Quit Smoking But An Odor Lingers

[mrclose]

I just up and quit smoking after indulging in the nasty habit for fifty years!
(It has been a month now!)

The problem and my question can probably be answered only by former smokers?

There is an overwhelming presence of an odor that won't go away that seems to be originating in my nostrils?
(I am not talking about odors on clothes or other objects.)

The closest I can get to a description of the odor is it is like the smell of old, burnt and wet wood!
(Does that make sense?)

At night, when trying to fall asleep, the odor is so strong that it is almost suffocating!

It's almost like the room is filling with smoke and I have to start mouth breathing ... No Jokes Please! 

This 'odor' has taken away the true taste of any foods or beverages because as most folks know ... smell is a big part of taste.

I almost believe that a buildup of tar and nicotine in my nostrils from smoking over the years is responsible?
(Like the orange-yellowish gunk you get on clothes and walls)

You'd think that the odor would diminish but it seems to get stronger at times?

I DID stop smoking once before, about twenty years ago and never experienced this.
Don't get curious after you stop smoking and try a 'puff' for old times sake!

Smokers are like alcoholics, If you pick up a glass or cigarette after stopping, you will be back exactly where you left off!

Well anyway, I was wondering if anyone else has ever had this problem?

My 'other half' says ... "It's a brain tumor!"

 

[truth_seeker]

Instead of allowing your mind to go to this odor issue, why not instead focus on a great big, powerful resolve to be finished with the habit?

I get what you are stating, however. My wife complained that her house smelled from my smoking. She said walls and draperies were infused with smoke, stains, odor etc.

Try exercize, outdoor activites, etc. Double check your house and vehicles, and try to reduce any residual smoke there.

A book titled "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking" by Allen Carr is great, BTW.

It is totally different from any other method or philosophy.

He argues for visualizing your new self, as a non-smoker now.

[Restored]

I'd give it another month. If you smoked indoors, you are probably smelling your house. I would also schedule an aorta scan

[andy58-in-nh]

Your sense of smell and taste are both slowly returning, as the receptors in your nose and mouth are coming back to life. 

What you may be smelling may be external, internal or a combination of both. Smoke not only lingers on clothing and furniture, but can also get into the walls of your room.  Try to scrub them down and repaint. If you have a carpet or rug... replace it. 

You may also need to go to the dentist for a serious deep cleaning (sorry).

I only smoked cigarettes for about 10 years, and quit them for good back in 1996, but I remember being aware of a dramatic change my awareness of tastes and odors.   

[Frank Cannon]

Good place for a Stick-up?

! No longer available

[mrclose]

Does Anyone ever read an entire post?

This is NOT a residual problem.
Never smoked indoors and the odor is with me even in new clothes and in Church.

My other-half doesn't smell anything and has a very sensitive nose.

[Frank Cannon]

Does Anyone ever read an entire post?

And I didn't tell you where you needed to stick the Stick-up either.

[Sanguine]

Does Anyone ever read an entire post?

This is NOT a residual problem.
Never smoked indoors and the odor is with me even in new clothes and in Church.

My other-half doesn't smell anything and has a very sensitive nose.

Sounds like you may have a sinus infection.

[mystery-ak]

Your sense of smell and taste are both slowly returning, as the receptors in your nose and mouth are coming back to life. 

What you may be smelling may be external, internal or a combination of both. Smoke not only lingers on clothing and furniture, but can also get into the walls of your room.  Try to scrub them down and repaint. If you have a carpet or rug... replace it. 

You may also need to go to the dentist for a serious deep cleaning (sorry).

I only smoked cigarettes for about 10 years, and quit them for good back in 1996, but I remember being aware of a dramatic change my awareness of tastes and odors.

When I quit over 10yrs ago I repainted the whole house ceilings and walls...removed all the carpet for hardwood..even bought new furniture....no one is allowed to smoke in the house..I am not a reformed smoking nazi just don't want the smell in the house again.....I didn't realize until several months after I quit how bad my clothes [especially coats] smelled of smoke....

I am still tempted every day..even catch myself sometimes looking for my cigarette case or lighter at my desk..it is wonderful having this monkey off my back.

[WingNot]

Couple of fat rails every night for a week ought to get rid of the smell.  Course sleeping will be out of the question.  Call the guy who makes those pillows.  He went on a coke bindge.

[Sighlass]

Smoked for 20+ years, it was amazing the amount of smell one gains after quitting. But it comes with drawback, I now smell computers when I walk by them and think some wiring in the house is on fire. I sometimes smell rotten nasal congestion some days (every 30-60 days on average) that reminds me of rotten meat or I have stepped on some cat poop and it has clung to my shoes. I smell my mother's scent on clothes I have stored in plastic bags for memory sake. I smell my children's morning breath when I hug them first thing after waking them up. After 10+ years cig free, I can only say your smell only gets better (for the most part it is a blessing).

But yes, it is possible you are smelling something that only time will erase deep inside your nasal cavities, yes it could even be a tooth that has long absorbed tar and nicotine.

[Frank Cannon]

Couple of fat rails every night for a week ought to get rid of the smell.  Course sleeping will be out of the question.  Call the guy who makes those pillows.  He went on a coke bindge.

This!

[GtHawk]

I just up and quit smoking after indulging in the nasty habit for fifty years!
(It has been a month now!)

The problem and my question can probably be answered only by former smokers?

There is an overwhelming presence of an odor that won't go away that seems to be originating in my nostrils?
(I am not talking about odors on clothes or other objects.)

The closest I can get to a description of the odor is it is like the smell of old, burnt and wet wood!
(Does that make sense?)

At night, when trying to fall asleep, the odor is so strong that it is almost suffocating!

It's almost like the room is filling with smoke and I have to start mouth breathing ... No Jokes Please! 

