back here if I get any news on what it maybe or what may cause it. Cheers Riley James

jhong

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 30 Mar 2008
Posts: 1

I smell it too Posted: 03-30-08 20:22pm


I have hed this issue for just under a year. I do not smoke, but my husband does. He does not smoke in the home or the car though. I smell it everywhere. In the car, at work, in the open fields...pretty much everywhere I go. I had an episode about 8 months ago for several weeks, and now I am having it again. It is so bad now, that I get the lightheaded feeling associated with the smell. I too have had sinus problems and bronchitis. Perhaps that is where this whols thing lies. I plan to make an appointment to see a docor soon, but it seems like there is nothing to convince them there is a problem. Last time I mentioned it, the doc told me NOTHING. He said it was associated with anxiety??? Anyway...sorry to hear so many people are suffering, but hopefully in numbers we can get something done about it.

Tattoo

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 08 Apr 2008
Posts: 1

I smell cigarette smoke constantly..... Posted: 04-09-08 00:08am


A couple of weeks ago I started smelling cigarette smoke also. It's so strange. My doctor has requested a sinus x-ray. I don't smoke nor do I go anywhere where there is smoke. It's stiffling and I spray Febreeze everywhere. How long does it last and will it come back if it goes away?

ddavey13

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 09 Apr 2008
Posts: 1

Posted: 04-09-08 17:40pm


I'm 26 years old and have a bad history of sinus problems. Over the past three months i have periodically been receiving a weird smell but not like cigarette's it is like a smell of nothing it comes and goes every other day for 30 mins to anywhere to 2hours and then i regain smell. I just hate it, it makes me feel like I'm going crazy and something serious might really be wrong but I have no insurance so if anyone hears anything keep me updated thanks.

darklady_ev

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 11 Apr 2008
Posts: 1

It's not only me... Posted: 04-11-08 03:16am


Wow. I'm shocked. I've been smelling cigarette smoke for the past 7 seven hours and now I decided to google it! And I see this. I have had this ever since I moved in my current house 7 years ago. Mines sometimes goes away for long periods of times but lately I've been getting it again! And I thought I was crazy! I can't believe I never looked it up. I had no idea it was this common! At some point when I was 10 or 11 years old I had a wacky thought that there were ghost who were smokers in life and I was smelling them right beside me. Yeah, I'm weird. I also have sinus problems, it's hay fever and I just started taking reactine because the summer is getting closer. I do it every year and now I'm smelling this again. It often causes me a sort of headache. Not like your regular headache, more like a someone is sticking a pole through a section of your head. I hope there'll be some news and updates on this.

poofie

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 11 Apr 2008
Posts: 1

smelling smoke Posted: 04-11-08 19:58pm


I too smell something. It don't smell like smoke, it smells like electronics burning or maybe a burned out old radio. Have any of you ever smelled anything like that? My eyes also burn regularly even though I might not smell the other odor. I smoke so I don't smell the smoke. I have a small allergery problem but not something that I take medicine for every day. The thing is, I have smelled this odor since I was a teenager and now I am 59. It comes and goes and I might go several weeks before I smell it again. It nearly drives me nuts!! I have never told anyone about this and I thought I would check out google just to see if I could find something and Wa-La, here you guys are talking about smelling things. Thanks to all of you, because I thought I was crazy.

cybergal55

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 12 Apr 2008
Posts: 1

Wow, I too smell the stale smell of smoke lately ....... Posted: 04-12-08 19:28pm


I smell that stale smell of cigarette smoke lately too. It is very strange. I live in Bellingham MA and out of the blue I smell the odor. I live in a house where no one smokes and am not exposed to smokers. I recalled that I believe a symptom of brain tumor or cancer might be smelling strange odors. I unfortunatley was 'laid off in August' and only have an inexpensive insurance to tide me over or I would go to the doctor to have some tests done. I am smelling other strange odors too, like a barbecue smell (barbecue sauce - that would come from grilling) - it comes out of the blue these smells. Let me know if someone comes up with an explanation. I do have a Netti pot and will try that. I sure hope it is not something environmental - that recently something has been omitted into the air or something.....but if someone hears something let us know.

