Our sense of smell can alert us to potential dangers. Sometimes we smell things like burnt toast, for example, when we arenโt cooking toast. Learn what smells to be aware of and what they can actually potentially mean.
Burnt Toast
Many individuals who experience seizures can often predict an onset due to phantosmia. Temporal lobe seizures, in particular, commonly cause the sensation of smelling burnt toast, with this smell typically lasting only a few minutes.
Burning Rubber
Many people have admitted to smelling burnt rubber right before suffering an epileptic fit. Again, the temporal lobe issue can prompt phantom smells and the most common one in people with epilepsy is the smell of burnt rubber, almost as if a car tire was on fire.
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reddit
Cigarette Smoke
Smelling cigarette smoke when youโre not a smoker could be an early symptom of Parkinsonโs disease. This neurological disorder can cause a range of symptoms, with the phantom smell of cigarette smoke being one of the first indicators.
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A Chemical
Migraines can cause olfactory hallucinations, such as smelling chemicals when there are none present. This can be a symptom of a migraine with aura, a type of migraine that includes sensory disturbances.
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A Metallic Smell
People undergoing radiation therapy for cancer may experience phantosmia, often perceiving a metallic smell. This side effect is common in treatments for throat or brain cancer. While it can be annoying and unpleasant, the sensation usually lasts only a few minutes.
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Rotting
Sinus infections can sometimes lead to olfactory hallucinations, including the smell of rotting. Although this is a particularly unpleasant symptom, it is usually temporary and resolves once the infection is treated.
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reddit
A Stale Or Mouldy Smell
Neuroblastoma can cause a person to experience a stale or moldy smell intermittently. This type of cancer develops from immature nerve cells found throughout the body, most commonly arising around the adrenal glands or nerve cells located on top of the kidneys.
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reddit
Alcohol
People who experience random moments of smelling alcohol have been associated with conditions like anxiety, stress, or depression, or they may be vulnerable to mental health issues. This phenomenon appears more commonly among adults aged 21-50.
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Rotten food
A sign of dental problems can be the persistent smell of rotten food throughout the day, without a clear source. This could indicate a cavity that you might not be aware of. While not everyone has the ability to detect cavities like some might joke about, if you frequently notice the smell of rotting food, itโs advisable to get a dental check-up.
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reddit
Baked bread
When someone has diabetes, even before they are aware of it, they may experience random smells of baked bread, and their urine may emit a scent reminiscent of rotten apples. Itโs remarkable how our bodies can detect abnormalities before we consciously recognize them.
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Patchouli
Parkinsonโs disease can present unusual symptoms, including changes in body odor noted by loved ones. Recently, a woman described her husbandโs scent as โsort of woody and musky,โ as reported by the Telegraph. Diagnosing Parkinsonโs can be challenging, often occurring after significant loss of dopamine-producing brain cells targeted by the disease.
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reddit
The Smell Of A Goat
Researchers have found a peculiar link between the smell of goats and schizophrenia. More intriguingly, they discovered that the compound TMHA, present in this odor, might even be implicated as a potential cause of schizophrenia. This discovery could potentially lead to innovative treatment avenues for the condition.
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Freshly Baked Cookies
If someone has suffered a brain injury that potentially affected their nasal passages, they may lose their sense of taste and smell, similar to what some COVID-19 patients experience. Interestingly, they might occasionally experience phantom smells, such as whiffs of baked biscuits.
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Smoke
Strokes are indeed very serious, affecting approximately 795,000 Americans each year, with around 135,000 resulting in death. Researchers have noted an interesting observation that some individuals who have suffered a stroke reported smelling burning sensations not long before the incident occurred.
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Iron
Itโs intriguing that people of various ages and genders occasionally report smelling iron. Studies have noted a correlation where older individuals who later develop Alzheimerโs disease often reported regularly experiencing this smell of iron.
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pexels
Fish
Since the global lockdown in 2020 and the widespread incidence of COVID-19, there have been reports of individuals who lost their sense of taste and smell after contracting the virus. Some of these individuals also reported occasional episodes of smelling fish, particularly noticeable when cooking.
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pexels
Sewage
The main reason people experience the unpleasant smell of sewage is often due to an upper respiratory infection. This smell can be intermittent, coming and going, but it remains uncomfortable for the person affected. After all, nobody wants to experience the smell of sewage, anytime.
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Gas leak
A sign that you may be suffering from long COVID is the sensation of smelling gas, similar to detecting a gas leak nearby. Ongoing studies are still examining how the lingering effects of COVID-19, known as long COVID, can vary and affect individuals differently.
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Cheese
Anxiety can be incredibly frustrating to manage for many people, causing symptoms such as heart palpitations, restlessness, dizziness, and even phantom smells. Interestingly, individuals experiencing anxiety sometimes report smelling cheese, particularly shortly before an anxiety attack.
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pexels
Milky, musky smell
A bit unusual, but some clairalients (clairvoyants who perceive messages through smell) suggest that the milky, musky scent some people perceive could be a sign of communication from someone on the other side.
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pexels
Cilantro
Some individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 have reported experiencing phantom smells of cilantro, similar to how others perceive fish or gas leaks. Itโs evident that the virus can significantly impact peopleโs senses in unexpected ways.
