Warning issued to people who often smell things that aren't there

If you can smell something that definitely isn't there, it could be a sign of health issues, so don't write it off as nothing.

There are all sorts of things we can't explain but you should be able to trust the evidence of your senses if they're working clearly, and if something is wrong with them it's a matter not worth ignoring.

You ought to be able to trust your nose to guide you properly, and but there might be times when you smell something that simply isn't there.

It might send you doolally trying to figure out exactly what the smell is, but you might want to consider the idea that your sense of smell is deceiving you.

There are times when people can detect non-existent smells and it's a possible health warning.

"Can't you smell that?" "No." (Getty Stock Photo)

What does smelling non-existent smells mean?

If you're smelling things that aren't there then it could be a warning sign that something is wrong.

It's known as phantosmia, otherwise known as 'olfactory hallucinations'.

Just as hallucinations have you seeing things that aren't there, phantosmia is smelling things that aren't there.

While doctors are not entirely sure as to the concrete causes of phantosmia, studies have linked it with the likes of traumatic brain injury, brain tumours, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, sinusitis and a number of other serious conditions.

Diagnosing phantosmia can involve describing your experiences to a doctor as they try to rule out possible causes in order to narrow down the root of the phantom scent.

That nose doesn't seem real, and frankly we have doubts about the flower. (Getty Stock Photo)

What smells can phantosmia conjure up?

One of the most common smells is burnt toast, which some people have mistaken as a common symptom of a stroke.

Strong and unpleasant scents such as burning rubber, rotten food, cigarette smoke and chemicals are also among those which people have claimed to detect even with no source.

While it's been linked to strokes in some anecdotal cases, it's not considered to be a clear sign.

Burnt toast is one of the most common phantom smells. (Getty Stock Photo)

Should I be worried about smells that aren't there?

Normally, phantosmia is not a major cause for concern and will move along by itself, but if it's a persistent stench that keeps returning with no obvious source, then getting in touch with a doctor is the right move.

People with Long Covid have previously reported the phantom smell of burnt toast, along with other strong pongs such as fish.

As for the health risks of actual burnt toast, experts have warned that eating it can slightly increase your risk of getting cancer.

Meanwhile, other researchers have warned that the charred particles from burnt toast might even be as harmful as traffic fumes.

Remember, if things are out of the ordinary then you'd better get in touch with a doctor and make sure it's nothing to worry about.