Category: Sense of smell

According to a 2014 study, the human nose can distinguish over one trillion different smells, yet many people experience the phenomenon of being unable to notice their own body odor. So, **why can you smell yourself but others can't** (or sometimes, vice versa)? It's a matter of biological and neurological filtering that helps your brain focus on new threats and opportunities.

According to research, up to 25% of individuals with a smell disorder experience phantosmia, the medical term for perceiving smells that aren't actually present. If you find yourself wondering **what smells like cigarette smoke but isn't**, it could be caused by this medical condition or by surprisingly common environmental factors in your home or surroundings.

The human sense of smell is incredibly powerful, yet our personal aroma often goes unnoticed by us, though not by those around us. This phenomenon is the key to answering the question: **Can you smell your own body odor more than others?**

According to scientific research, a person's body odor can subtly shift when their immune system is activated, a change that other humans can sometimes detect. But **can you smell people when they are sick**? The answer lies in the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by the body during illness, offering a fascinating glimpse into a biological defense mechanism.

Hyperosmia, the medical term for an enhanced sense of smell, is a rare condition that causes smells to be perceived with a greater intensity than average. A person with this condition may notice odors that others miss, or experience a heightened reaction to everyday scents. This guide explores the indicators and possible causes behind what many call a "super smell".