opalescence

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 15 Apr 2008
Posts: 2

Hi! Posted: 04-15-08 15:19pm


I can't believe I found this forum, but am very relieved. I just got over bronchitis and sinusitis. It took three weeks and two different antibiotics, plus prednisone, to get well. I have asthma and allergies. As soon as I thought I could breathe and taste again, lo and behold, I noticed that I was smelling stale cigarette smoke quite often during the day. In each instance, I was nowhere near smoke or smokers. I am also still suffering from a sinus headache that began with the sinusitis. I got kind of scared when I saw Ghost Whisperer the other night. I think the guy ghost said that he was diagnosed with an aneurysm and one of his first symptoms was that he smelled smoke all the time. So, I know that I need to see my doctor to rule out very serious things like a brain tumor, but it was nice to see others going through the same thing who have just gotten over sinus problems or bronchitis. That is a very common thread running through most of our stories and it makes me feel a bit better. So, thank you for sharing. I will check out all of these pages and call my doc. I am NOT looking forward to going through an MRI, but I think it's pretty inevitable. Ugh. Best of luck to everyone.

opalescence

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 15 Apr 2008
Posts: 2

Have to have a CT scan of my sinuses Posted: 04-15-08 21:11pm


Well, my doc called me back and I have to have a CT scan of my sinuses. She said that smelling phantom smoke can be a sign of seizures involving the olfactory nerve? ::shrugs:: I'll try to report back next week about what I've learned.

dwingjohn

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 20 Apr 2008
Posts: 1

Smelling cigarettes Posted: 04-20-08 19:25pm


Amazing - a guy can google anything and find something!!! For, I don't know, a very long time now, I've smelt cigarette smoke...I don't smoke, none of my family does and it's not allowed by anyone in our home or vehicles. I can be laying in bed at night, watching TV and all of a sudden I'll get this nasty whiff that can stay for several minutes or several days. Everytime I'm around smoke (which is very seldom), it's like it imbeds in my sinuses and I can smell it for days & days. It's so disturbing cuz I'm allergic to cigarettes anyways and just hate that smell. I can be sitting in my office at work (no smoking building) and swear that someone is smoking somewhere in the building. I have gone so far as to case the place, checking bathrooms and little closets trying to "catch the culprit who is breaking the rules". Crazy, I know. Of course no one else smells it either. I mentioned it to our psychiatrist the other day, who is a very brilliant guy by the way, he said I could be having temporal lobe seizures. We didn't get further into this but since I'm not crazy and this really does happy to many, many people, I may someday soon investigate it sooner cuz it drives me crazy. I hate the smell of cigarette smoke!! Thanks. dkj

6254

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 02 May 2008
Posts: 2

cigarrette smell Posted: 05-02-08 01:45am


wow! I have been smelling cigarrette smoke through out the days. It comes and goes. I made comments to my family and they say the cannot smell anything plus no one smokes here. I thought I was imagine it. so I went online and found all this comments. I guess I will look into an ENT. or ask my sis, she is a physician. I'll let you all know what comes out.

