Phantosmia

Excerpt

Phantosmia is a qualitative olfactory disorder wherein an odorant is perceived in the absence of an identifiable stimulus. Phantosmia differs from the closely related qualitative olfactory disorder, parosmia, wherein an erroneous odorant is perceived in response to an identifiable stimulus. Phantosmia has other names, including olfactory hallucinations or phantom odors. Olfactory disorders are often classified as either conductive or sensorineural. Conductive olfactory dysfunction involves obstruction of an odorant from interacting with the olfactory mucosa. Sensorineural dysfunction results from impaired transmission or processing of olfactory stimuli.

Additionally, classifications such as central and peripheral have been used to describe phantosmia. Peripheral causes of phantosmia are thought to arise from disruption and alteration of the olfactory mucosa and sensory receptors, whereas central phantosmia is believed to originate from aberrant central integration and interpretation. Moreover, phantosmia can adversely affect a patient's quality of life. The sense of smell is a critical component of the enjoyment of life and is intimately involved with taste, social life, and the ability to perceive potential environmental dangers.