What are olfactory hallucinations and how are they related to other sensory hallucinations?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Olfactory hallucinations, also known as phantosmia, occur when a person perceives smells that aren't actually present. These phantom odors can range from pleasant scents to unpleasant ones like smoke, burning, or rotting. Olfactory hallucinations are sometimes associated with schizophrenia and often occur alongside other sensory hallucinations, such as auditory or visual disturbances. They may also signal neurological conditions, migraines, seizures, or sinus issues.

Because phantom smells can point to a wide range of causes—from minor to serious—it's important not to guess. Understanding the possible reasons behind your symptoms is the first step toward getting the right care. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to help clarify what may be going on and guide your next steps confidently.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing your smell hallucinations Find out if olfactory hallucinations need care Discover whether phantom smells signal something serious See OTC options for smell-related symptoms Find a doctor for smell disorders Understand home remedies for olfactory hallucinations Take a symptom check for phantom smells

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Explanation

Olfactory hallucinations mean smelling something that isn't actually there. This can be confusing and sometimes scary. People with certain conditions, like schizophrenia, might experience olfactory hallucinations along with other types of hallucinations, such as hearing or seeing things that aren't real.

Key Points:

Olfactory Hallucinations: These involve smelling odors that do not exist in the environment. They are less common than visual or auditory hallucinations.
Connection to Other Hallucinations: In some mental health conditions, like schizophrenia, olfactory hallucinations can occur alongside visual and auditory hallucinations.
Research Insights:

Studies show that people with schizophrenia might find it hard to identify real smells, and they might have olfactory hallucinations as part of their symptoms.
Olfactory hallucinations can affect daily life and may be a sign of a mental health condition.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to reach out for help. You can start by taking a free symptom checker test to better understand what you might be experiencing. For mental health support, visit 988lifeline.org.

(References)

Wehling E, Bless JJ, Hirnstein M, Kråkvik B, Vedul-Kjelsås E, Hugdahl K, et al. (2021). Olfactory hallucinations in a population-based sample. Psychiatry research, 34391204.
Kopala LC, Good KP, & Honer WG. (1994). Olfactory hallucinations and olfactory identification ability in .... Schizophrenia research, 8054312.
Stevenson RJ, Langdon R, & McGuire J. (2011). Olfactory hallucinations in schizophrenia and .... Psychiatry research, 20727597.

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