A burning smell without a source can be a real hazard such as an overheating appliance or wiring, or phantom smells from sinus issues or migraines. Check for danger first.
Common causes
- Overheating appliance or wiring.
- Dust on a heater.
- Electrical problem in outlets.
- Cooking residue.
- Phantom smell (phantosmia).
Safety
Treat it as real. Check appliances, unplug devices and look for hot outlets.
Call 911
If you see smoke or can’t find the source.
Phantosmia
A burning smell with no source can be from sinus infection, migraine or a neurological problem.
See a doctor
If it persists.
Safety first
A burning smell can indicate a real fire hazard from overheated wiring, appliances, a hot motor or an overloaded outlet. Check the stove, toaster, outlets, power strips and electronics. If you smell gas (rotten eggs), leave and call the gas company or 911.
- The NFPA reports that US fire departments responded to roughly 350,000 home structure fires a year.
- Smoke alarms should be tested monthly.
- Electric burning smells often have a fishy or plastic edge from heated insulation.
When there is no source: phantosmia
Phantom smells of burning with no source are called phantosmia. Causes include sinus infection, migraine, head injury, COVID-19 smell changes, nasal polyps, seizures (temporal lobe), Parkinson disease and, rarely, brain tumors. Many cases fade on their own. See a doctor if it lasts more than a few weeks or comes with headaches, confusion or other neurological signs. An ENT specialist can perform a nasal endoscopy.
Safety first
A smell of burning inside a home, car or building may be a fire or electrical hazard. Leave, call 911 and do not investigate alone if there is smoke. In cars, burning smells can signal overheating brakes, oil leaks or electrical shorts.
When there is no source: phantosmia
Smelling burning with no cause is called phantosmia. Causes include sinus infections, migraine, head injury, COVID-19, seizures and rarely brain tumors. See a doctor if it persists.
Causes of phantom burning smell
Phantosmia affects about 1 in 15 Americans over age 40. Causes include nasal and sinus conditions, migraine, temporal lobe seizures, Parkinson’s disease, head trauma and COVID-19 infection. Burning smells are among the common phantom odors. Rarely, brain tumors cause it.
When to seek help
See an ENT if the smell persists beyond a few weeks, comes with headache, vision changes, confusion or seizure activity. Evaluation may include nasal endoscopy and MRI. Saline rinses can help. In the car or home, a real burning smell with smoke needs immediate action: leave the area and call emergency services. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Based on data from the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the National Fire Protection Association
