Phantom smells can trigger real sneezes.

Phantosmia, also known as an olfactory hallucination, involves detecting smells like smoke, ammonia, or rotting food when no source exists. This condition is often linked to issues in the olfactory bulb or the temporal lobe of the brain. Research published in journals like 'Laryngoscope' indicates that the trigeminal nerve plays a crucial role in this phenomenon.The trigeminal nerve provides sensory innervation to the nasal mucosa and is responsible for the sneeze reflex. When the brain perceives a phantom odor as a chemical irritant, it can stimulate the trigeminal nerve endings. This stimulation sends a signal to the medulla oblongata, the brain's sneezing center, to initiate a protective reflex.A study by the Mayo Clinic suggests that phantosmia can be triggered by head injuries, upper respiratory infections, or even temporal lobe seizures. In cases where the phantom smell is perceived as sharp or pungent, the body treats it as a physical threat to the lungs. This results in a 'photic-like' reflex where the respiratory system attempts to expel the imagined particles.Medical experts note that the connection between the olfactory and trigeminal systems is so tight that sensory 'cross-talk' is common. While most sneezes are caused by physical particles like dust or pollen, the neural pathways are susceptible to psychological and neurological triggers. This highlights the incredible power of the brain to manifest physical reactions from purely internal signals.