Smelling syrup when there is none around is an unusual experience that can have different meanings. Here are some quick answers about what it may signify if you catch a whiff of syrup out of nowhere:
Phantosmia
Smelling syrup without a source could be a sign of phantosmia. Phantosmia refers to phantom smells or olfactory hallucinations, which make you perceive smells that aren’t really present. Smelling syrup is a common phantom smell that people experience with phantosmia.
Neurological conditions
Phantosmia can sometimes result from neurological conditions. Smelling syrup may indicate potential issues like:
- Seizures
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Brain tumors
- Stroke
Consult a doctor if syrup smells accompany other symptoms related to these conditions.
Respiratory infections
Upper respiratory infections like sinusitis or the common cold can also cause phantosmia. Mucus congestion from the infection may reach the olfactory nerves or olfactory bulb, the parts of the brain responsible for processing smells. This may scramble smell signals, making you smell things that aren’t there, like syrup.
Exposure to chemicals
Smelling syrup could potentially indicate exposure to chemicals that are harmful or affect the nasal passages. This includes:
- Cleaning products or solvents
- Insecticides or pesticides
- Paint fumes
- Industrial chemicals and gases
- Cigarette smoke
These can temporarily damage olfactory receptors and cause phantosmia. See a doctor if exposure may be related.
Medications
Some medications are linked to phantosmia as a side effect. Examples of medicines that may cause syrup smells include:
- Antibiotics
- NSAIDs
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Anti-seizure medications
Contact your doctor if you notice syrup smells after starting a new medication.
Nasal and sinus conditions
Issues with the nasal cavities and sinuses can disrupt smell and cause phantosmia. Potential causes associated with smelling syrup include:
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated septum
- Nasal tumors
- Chronic rhinitis
- Mechanical trauma to the nose
See an ENT specialist if an exam rules out other causes.
Dental issues
Dental problems that affect the sinuses, such as abscesses, may also lead to phantosmia. A dentist can determine if dental-related causes are behind smelling syrup.
Temporal lobe seizures
The temporal lobe of the brain controls smell and taste. Temporal lobe seizures arising deep in the brain can activate the olfactory system, producing scents like syrup. These focal seizures are usually brief. Get evaluated if smells occur with other symptoms.
Head injury
Head trauma from events like car accidents, falls, or sports injuries can damage parts of the brain involved in smell processing. This may cause phantosmia. See a doctor after a blow to the head resulting in odd smells.
Zinc deficiency
Zinc is an essential mineral that supports immune function, cell growth, wound healing, and smell/taste. Zinc deficiency can impair taste and smell, potentially leading to phantosmia. Supplementing with zinc may help if levels are low.
Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A supports sinus health, smell, and taste. Low vitamin A levels may contribute to phantosmia symptoms. Correcting vitamin A deficiency can alleviate unusual smell issues.
Migraines
Migraine phases can involve neurological disturbances that hit smell processing. Smelling syrup during migraines could signal an episode arising. Track if phantosmia coincides with migraine onset.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy affects electrical signaling in the brain and can spark phantosmia during focal seizures. Epileptics experiencing syrup smells with other symptoms should mention it to their neurologist.
Early COVID-19
Studies show losing smell (anosmia) is a major COVID-19 symptom. But early in the infection, some people experience parosmia – smell distortions that make things smell different. Smelling syrup could signal mild COVID before full anosmia sets in.
Pregnancy
Hormonal fluctuations in pregnancy can affect smell and taste. Smell distortions like phantosmia are possible, especially in the first trimester. Symptoms should resolve after delivery.
Olfactory reference syndrome
With olfactory reference syndrome (ORS), people incorrectly believe they emit foul odors and become preoccupied with trying to mask scents. They may interpret smells like syrup as their imagined bad odor. Mental health treatment helps address the obsessive thoughts.
Schizophrenia
Smelling syrup with no source could point to psychosis in schizophrenia. Phantosmia occurs in about 15-30% of schizophrenics. See a psychiatrist if syrup smells accompany hallucinations or delusions.
Depression
Depression can modify perceptions of smell and taste. Antidepressants may also contribute to phantosmia as a side effect. See a doctor or therapist if syrup smells occur with other depressive symptoms.
Anxiety
Anxiety doesn’t directly cause phantosmia, but stress and anxiety may make people hyper-focus on smells. Counseling and anti-anxiety strategies can help manage obsessive sniffing behaviors.
Post-COVID smell distortions
After COVID illness, smell may return warped or decreased. Post-COVID dysosmia involves smell distortions that could make you detect phantom syrup scents during recovery.
Lewy body dementia
This progressive dementia can cause phantosmia early on. See a neurologist if smelling syrup accompanies dementia symptoms like confusion, memory loss, and motor problems.
