Experiencing a phantom smell, such as the distinct aroma of cinnamon when no actual source is present, can be a puzzling and sometimes unsettling phenomenon. This perception is medically known as phantosmia, or an olfactory hallucination. While phantom smells are relatively common and often resolve on their own, they can occasionally indicate an underlying medical condition.
Identifying the Source: Real or Phantom?
Before considering medical causes, it is helpful to determine if the cinnamon smell is truly phantom or if an overlooked environmental source exists. Common household items like scented candles, air fresheners, cleaning supplies, or even lingering cooking odors from previous meals can contribute to perceived smells. Olfactory fatigue occurs when prolonged exposure to a scent makes the brain stop registering it. After leaving and re-entering a scented environment, or after the actual source is removed, the brain might briefly perceive the smell again as it readjusts. Checking for these subtle environmental factors can often rule out simple explanations for the perceived scent.
Neurological and Olfactory System Causes
When the smell of cinnamon is truly phantom, the cause often lies within the neurological system or the olfactory pathways responsible for smell.
Issues within the sinuses and nasal passages are frequent contributors to phantom smells. Conditions such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or severe allergies can irritate or damage the olfactory nerves, causing phantom odors. Even a recovering cold or upper respiratory infection can temporarily affect the olfactory system.
Head trauma can impact the olfactory system. Injuries can cause direct damage to the olfactory bulb, the brain region that processes smell signals, or tear the olfactory nerve fibers as they pass through the skull.
Neurological conditions also account for phantom smell experiences. Migraines can be preceded or accompanied by olfactory hallucinations as part of their aura. Epilepsy, particularly temporal lobe seizures, is another known cause, where phantom smells can serve as an aura, signaling an impending seizure. These seizures originate in the temporal lobe, which includes the olfactory cortex, disrupting normal brain activity.
In rarer instances, a brain tumor located in areas associated with smell can cause phantom odors. While less common than loss of smell (anosmia), changes in smell perception, including phantom smells, can sometimes be an early symptom in the initial stages of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. In Parkinson’s, reduced smell perception (hyposmia) is very common and can appear years before motor symptoms. For Alzheimer’s, a declining sense of smell is an early indicator linked to brain changes.
Other Contributing Factors and Conditions
Beyond direct neurological or olfactory system issues, other factors can influence the perception of phantom smells. Certain medications can alter smell perception as a side effect. Some antibiotics, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications are known to potentially cause phantosmia.
Dental problems, such as severe tooth decay, gum disease, or dental infections, can sometimes lead to foul odors in the mouth that might be mistakenly perceived as phantom smells or indirectly affect the nasal cavity.
Systemic conditions affecting overall body chemistry can also play a role. Diabetes, for example, can lead to nerve damage, including those involved in smell, resulting in altered smell perception or phantom odors. While diabetic ketoacidosis typically produces a fruity breath odor, general olfactory dysfunction is more common in individuals with diabetes. Chronic kidney disease can also affect the sense of smell, with studies showing impaired odor identification in many patients, though this is more commonly a reduced sense of smell rather than phantom odors.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While occasional phantom smells may be benign, certain indicators warrant consultation with a healthcare professional. It is advisable to seek medical attention if the phantom cinnamon smell is persistent, does not resolve on its own, or becomes more frequent or intense over time.
Consult a doctor if the phantom smell is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These can include headaches, dizziness, vision changes, seizures, numbness, weakness, confusion, or noticeable personality changes.
If the phantom smell significantly interferes with daily life, affecting appetite, sleep, or overall well-being, seek medical advice. A sudden onset of phantom smells without a clear trigger should also prompt a medical evaluation. Starting with a primary care physician is a good first step, as they can conduct an initial assessment and refer to specialists, such as an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor or a neurologist, if needed.