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pexels
Sulfur
The smell of sulfur is often a precursor to a migraine for many sufferers. People who experience migraines often have an early warning system that signals an impending attack. Migraines can be debilitating, so itโs advisable to be in a comfortable environment like your home if you feel one coming on.
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pexels
Strong, floral scents
If you detect a floral scent without any external source like perfume or someone nearby wearing floral scents, it could be a lesser-known symptom of pregnancy in women. For men experiencing this phantom smell, it could potentially be a sign of nausea.
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Phantom smells explained
Around one in fifteen Americans experience phantom smells and more often than not, these odors are unpleasant. The good news is that phantom smells tend to decrease with age, especially in women. But why do people experience them? Weโve gone through potentially illnesses, but why else do people experience them?
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A sign of a spiritual presence
Some individuals believe that phantom smells could indicate a spiritual presence or a message from someone on the other side. This could be interpreted as a connection with a loved one who has passed away, or a message from someone close to a relative or friend.
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A sign of psychic ability
Some people interpret smelling toast or burnt toast not as a sign of illness, but as a sign of psychic ability. They believe it indicates heightened intuitive senses that can tune into the spiritual realm and potentially facilitate communication with those who have passed away.
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A sign of spiritual cleansing
Another interpretation of smelling burnt toast is that it symbolizes spiritual cleansing, suggesting that you may be undergoing or about to undergo a significant change or transition in your life. The scent of burnt toast can symbolize a process of letting go of the old to make way for new beginnings.
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pexels
A warning sign
The third and final interpretation of a phantom smell is that it serves as a warning sign. This could indicate a need to address something in your life that requires change or attention. Alternatively, it might warn of an impending danger or threat that you are about to encounter.
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pexels
Other possible causes for smelling burnt toast
In addition to temporal lobe seizures, people with Parkinsonโs disease, sinus infections, migraines, and certain types of ear infections can also experience the sensation of smelling burnt toast or other phantom smells. These olfactory hallucinations can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. If you frequently experience phantom smells, itโs important to consult with your doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
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reddit
DISCLAIMER
Itโs crucial to recognize that while we provide information based on available knowledge, it should not substitute professional medical advice. If anyone experiences unusual symptoms or changes, seeking medical help is always the best course of action to ensure proper evaluation and care. Safety and well-being should always be prioritized.
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If You Smell Any Of These In Your Home, Beware โ Rotten Egg
A rotten egg smell in your home, especially if itโs not related to cooking, can indicate a gas leak, typically natural gas. Itโs crucial to leave the house immediately and then contact the gas company right away to address the issue safely. Gas leaks can be hazardous, so swift action is essential for your safety and the safety of others in the vicinity.
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The Bathroom Smells Weird
While bathrooms have their typical smell, if you notice an unusually potent odor, it could indicate issues such as clogged pipes or sewage problems. Addressing these promptly can help prevent more significant plumbing issues and maintain a pleasant environment in your home.
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Your Basement Or Garage Is A Tad Musty
Spaces like basements and garages are often prone to becoming musty because theyโre less used and heated compared to the rest of the house. If you notice a strong musty smell, it could indicate the presence of mold. If the smell is intensifying over time, itโs a sign that the mold problem may be worsening and should be addressed promptly to prevent further issues.
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reddit
That Fishy Smell Ainโt Fish
If you detect a strong fishy smell in your home, especially unrelated to cooking fish, it could indicate a power outlet overheating. This issue is often caused by overloaded circuits or wiring problems and should be addressed promptly to avoid potential electrical hazards.
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You Can Smell Wet Dog โ But You Donโt Have A Dog
If you notice the smell of wet dog in your home despite having a clean and dry dog, it could be a sign of a rodent infestation. Rodents can emit a similar odor, and detecting it indoors without a plausible pet-related cause should prompt investigation for signs of pests.
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The smell of smoke could be one of many things
If you detect the smell of smoke in your home, the first step is to rule out the possibility of a home fire or someone smoking indoors. If neither of these is the case, a persistent smell of smoke that comes and goes could indicate a faulty wire inside the wall, potentially overheating or smoldering. Another possibility is that residual smoke odors from past smoking habits may linger and become noticeable over time.
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That โnew home smellโ isnโt a good thing
The โnew home smellโ often comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by new carpets, furniture, and paint. While it may initially seem pleasant, prolonged exposure to these chemicals can be harmful. Itโs a good practice to ventilate your home well by opening windows and airing out new items to reduce VOC levels and ensure a healthier indoor environment.
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A strange chemical odor
Any unusual chemical odor in your home, especially from your heating system, boiler, or furnace, should be taken seriously. It could indicate a malfunction that could potentially release carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can be dangerous. If you detect such odors, itโs crucial to evacuate the area immediately, ventilate the space, and call a professional to inspect and address the issue promptly to ensure your safety.
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A tangy metallic smell
A tangy metallic smell in your home, especially without a visible cause, can often indicate electrical burns or overheating of electrical equipment, including your furnace or other metal components. This smell should be taken seriously as it can indicate a potential fire risk or electrical hazard.
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pexels
A smell of burning dust
If you notice a dusty smell in your home, especially around items like radiators or wood-burning stoves, it could simply be due to a buildup of dust. Regular cleaning and dusting can help reduce these odors and are generally not a cause for concern beyond regular home maintenance.
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