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Phantosmia or olfactory hallucination means smelling imaginary odors that are not present in reality. Most of the time, phantosmia occurs from mild problems that are not very worrisome, and relief sets in some time. However, in rare cases, a serious medical condition like brain tumour or stroke can be the cause that needs urgent medical attention. Different kind of smells may be experienced in phantosmia cases. Some examples include rotten smell, smell of something burning, chemical smell, metallic smell etc. The smell may occur in one nostril or both the nostrils. The smell may be persistent or occasional, varying from case to case. It is of two types i.e. peripheral phantosmia and central phantosmia. When the causes are associated with nose conditions, then it is known as peripheral phantosmia. When the causes are linked to brain conditions then it is referred to as central phantosmia.
Phantosmia can be due to different reasons like sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis and COVID–19. Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the para-nasal sinuses (air-filled spaces surrounding the nasal cavities). 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 like dust mite, pollen, etc. that results in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, stuffed nose, and itchy, watery and red eyes. COVID – 19 refers to a highly contagious disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. Other causes are migraine, dental problems, schizophrenia and depression. Migraine indicates one-sided headache which is throbbing type and is often attended with nausea and vomiting. Schizophrenia indicates a mental health condition characterized by hallucinations and delusions, and also affects thinking, emotions and behaviour. It may also occur after a head injury. Brain tumours, seizures (a medical condition arising from uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain), Parkinson’s disease (a nervous system disorder starting with tremoring of the hands at rest followed by other symptoms including slow movement, abnormal gait, stooped posture, slurred speech, etc) may also lead to phantosmia. Stroke can also be a reason of phantosmia. It is a medical emergency in which interrupted oxygen supply to the brain causes the death of brain cells. Besides the above medical reasons, phantosmia may occur as a part of aging, from smoking and also from the use of certain medicines.
Homeopathic Management
Homeopathic mode of treatment is very effective in managing cases of smelling imaginary odors (phantosmia). In this mode, natural medicines are used to manage phantosmia. These medicines are entirely safe to use with no side effects as these are prepared from naturally occurring substances. Homeopathic medicines gradually bring relief by targeting the root cause behind it. Homeopathic medicines are selected for every individual case separately after detailed case evaluation. So one must take homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopath and avoid self-medication. In cases where a serious cause is linked with phantosmia like brain tumor, stroke etc. one should take help from conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has limitations in treating such serious cases.
Homeopathic Medicines For Relief In Imaginary Odors
1. Phosphorus – For Imaginary Foul Smells
Phosphorus is a prominent medicine for managing cases having imaginary foul smells. In cases needing it, there is long-term inflammation of the nasal membrane. Nasal discharge alternates with nose blockage. The discharge is greenish-yellow and may be blood-stained at times. There may be incessant sneezing that may lead to headache. In cases needing it, nasal polyps may be present that tend to bleed easily.
2. Graphites – For Bad Smell Like Something Getting Burnt
This medicine is highly effective in managing cases where a person experiences bad smell like of something getting burnt. The person suffers from cold with the discharge of thick, yellow mucus from the nose. Offensive pus-like discharge may be noted. There is blockage of the nose along with nasal discharge. Crusts may be present in the nostrils. Pain may occur in the nostrils especially while blowing out the nose.
3. Anacardium Orientale – For Burnt Smell In Morning
This medicine is also suggested when there is an imaginary odor of something burnt. The condition is worse in the morning on rising. Runny nose with sneezing may be present. There may be watering from the eyes. The nostrils are painful. Besides the above, this medicine is also indicated to manage cases of perverted smell.
4. Arsenic Album – For Bad, Offensive Smell In front Of Nose
Arsenic Album is a very beneficial medicine for managing bad, offensive odor in front of the nose. Along with this, there may be profuse discharge from the nose. Nose feels blocked even with watery nasal discharge. Frequent sneezing occurs. Burning sensation is felt in the nose. Itching is also felt in the nostrils. There is excessive weakness along with the above complaints.
5. Sepia – For Fetid Smell Like Rotten Eggs
This medicine is indicated for managing cases who feel a fetid smell like that of rotten eggs. Long-term nasal discharge may be experienced. Thick green discharge from the nose is prominent. Foul-smelling crusts get discharged from the nose in some cases. There may be post nasal discharge (PND) means the dripping of mucus from the back of the nose into the throat. This discharge is lumpy. Pressive type of pain at the root of the nose accompanies the above complaints.
6. Pulsatilla – For Foul Smell Like Of Old Nasal Discharge
Pulsatilla is yet another medicine to manage imaginary foul smells. The smell feels like that of an old nasal discharge in the nose. Thick yellowish-green nasal discharge flows which is a characteristic feature for the use of this medicine. There is more discharge indoors, but relief in 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 Manage Imaginary Smell Of Smoke
Veratrum Album is of great use in cases where a person experiences imaginary smell of smoke. It is accompanied by frequent sneezing. The nose feels dry and the tip of the nose feels icy cold.
8. Senega – For Imaginary Odor Like Pus
Senega is an important medicine to help cases of imaginary odors with smell like pus. Along with this, there is violent and continuous sneezing. The head feels heavy. Profuse thin watery fluid flows from the nose. A feeling of sniffing pepper is felt before the onset of watery nasal discharge.
9. Psorinum – For Managing Imaginary Smell Of Blood
Psorinum is a helpful medicine when there is an imaginary smell of blood. There is burning sensation in the nose followed by thin nasal discharge. There may be dripping of mucus from the nose into the back of throat (post nasal dripping). This disturbs sleep at night. The mucus may dry up in the nose which is difficult to expel.
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