Olfactory hallucination, otherwise known as "phantosmia", makes a person detect certain smells that are not actually in their current environment. Research has found that this disorder typically impacts women more than men, with a first episode generally occurring between the ages of 15 and 30.
It is a real disease despite many people thinking it merely comes from "attention seekers" or those who are over-sensitive. After all, how can a smell be there if not everyone can smell it, right?
"Phantosmia" (Creepypasta) https://t.co/rzgPFOHaoP via @YouTube
— Gonatan Gordan Freem (@GordanFreem) August 19, 2018
The phantosmia smells vary from person to person, so there is no rhyme or reason to it. A person can smell something amazing and enjoyable such as cookies or something utterly foul such as sewage. Those suffering from the condition say that olfactory hallucinations can come and go, but some people who have the disease have shared that the distinct smell may follow them around.
But what can cause someone to have this disorder? Phantosmia generally occurs after a person has suffered a serve head injury but can also be the result of a serious upper repertory infection. It can also be an indication that a person is going to experience a seizure, which is a good thing, as it becomes a warning sign and that can be life-saving. Although not all patients suffer from it, many had recalled detecting a distinct odor right before their seizure occurred. Those who have Parkinson's' disease, brain tumors and sinus infections may also experience olfactory hallucinations. If a person has been diagnosed with any of the above and feels they are suffering from the hallucinations, it is imperative that they see a doctor.
For the last couple of weeks I have been experiencing phantosmia. I can smell something akin to freshly baked bread. This may sound like a pleasant experience, certainly it could be worse, but it sure does make me hungry.
— Paul Potiki (@GuanoLad) August 25, 2018
Phantosmia can be hard to detect if you are not suffering from any of the above conditions. Therefore, if you seem to be sensing a smell that other people can't seem to place, you should consult your doctor. The olfactory hallucinations don’t always mean there is a severe medical problem, but there could be an underlying reason for the disorder so the symptoms should never be ignored.
The next time someone tells you they smell something you don't smell, do not brush them off especially if it is happening on a regular basis! It might seem like a funny condition, but it can be dire if not treated.
NEXT: MILLENNIAL USERS ARE TURNING TO SELF-CARE APPS FOR STRESS RELIEF
