Smelling something burning when there is no actual source can be a sign of a condition called phantosmia , which is an olfactory hallucination where a person perceives smells that aren't present in the environment
. Common phantom smells include burning, smoke, or burnt toast.
Possible causes of smelling something burning without a real source:
- Nasal or sinus issues: Chronic sinus infections or damage to the olfactory nerves or olfactory bulb can cause phantom burning smells
- Neurological conditions: Phantosmia can be linked to migraines, strokes, brain tumors, schizophrenia, or head injuries
- Upper respiratory infections or allergies: These can also trigger phantosmia temporarily
- Medications and aging: Certain drugs and age-related changes may contribute to phantom smells
When smelling something burning is a sign of danger:
- Electrical burning smell in a home: This can indicate an overloaded circuit, faulty wiring, worn-out wires, or malfunctioning electrical appliances, which pose a fire hazard and require immediate attention from an electrician
- Stroke: While smelling burnt toast or burning smells is not a classic or typical sign of stroke, changes in the sense of smell can occur after a stroke and may affect olfactory perception
Summary
- If you smell burning but no fire or smoke is present, it could be due to phantosmia caused by nasal, neurological, or other medical issues
- If the burning smell is from an electrical source (wiring, appliances), it is a serious safety concern requiring urgent action
- Persistent or recurrent phantom burning smells warrant medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions, including neurological problems
If you experience this symptom, especially if it is new or persistent, consulting a healthcare professional is advised to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
