Fear of smells (olfactophobia)

Olfactophobia is a fear of smells, either of certain odours or of smells in general. People may avoid perfume counters, busy kitchens or public transport because of what they might breathe in. If smells bring on headaches or feel physically overwhelming, it is worth checking with a GP.

About this phobia

The word combines the Latin olfacere, to smell, with phobia. It is rare and mostly found on lists of phobias. The related term osmophobia is also used in medicine for a sensitivity to smells during migraine, which is a different matter from a fear.

What it feels like

• Holding your breath or covering your nose in public
• Avoiding scented products, candles and air fresheners
• Worrying that a smell could be harmful or make you ill

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is a fear of smells linked to migraine?

Sensitivity to smells can be part of migraine, and in that setting it is called osmophobia. That is a symptom rather than a fear. If smells regularly trigger headaches or nausea, see a GP.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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