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What Causes Unexplained Burning Smell In The Nostrils?
Question: I keep smelling a fire or burned matches. Not my breath. It's getting stronger.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
That abnormal smelling sensation you describe is called parosmia. Parosmia can have different causes. The most common one are issues with the nasal or oral cavity, usually infections like sinusitis, rhinitis or tooth infections. So the first step in identifying the cause would be to have an inspection by your primary physician or an ENT (ear nose throat) specialist.
If that doesn't reveal any issues then among other causes to be investigated are neurological ones. At times some brain tumors compressing the olfactory (smelling) nerve may present in such a way. Rarely there are some types of epileptic seizures related to brain lesions at the temporal lobe which may manifest with bad smelling episodes (but in your case you say it to be constant so less likely). So eventually if no ENT issues a brain MRI may be necessary.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
That abnormal smelling sensation you describe is called parosmia. Parosmia can have different causes. The most common one are issues with the nasal or oral cavity, usually infections like sinusitis, rhinitis or tooth infections. So the first step in identifying the cause would be to have an inspection by your primary physician or an ENT (ear nose throat) specialist.
If that doesn't reveal any issues then among other causes to be investigated are neurological ones. At times some brain tumors compressing the olfactory (smelling) nerve may present in such a way. Rarely there are some types of epileptic seizures related to brain lesions at the temporal lobe which may manifest with bad smelling episodes (but in your case you say it to be constant so less likely). So eventually if no ENT issues a brain MRI may be necessary.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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