Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor must I consult for Phantosmia?

You should consult a family physician who will take your medical history and based on the symptoms will recommend you to a specialist ENT doctor, an otolaryngologist.

2. Is it common to experience Phantom smells?

Experiencing phantom smells is a rare condition that accounts for 0.8%–25% of the population.

3. Does Phantosmia predict Parkinson’s disease?

No, phantosmia is a symptom and does not predict Parkinson’s disease. There are numerous causes of phantosmia. Parkinson’s disease is only one of them.

4. Is Phantosmia a genetic disease?

Recent research has linked the presence of the BDNF met allele with phantosmia. The BDNF gene controls the development and function of nerves and nerve signaling.

5. What is Idiopathic Phantosmia?

Idiopathic phantosmia are symptoms that are present for nearly 5 years and then spontaneously cease to exist.

6. Does smelling smoke indicate a stroke?

No, smelling smoke does not indicate a stroke. Phantosmia is a rare condition where you experience undesired odors, one of them is to smell smoke.

7. How can you be free of Phantosmia?

If you anesthetize the olfactory neurons or surgically remove or disconnect the connection between the nerves and the olfactory bulb, you will stop sensing the perceived odors.

Published on Oct 11, 2018
Last Updated on Oct 15, 2018