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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Why am I smelling smoke when there is none?

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    Brain Tumour Cancer Cardiology & Vascular Health
    My mother has been smelling cigarette smoke when there is none.

    I believe this may be Parosmia and wonder what the most likely cause is in a 78 year old woman who is suffering from congestive heart failure due to a damaged valve, diabetes and possibly depression.

    She is on Warfarin, anti hypertensives, Tramadol, and diuretics amongst other things, about ten different medications a day.
    • 2 answers
    • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith
    • Dr David McIntosh
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  • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    Writing as a scientist, not a health professional, my understanding is that parosmia can be associated with upper respiratory tract infections as well as neurological issues (migraine, epilepsy and Parkinson's Disease are examples).

    I don't know if any of these apply to your mother but perhaps it would help if you encouraged her to talk with her health professional care team about this.

    All the best.

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    Thanks

    Dr David McIntosh

    Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon

    David McIntosh is an Australian trained ENT surgeon with international experience. His areas of interest are paediatrics, nose and sinus disease, and providing access to … View Profile

    This is called Phantosmia which is a type of Parosmia. You need specialist ENT review urgently. 
    www.entspecialists.com.au

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