When to see a doctor
Consult a doctor if smelling syrup:
- Happens frequently or persists over two weeks
- Occurs with other neurological symptoms
- Impacts your appetite or eating
- Stems from an injury or illness
- Is severely distracting or concerning
Seek emergency care for phantom smells if they:
- Happen with a head injury
- Occur with seizures
- Coincide with vision loss or weakness
Prompt evaluation can determine if phantosmia results from underlying illness requiring treatment.
When it’s not concerning
In some cases,brief phantom syrup smells are not necessarily worrying and resolve on their own, like when they:
- Only last a short time
- Are triggered by sinus congestion or infection
- Occur right before or during a migraine
- Happen in times of fatigue or stress
- Are linked to pregnancy hormones
But if syrup smells are persistent or concerning, seek medical advice.
Tests for phantosmia
To diagnose causes of smelling syrup, doctors may perform:
- Bloodwork to check for underlying conditions
- Neurological exam of cranial nerves
- Brain MRI to visualize brain structure
- EEG for brain wave patterns
- CT scan of the head
- Testing of odor perception and identification
- Nasal endoscopy to examine nasal passages
- Biopsy of nasal tissue
Based on results, the doctor can pinpoint any relevant illness behind phantom syrup smells.
Medical treatment
Treating underlying causes can help resolve phantosmia and symptoms of smelling syrup, which may involve:
- Medications like anti-seizure drugs, antibiotics, or antidepressants
- Surgery to remove nasal obstructions or dental issues
- Correcting vitamin or nutrient deficiencies
- Neurological treatment for conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s
- Psychiatric treatment for mental illness
- Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
- Avoiding triggers like chemicals, perfumes, or pollution
If no treatable cause is found, doctors may recommend smell training to help retrain the olfactory system.
Home remedies
Some natural remedies may temporarily relieve phantosmia symptoms:
- Saline nasal rinses to flush out mucus
- Neti pot use
- Warm compresses over the sinus area
- Staying hydrated
- Zinc and vitamin A supplements
- Essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, and peppermint
- Sipping herbal tea
But pursue medical advice as well for long-lasting management of any underlying causes.
Prevention
You can take some proactive steps to help prevent phantom smells like syrup:
- Treat sinus infections promptly
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Limit chemical exposures that may impact smell
- Refrain from excessive antibiotic use
- Follow COVID-19 safety precautions like masking and vaccination
- Reduce stress levels through lifestyle changes
- Protect the head from injury
Overall, be attentive to any odd phantom smells and discuss with a doctor when appropriate.
When to be concerned
See a doctor promptly if smelling syrup comes with these red flags:
- Occurs repeatedly or persists over two weeks
- Happens simultaneously with neurological symptoms like headache, weakness, or confusion
- Stems from a head injury or trauma
- Is significantly impacting appetite, nutrition, or quality of life
- Coincides with seizures or convulsions
- Accompanies vision problems or loss of consciousness
Rapid medical evaluation can identify potentially serious neurological conditions requiring urgent treatment.
Key takeaways
Key points about smelling syrup:
- Phantosmia causes smelling syrup without a source
- It can stem from neurological illness, medications, nasal issues, dental problems, and deficiencies
- See a doctor for evaluation if smelling syrup is severe, persistent, or worrisome
- Treatment focuses on diagnosing and managing underlying causes
- Prevention aims to reduce triggers and maintain health
- Prompt medical attention is key if syrup smells signal serious conditions
While smelling syrup is unnerving, identifying causes through medical assessment can help guide appropriate treatment and management.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I randomly smell syrup?
Randomly smelling syrup without any source is likely phantosmia. Potential causes include neurological conditions, infections, medications, nasal/dental issues, nutritional deficiencies, and illnesses like COVID-19.
Is smelling syrup a sign of diabetes?
No, diabetes is not considered a direct cause of smelling syrup. However, high blood sugar levels in uncontrolled diabetes can potentially damage nerves involved in smell over time, possibly leading to phantom smells.
Can anxiety cause you to smell syrup?
Anxiety doesn’t directly make you smell syrup, but chronic stress may cause hypersensitivity to odors. Anxiety could potentially make you focus obsessively on any odd smells you encounter.
What vitamins help with phantom smells?
Vitamin A and zinc support a healthy sense of smell, so deficiencies in these nutrients may contribute to phantosmia. Taking supplements may help reduce odd smells if low levels are the cause.
When should you be concerned about phantom smells?
See a doctor promptly if phantom syrup smells persist, occur with other neurological symptoms, significantly disrupt your quality of life, or could signal a severe health issue like a brain tumor, stroke, or head injury.
The bottom line
Smelling syrup without a source can stem from various neurological, physiological, and psychological causes. While brief phantom smells are not always a major concern, persistent or severe symptoms should prompt medical evaluation to identify and manage any underlying conditions.