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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Smell Of Burning Rubber And Headache?

I keep smelling burning rubber, but there is no apparent cause and no-one else can smell it. it may sound silly, but this usually preceeds a bad headache. What could this be? I am 31 years' old. I am overweight,but have recently lost 20 kilos and started a running program.
Mon, 21 Jul 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

The symptoms as mentioned in your post suggest that you might be having Dysosmia.

It can be due to:
1. Your olfactory system (deals with the sensation of smell) is appreciating an odour when it is not present in the environment.
2. Your olfactory system has become more sensitive to an odour that doesn't bother other people.

The causes of altered smell can be attributed to:
1. Common cold or sinus infection- seems to be the probable cause as it is associated with headache.
2. Exposure to certain chemical
3. Some medications like metronidazole
4. Poor oral hygiene
5. Migraine
6. Depression, anxiety, etc.

A proper examination of the nose & throat will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis.
So, it will be better to consult an ENT specialist & get a proper physical examination done.
So that appropriate management steps could be taken.

There is nothing to worry, you will be fine.
Wishing you a Good Health.
Take care.
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What Causes Smell Of Burning Rubber And Headache?

Hello dear, The symptoms as mentioned in your post suggest that you might be having Dysosmia. It can be due to: 1. Your olfactory system (deals with the sensation of smell) is appreciating an odour when it is not present in the environment. 2. Your olfactory system has become more sensitive to an odour that doesn t bother other people. The causes of altered smell can be attributed to: 1. Common cold or sinus infection- seems to be the probable cause as it is associated with headache. 2. Exposure to certain chemical 3. Some medications like metronidazole 4. Poor oral hygiene 5. Migraine 6. Depression, anxiety, etc. A proper examination of the nose & throat will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. So, it will be better to consult an ENT specialist & get a proper physical examination done. So that appropriate management steps could be taken. There is nothing to worry, you will be fine. Wishing you a Good Health. Take care.