ar832

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 15 May 2008
Posts: 1

smelling smoke Posted: 05-15-08 08:45am


I also almost constantly smell cigarette smoke(been going on for a couple of years), my eyes sting and sometimes water, get swollen and itchy, I get tired and sometimes get headaches. I, too, have mentioned this to my doctor who has brushed it off. Sometimes I smell cigarette smoke for days after a time when I know I have been exposed to it (a couple of cars ahead of me in line, people smoking near my closed office window, a neighbor smoking on their porch), but like you folks, I also smell it when I know there's none around (watching TV w/ all the windows closed, walking in the woods w/ no smokers w/in miles...) it makes no sense. This a.m. while on my eliptical machine watching old episodes of Lost, Jack (the doctor on the show) was trying to diagnose Sawyer's headaches and said that sometimes brain tumors can make people smell smoke. I googled "smelling smoke brain tumors" and ended up here. I am so relieved like many of you, to know that I'm not alone in this. I have no answers. I have mentioned it to my sister/mom/cousins, and they said that when it happens to them (very seldom) they think it's our deceased grandmother who was a chain smoker. Who knows! I can offer the following: I am allergic to dairy proteins, and intollerant to wheat. I have TMJ, used to have migranes all the time but now only once or twice a year, I do not smoke nor does my husband. I am active. I have tried replacing the smell w/ other smells (smelling coffee grounds, essential oils, putting perfume and vicks up my nose, burning candles) nothing works. I do constantly have a nose full of buggers winter and summer which annoys the daylights out of me, and I constantly have phlegm and am clearing my throat. I am 40 and was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Although I was a straight A student, my cognitive skills have been all over the charts for the last 5 years or so. I do not sleep well, but used to be able to sleep thru a hurricane. I do not drink caffeine, I rarely drink alcohol, and I eat well. I am at the point where I will likely talk to my natropathic doctor, as my traditional doctor has provided no guidence. If anyone comes up with an answer I'll be forever grateful. I'm going to go find someone to smell my nose now. Good luck everyone!

ladyfaeuk

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 16 May 2008
Posts: 2

smelling smoke as well Posted: 05-16-08 10:42am


Wow great to find im not alone in this horrible smell I have been smelling the smell of smoke on and off for the past 5 years, when mine began I had just given up smoking, so assumed everything in my home smelled of smoke and even when outside I assumed it was a side effect of giving up. I cleaned my home from top to bottom thinking it was the stale smell of my smoking days to no avail. I then moved house to where the previous occupants also smoked heavily and could smell it on and off there assuming it was from when they had smoked. Ive now been here 5 years and can still smell it on and off, ive had it this time for 3 days so far, I smell it outside anywhere iam wether inside or out, the only relief is sleep. Unlike alot of others I have never had trouble with headaches or sinus problems, but I do suffer from several illnesses 3 different types of arthritis, bladder problems, HS, ME, Fibromyalgia to name a few. I also have as some have mentioned the tears buring the eyes thing as well, when yawning, crying or my eyes watering it stings like mad and I have to wipe the tears away to get any relief. I also have what no one has mentioned so far occasionally when I eat I get a tingling in my mouth like a real sharp bitter sour, sherbet sort of tingling, doesnt matter what food it is but its usually only the first mouthful and then after that its fine. Im assuming most are in US and as im in UK I dont inderstand a lot of the meds some of you are on, but obviously iam also on alot of meds for my ails, but seeing I have changed them over the years I dont think any of them can be the cause. Will see my gp about this next time I go but dont have much faith in Drs a bad past of them but hey what choice do I have lol. I hope someone can be able to give some answers to this horrible smell.

nysews

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 16 May 2008
Posts: 1

non stop cigarette smell Posted: 05-16-08 22:31pm


When I Googled "smelling cigarette smoke" I was shocked to find others in the same boat! This non stop overwhelming cigarette odor started with me 24 hours ago. I too, like others here, thought everything from that it must be coming from my neighbor smoking in his yard, to the visiting ghost of my smoking deceased dad (you know i'm not alone in that far fetched thought!!), to it must be neurological. NO one else around me smells it, and i get a "your nuts" smirk when I explain to anyone what i'm experiencing. All day, at home, at work, on the train, i've felt like i'm in a very smokey bar. I find myself covering my nose, as if I can escape it that way, no such luck. Healthwise I'm normally a healthy 39 year old; within the last 2 months have had bronchitus followed by a strong round of antibiotics, just like many of the posts i've read tonight. I've also been fighting a yeast infection (possibly a side effect of a super strong antibiotic?) And occasionally suffer from bad headaches, but oddly enough do not have one now considering if i had really smelled this much smoke i'd have a migrane by now. I take no prescription matainence meds, but have taken Aleve for the last two days for a reoccuring knee injury. I considered calling my GP today, but just knew she'd completely act like i'm crazy (a thought which also crossed my mind in the last 24 hours). I'm saddened to see that absolutely no one on this site seems to have found a definitve answer to our problem. HELP!!! Where's a doctor like the tv character "Dr. House" when you need them?

ladyfaeuk

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 16 May 2008
Posts: 2

Iwill get to the bottom of this Posted: 05-17-08 18:46pm


Ive had this awful stale cigarette smell this time for nearly a week now and its driving me mad, ive had this several times over the past 5 years, but it seems to be getting worse with each episode. Ive even been so bad this time its made me cough and gag like I had just lit a cigarette for the first time. I have made a decision to go to my gp this time, (didnt go before as I thought it was me or others near me) now I know im not alone and this could be something serious like a brain tumour, I will make an apppointment on Monday and try and get this sorted once and for all for all of us, will keep you all updated on progress.

luvtooyoo

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 22 May 2008
Posts: 1

Same problem... Posted: 05-22-08 18:50pm


I too smell smoke BUT I know its not coming from me. I unlike some of you have had other people smell it. This may sound crazy but I like it better than the brain tumor theroy here goes.... I lost my mom last year due to bad car wreak. Since then, I have been smelling cig smoke. Last week, me and my cousin were in the dining room talking about here and she ran out of the room. she said I smell cigarettes. So next I ran out. lol anyways I take it as here way of letting me know she is around still and she did smoke alot! I just wish she had had a differnent habit, like roses or baking! So I know this sounds crazy but hey maybe they have cigs on the other side or our angels smoke alot or we are going nuts who knows.....ahh the cig smell i smell right now

tlsrog

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 22 May 2008
Posts: 1

I SMELL CIGARETTE SMOKE Posted: 05-22-08 20:29pm


I HAVE BEEN SMELLING CIG. SMOKE FOR 4 MONTHS. I HAVE A FEW OTHER SYMPTOMS LIKE NIGHT SWEATS, VISION DISTORTION FOR SHORT PERIODS. I SMELL THIS IN MY HOME. THIS HOUSE IS BRAND NEW AND NO ONE HAS SMOKED IN IT. I HAVE ALL NEW FURNITURE ETC. I NEVER SMELL IT AT WORK. I SOMETIMES SMELL IT IN THE VEHICLE. IF ANYONE KNOWS WHAT THIS IS PLEASE HELP. IT REALLY DRIVES ME CRAZY AND BOTHERS MY THROAT TOO. TERRY

jaimeeg

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Joined: 24 May 2008
Posts: 1

Cigarette smoke smells Posted: 05-24-08 09:14am


I started experiencing a cigarette smoke smell about four years ago. At the time, I was working as an RN on a neurology floor of the local hospital. I spoke with one of the neurologists about the odd smells, and he recommended I have a neurologic consult. I did undergo an extensive neuro workup, including consult with a neurologist, MRI, and EEG. Everything was normal. Based upon my presenting complaints, I was diagnosed with uncinate seizures. This is a simple partial seizure that originates in the temporal lobe. My neurologist at the time recommended that I start on anti-seizure medication. I was unwilling to do this because I did not want to deal with medication side effects. I then saw a second neurologist, and he felt that medication was really not indicated. I now work as a neurology nurse practitioner, and the doctor I work with also does not think that this type of seizure needs to be treated. I often wonder if this is really even a seizure disorder. There are some migraine variants that can produce a similar type of symptom. If you are experiencing odd smells as many of you describe, I would urge you to talk to your doctor. It might be nothing, but it certainly could be indicative of a brain tumor, seizure disorder, migraine, etc. Jaimee