This 'odor' has taken away the true taste of any foods or beverages because as most folks know ... smell is a big part of taste.

I almost believe that a buildup of tar and nicotine in my nostrils from smoking over the years is responsible?
(Like the orange-yellowish gunk you get on clothes and walls)

You'd think that the odor would diminish but it seems to get stronger at times?

I DID stop smoking once before, about twenty years ago and never experienced this.
Don't get curious after you stop smoking and try a 'puff' for old times sake!

Smokers are like alcoholics, If you pick up a glass or cigarette after stopping, you will be back exactly where you left off!

Well anyway, I was wondering if anyone else has ever had this problem?

My 'other half' says ... "It's a brain tumor!"

@mrclose
After I quit, cold turkey, I found that I was hypersensitive to cigarette smoke, something that remains to this day almost thirty years later and yes I too had the same phenomena and even now occasionally I swear I smell cigarette smoke when I am no where near a smoker. Congratulations and good luck !

[mrclose]

Thank You Everyone.

Even to those who didn't read my posts!

[Restored]

Does Anyone ever read an entire post?

This is NOT a residual problem.
Never smoked indoors and the odor is with me even in new clothes and in Church.

My other-half doesn't smell anything and has a very sensitive nose.

You didn't tell us that.

[thackney]

I just up and quit smoking after indulging in the nasty habit for fifty years!
(It has been a month now!)

The problem and my question can probably be answered only by former smokers?

There is an overwhelming presence of an odor that won't go away that seems to be originating in my nostrils?
(I am not talking about odors on clothes or other objects.)

The closest I can get to a description of the odor is it is like the smell of old, burnt and wet wood!
(Does that make sense?)

At night, when trying to fall asleep, the odor is so strong that it is almost suffocating!

It's almost like the room is filling with smoke and I have to start mouth breathing ... No Jokes Please! 

This 'odor' has taken away the true taste of any foods or beverages because as most folks know ... smell is a big part of taste.

I almost believe that a buildup of tar and nicotine in my nostrils from smoking over the years is responsible?
(Like the orange-yellowish gunk you get on clothes and walls)

You'd think that the odor would diminish but it seems to get stronger at times?

I DID stop smoking once before, about twenty years ago and never experienced this.
Don't get curious after you stop smoking and try a 'puff' for old times sake!

Smokers are like alcoholics, If you pick up a glass or cigarette after stopping, you will be back exactly where you left off!

Well anyway, I was wondering if anyone else has ever had this problem?

My 'other half' says ... "It's a brain tumor!"

I had a physiological response to quitting smoking that resulted in being able to clearly taste cigarette smoke if the subject came up.   It came with a desire to smoke a cigarette.  At first it was quite intense, it faded over time and became less frequent.  But it was almost 10 years before I never did that at all.

I kept an open pack of cigarettes in the car glove box for those few times it was overwhelming.  Taking a few puffs of an EXTREMELY stale cigarette help remove any pleasant sensation or taste with the thought of smoking.

[mrclose]

You didn't tell us that.

I 'thought' that the following, from my post would have been enough?

There is an overwhelming presence of an odor that won't go away that seems to be originating in my nostrils?
(I am not talking about odors on clothes or other objects.)

No, the bolded part wasn't bolded in the original post but it was italicized.

[mrclose]

I had a physiological response to quitting smoking that resulted in being able to clearly taste cigarette smoke if the subject came up.   It came with a desire to smoke a cigarette.  At first it was quite intense, it faded over time and became less frequent.  But it was almost 10 years before I never did that at all.

I kept an open pack of cigarettes in the car glove box for those few times it was overwhelming.  Taking a few puffs of an EXTREMELY stale cigarette help remove any pleasant sensation or taste with the thought of smoking.

About 15 years ago, like this time I quit cold turkey.

Other than minor tantrums (LOL) I never really experienced bad withdrawals.

The last time I had been stopped for over a year.

One night my friend and I were sitting in a local watering hole.
My friend smoked the brand of cigarette that I 'use' to smoke.

Out of curiosity I took a 'puff' on a cigarette!

One small puff!

The next week .. I took two small 'puffs' ... Just out of curiosity mind you!

The week after that it was back to two packs a day!

This was not out of any cravings for a smoke!

This was out of stupid, asinine curiosity! 

Like an alcoholic ... You go back to exactly where you left off!

[thackney]

About 15 years ago, like this time I quit cold turkey.

Other than minor tantrums (LOL) I never really experienced bad withdrawals.

The last time I had been stopped for over a year.

One night my friend and I were sitting in a local watering hole.
My friend smoked the brand of cigarette that I 'use' to smoke.

Out of curiosity I took a 'puff' on a cigarette!

One small puff!

The next week .. I took two small 'puffs' ... Just out of curiosity mind you!

The week after that it was back to two packs a day!

This was not out of any cravings for a smoke!

This was out of stupid, asinine curiosity! 

Like an alcoholic ... You go back to exactly where you left off!

I only smoked for about a decade, up to a pack a day.

I never understood people who thought quitting was hard. 

Quitting was easy.  I did it often.  Sometimes twice a day.

It was the not starting again that was hard.  It took me several years to really quit.  Finding that open pack of cigarettes that must have been a couple years old was my biggest crutch.  I kept that for many years in the glove box.

[Oceander]

Congrats!!!  I haven’t lit up in 9 years (as of April 1).   

I never had an overwhelming response like what you describe, but I do still occasionally smell cigarette smoke, even when there’s none around. 

[roamer_1]

When I had my paint shop, we seldom got into lacquers... But when we did, I'd get phantom whiffs of lacquer for months after the fact.

Your malady is not surprising to me in that regard. But I can't explain it...

@mrclose