Smelling burned toast does not indicate anything medical. But if you’re smelling something that isn’t there, there may be an underlying cause.
Phantosmia is a condition that causes you to smell things that aren’t there. It’s also called olfactory hallucination. The smells may always be present, or may come and go. They may be temporary or last for a long time.
Smelling smoky or burning smells — including burnt toast — is a common type of phantosmia. While smelling burnt toast in particular is not diagnostic, smelling something that isn’t there can be a sign of a more serious condition. However, there are many potential causes of smelling burnt toast.
If you smell burnt toast when there’s no toast burning nearby, see a doctor so they can rule out any serious conditions.
It’s not fully understood why some people smell things that aren’t there, such as burning toast. Research suggests that phantom smells can be caused by issues in the nose or in the brain.
Issues that begin in the nose, either in the olfactory nerves in the nose itself or in the olfactory bulb just above the nose, account for 52 to 72 percent of phantom smells.
Smelling burnt toast can also be a sign of a medical condition, including some serious conditions. Potential causes include:
Chronic sinus infections can disturb your olfactory system and cause phantosmia that lasts a long time. Even just one infection can temporarily damage the olfactory system and cause you to smell things like burnt toast.
Phantom smells are an uncommon type of migraine aura, which is a sensory disturbance just before a migraine happens. These olfactory hallucinations happen just before or during a migraine, and will usually last around 5 minutes to an hour.
Congestion from allergies can temporarily damage your olfactory system and cause you to smell things that aren’t there, like burnt toast. Antihistamines can usually relieve congestion and improve the issue.
Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths on the inside of your nose. They’re usually caused by chronic inflammation and are one of the most common causes of issues with your sense of smell. This is because they can damage your olfactory system.
Damage to the olfactory system after an infection is a common cause of phantosmia. This is usually temporary, but can continue for long after the infection has gone away, as the damage heals.
Neurotoxins are chemicals that are toxic to your nervous system. Long-term exposure to neurotoxins can alter your sense of smell. Metals like lead, nickel, and mercury are most likely to cause you to smell odors like burnt toast. Other chemicals such as chemical solvents may also cause phantosmia, but the link is less clear.
Phantosmia refers to detecting smells that aren’t really there. It’s a symptom of many common conditions, including allergies, colds and upper respiratory infections. It could also indicate a brain-related condition, including epilepsy, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease.
Radiation treatment for throat or brain cancer
Radiation treatment can damage healthy cells near the cancer cells it targets. Because of this, radiation for throat or brain cancer can lead to changes in smell. These changes are usually temporary and go away within several months after completing treatment.
Is smelling burnt toast a sign of a stroke?
There’s no evidence that suggests phantosmia is a sign of a stroke.
However, it’s important to be aware of the warnings signs of a stroke so that you can take quick action if one occurs. Fast action improves the odds of recovering fully after a stroke.
Stroke symptoms come on suddenly, without warning. A simple “FAST” test can help you recognize a stroke in yourself or others:
- Face. Ask the person to smile. Look for signs of drooping on one side of the face.
- Arms. Ask the person to raise their arms. Look for a downward drift in one arm.
- Speech. Ask the person to repeat a phrase without slurring. For example, you could have them say “The early bird catches the worm.”
- Time. Waste no time. Immediately call your local emergency services if you or someone you know shows signs of a stroke.
Why Urine Smells Like Burnt Popcorn? – Solutions by Dr.Berg
FAQ
Why do I smell burnt popcorn when there is none?
Why does my house suddenly smell like popcorn?
What does the smell of popcorn mean?
Should I be worried if I smell burning?
What does it mean if you smell burned toast?
Smelling burned toast does not indicate anything medical. But if you’re smelling something that isn’t there, there may be an underlying cause. Phantosmia is a condition that causes you to smell things that aren’t there. It’s also called olfactory hallucination. The smells may always be present, or may come and go.
Is popcorn considered unhealthy?
Popcorn is considered unhealthy when is cooked with sugar like honey. Popcorn alone and eaten in small servings is healthy. It should be part of a healthy lifestyle.
Why does my nose smell Burnt Toast?
Issues that begin in the nose, either in the olfactory nerves in the nose itself or in the olfactory bulb just above the nose, account for 52 to 72 percent of phantom smells. Smelling burnt toast can also be a sign of a medical condition, including some serious conditions.
Is smelling burnt toast a sign of phantosmia?
Smelling smoky or burning smells — including burnt toast — is a common type of phantosmia. While smelling burnt toast in particular is not diagnostic, smelling something that isn’t there can be a sign of a more serious condition. However, there are many potential causes of smelling burnt toast.