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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes One To Get Smell Of Chemicals?

For about seven weeks, I have often been smelling chemical smells, initially like a mixture of acetylene, parafin/kerosene fumes, gas fumes, and similar, and some others. Occasionally there were hints of acetone - leading me to worry about diabetes. Sometimes, typically on waking, the smell similar to ashes, similar to the inside of a house with a firplace. On one of the first occasions, these (real or imaginary) smells were accompanied by a sickening headache. More recently, the acetone-like component of the smells is stronger and on the night before last, this was accompanied by stronger dizziness/skewed balance & nausea in the head (?) - this was after a reasonably large meal. In the last day or two I have also had aches (not pains) in my left arm, hand or/and fingers. The mystery smells seem to be associated with either how recently I ate or how full my stomach is. I associate the first occurrence with eating several bags of dried fruit (perhaps more than 600g) over two or three days. I am worried about diabetes, a digestive infection (though the smells differ from when I have had gastroenteritis), a sinus infection or something worse. Of course, I should visit a GP asap. However, what do you suspect?
Fri, 8 Jul 2022
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Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist 's  Response
Hi,

If its altered smell sensation which changes by time and food that you eat, can have any focus in nose or pharynx so getting yourself examined can serve the purpose. Don't eat till your satiety allows. steam inhalation can clean the mucosa and help.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Chirag Vaghela, Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
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What Causes One To Get Smell Of Chemicals?

Hi, If its altered smell sensation which changes by time and food that you eat, can have any focus in nose or pharynx so getting yourself examined can serve the purpose. Don t eat till your satiety allows. steam inhalation can clean the mucosa and help. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Chirag Vaghela, Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist