Phantasmia or olfactory hallucination means smelling imaginary odors that are not actually present. Most often, phantosmia occurs due to mild problems that are not of great concern, and relief occurs over time. However, in rare cases, a serious medical condition such as a brain tumor or stroke may be the cause that requires urgent medical attention. Different types of odors can be experienced in phantosmia cases. Some examples are a rotten smell, the smell of something burning, a chemical smell, a metallic smell, etc. The smell can be in one nostril or in both nostrils. The odor may be persistent or occasional and varies from case to case. There are two types, namely peripheral phantosmia and central phantosmia. When the causes are related to nasal conditions, it is known as peripheral phantosmia. When the causes are related to brain disorders, it is called central phantosmia.
Phantosmia can have several causes, such as sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis and COVID-19. Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (air-filled spaces surrounding the nasal passages). Nasal polyps refer to benign, i.e. non-cancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nose or paranasal sinuses. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, indicates an overreaction of the immune system to an allergen such as dust mites, pollen, etc., resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy, watery and red eyes. COVID – 19 refers to a highly contagious disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Other causes include migraines, dental problems, schizophrenia and depression. Migraine refers to a one-sided headache that is of the throbbing type and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Schizophrenia refers to a mental illness characterized by hallucinations and delusions, which also affects thinking, emotions and behavior. It can also occur after a head injury. Brain tumors, seizures (a medical condition resulting from uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain), Parkinson’s disease (a nervous system disorder that begins with shaking of the hands at rest, followed by other symptoms including slow movements, abnormal gait, stooped posture, slurred speech, etc.) can also lead to phantosmia. A stroke can also be a reason for phantosmia. It is a medical emergency in which interrupted oxygen supply to the brain causes the death of brain cells. In addition to the above medical reasons, phantosmia can occur as part of aging, due to smoking and also due to the use of certain medications.
Homeopathic treatment
The homeopathic method of treatment is very effective in controlling cases of smelling imaginary odors (phantosmia). In this mode, natural medicines are used to control phantosmia. These drugs are completely safe to use and have no side effects as they are prepared from naturally occurring substances. Homeopathic medicines provide gradual relief by addressing the underlying cause. Homeopathic medicines are selected individually for each individual case after a detailed case evaluation. So one should take homeopathic medicines under the supervision of a homeopath and avoid self-medication. In cases where a serious cause is related to phantosmia such as brain tumor, stroke etc., one should seek help from the conventional method of treatment as homeopathy has limitations in treating such severe cases.
Homeopathic medicines for relief from imaginary odors
1. Phosphorus – For imaginary bad odors
Phosphorus is an important medicine for treating cases of imaginary bad odors. In cases where this is necessary, there is long-term inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Nasal discharge alternates with nasal congestion. The discharge is greenish-yellow and may sometimes be blood-stained. There may be incessant sneezing, which can lead to headaches. In cases where this is necessary, nasal polyps may be present that bleed easily.
2. Graphites – for a bad smell like something is burning
This medicine is very effective in treating cases where a person experiences a bad smell, as if something has been burned. The person is suffering from cold with the discharge of thick, yellow mucus from the nose. An offensive, pus-like discharge may occur. There is congestion of the nose along with runny nose. Crusts may be present in the nostrils. Pain may occur in the nostrils, especially when blowing the nose.
3. Anacardium Orientale – For burnt smell in the morning
This medicine is also recommended if there is an imaginary smell of something burnt. The condition is worse in the morning when getting up. A runny nose with sneezing may be present. Tears may come from the eyes. The nostrils are painful. In addition to the above, this medicine is also indicated for the treatment of cases of perverse odor.
4. Arsenic Album – For a bad, offensive odor to the nose
Arsenic Album is a very useful medicine for controlling bad, offensive nasal odors. In addition, there may be excessive discharge from the nose. The nose feels stuffy, even with a watery runny nose. Frequent sneezing occurs. A burning sensation is felt in the nose. Itching is also felt in the nostrils. There is excessive weakness in addition to the above complaints.
5. Sepia – For the stinky smell of rotten eggs
This medicine is indicated for the treatment of cases where a foul-smelling odor develops, such as that of rotten eggs. There may be prolonged nasal discharge. Thick green discharge from the nose is prominent. In some cases, foul-smelling crusts are discharged from the nose. There may be post-nasal discharge (PND), which means mucus dripping from the back of the nose into the throat. This discharge is lumpy. Pressive pain at the root of the nose accompanies the above complaints.
6. Pulsatilla – For a foul odor such as old nasal discharge
Pulsatilla is yet another medicine to combat imaginary bad odors. The smell feels like that of an old runny nose. Thick yellow-green nasal discharge flows, which is characteristic of the use of this medicine. There is more drainage indoors, but lighting in the open air. The sinus lining is inflamed (sinusitis). The nose feels swollen. Itching is felt in the nostrils in the evening.
7. Veratrum Album – To control imaginary smoke odor
Veratrum Album is of great use in cases where a person experiences an imaginary smoke smell. It is accompanied by frequent sneezing. The nose feels dry and the tip of the nose feels ice cold.
8. Senega – For imaginary smell like pus
Senega is an important medicine to help cases of imaginary odors with an odor like pus. In addition, there is violent and continuous sneezing. The head feels heavy. Abundant thin watery fluid flows from the nose. A sensation of sniffing pepper is felt before the onset of a watery runny nose.
9. Psorinum – For controlling imaginary blood odor
Psorinum is a useful medicine for an imaginary blood odor. There is a burning sensation in the nose, followed by a thin runny nose. Mucus may drip from the nose into the back of the throat (post-nasal drip). This disrupts sleep at night. The mucus can dry up in the nose, which is difficult to remove.