Cologne And Asthma: A Triggering Scent?

Fragrances and strong scents are known to trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. According to Asthma UK, around 2.5 million people in the UK experience asthma attacks due to fragrances such as perfumes or aerosols. These attacks are likely caused by particles in the air that irritate the airways, making them more inflamed and narrow, which can lead to coughing, wheezing, and potentially life-threatening asthma attacks.

Perfumes, in particular, are known to contain chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol, which help the fragrance stick to the object it is sprayed on. These artificial fragrances are often heavily processed and contain additives that can trigger asthma symptoms.

While the exact mechanism of how fragrances affect asthma is still being studied, it is clear that exposure to certain fragrances can cause adverse health effects in asthmatics.

The two families of fragrances

While colognes and perfumes can trigger asthma symptoms, there are no clear conclusions on the direct role of fragrances in eliciting respiratory symptoms. However, it is important to note that fragrances are classified into different families based on their dominant characteristics. Understanding these fragrance families can help individuals with asthma identify and avoid specific triggers.

The fragrance universe is divided into several families, and while there is some variation in the number of families, four primary groups are commonly recognized: woody, floral, amber (previously known as oriental), and fresh. Each family has its unique characteristics and appeals to different preferences.

The woody family includes warm and opulent scents, blending incense-like fragrances such as sandalwood and patchouli with drier notes like cedar. This family creates a powdery, opulent, and warm scent profile.

The floral family is one of the most common and is often associated with feminine fragrances. This family includes scents of fresh-cut flowers and powdery notes, with common notes such as rose, jasmine, and orange blossom.

The amber family, previously known as oriental, includes scents like herbs, spices, and dry powdery resin. Amber fragrances are often described as sensual, warm, and exotic. Vanilla, myrrh, and anise are typical notes found in this family.

The fresh family, on the other hand, is defined by zingy and aromatic compositions, complemented by underlying woody notes. This family evokes bright, herby, citrusy, clean, and oceanic sensations.

These four primary fragrance families are further broken down into subfamilies, such as aromatic, citrus, green, and water for the fresh family, or soft amber, amber, and woody amber for the amber family. These subfamilies allow for a more nuanced exploration of scent preferences and can help individuals pinpoint specific triggers for their asthma.

By understanding these fragrance families and subfamilies, individuals with asthma can make more informed choices about the fragrances they use or encounter. It is worth noting that personal care products, such as colognes and perfumes, are not the only triggers, and other sources of strong odors, such as air fresheners, deodorizers, and household cleaners, can also exacerbate asthma symptoms.

The fragrances that trigger asthma

Fragrances and strong odors can exacerbate asthma symptoms. While natural fragrances are less likely to be a trigger, artificial fragrances are a common cause of asthma attacks.

Artificial fragrances

Artificial fragrances are heavily processed and contain many additives. They are often delivered with aerosol, which is already a common asthma trigger. They are also made with chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol, which help them stick to the object they are sprayed on.

The following products are known to contain artificial fragrances:

• Aerosol body sprays
• Perfumes
• Bathroom sprays
• Air fresheners
• Laundry detergents
• Cleaning supplies
• Personal care products like soap, hand sanitizer, lotion, deodorant, sunscreen, and shampoo

Natural fragrances

Natural fragrances are less likely to trigger asthma, but some people with asthma may still find them irritating. Natural fragrances are typically simpler concoctions, made with essential oils and other natural ingredients.

Examples of natural fragrances include:

• Rose water
• Essential oils

The fragrances that have little effect on asthma

It is well-known that strong scents and fragrances can trigger asthma symptoms. However, not all fragrances are created equal, and some have little to no effect on asthma. Here are some examples and some tips on choosing fragrances that are less likely to trigger asthma:

Natural fragrances

The author of an article on asthma.net notes that naturally-occurring fragrances rarely trigger their asthma. They observe that fragrances with simple, organic ingredients, such as rose water, are less likely to irritate the airways. Rosewater is delivered as a spray from a pump bottle, rather than an aerosol can, which also helps.

Simple ingredients list

The same author recommends shopping for simplicity. If you can't read the ingredients list in 10 seconds or less, chances are there are extra additives you don't want.

Avoid aerosol sprays

Aerosol sprays are already a common trigger, and the scents are often artificially created aromatic chemicals. Even if they contain essential oils, they often contain other agents to help the fragrance bond to the object it is sprayed on, such as petrochemicals, alcohols, coal, and coal tar.

Avoid common triggers

According to Asthma UK, 2.5 million people in the UK find that fragrances trigger their asthma symptoms. Common triggers include particles in the air from perfumes or aerosols, which irritate the airways and make them more inflamed and narrow.

Opt for natural scents

You can add natural scents to your home by baking or creating a potpourri out of fresh ingredients such as citrus and vanilla. If you enjoy candles, opt for non-scented or battery-operated flameless candles.

The fragrances to avoid and why

Aerosol body sprays and perfumes

These are the fragrances that most asthmatics find triggering. They are heavily processed and have many additives. Perfumes, in particular, are made with chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol, which help them stick to the object they are sprayed on. These chemicals are nothing you want on your body.

Bathroom sprays and air fresheners

These contain many of the same additives as aerosol body sprays and perfumes and, ironically, make the air less safe to breathe.

Scented candles

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests that if you or someone you live with has asthma, it’s best to avoid scented candles.

Colognes and perfumes

These are common triggers for asthma sufferers.

Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces

These are major asthma triggers.

Air fresheners and deodorizers

41% of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners or deodorizers.

A simple solution to fragrance-induced asthma

Fragrances and strong odors have been identified as potential triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. Asthmatics are advised to avoid exposure to fragrances and fragranced products, including cologne, to prevent adverse reactions.

The two families of fragrance

There are two types of fragrances: those that occur organically or naturally, and those that are artificially created. It is often the case that asthmatics are triggered by artificial fragrances, which are heavily processed and contain many additives. These include aerosol body sprays and perfumes, which are made with chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol.

On the other hand, naturally occurring fragrances, such as rose water, tend to have little effect on asthma symptoms. These fragrances are typically made with fewer ingredients and are not delivered using aerosol, a common trigger for asthmatics.

A simple solution

The simplest solution to preventing fragrance-induced asthma is to avoid exposure to harmful fragrances. Opt for organically occurring scents, which are typically simple concoctions with fewer ingredients. If you cannot read the ingredients in 10 seconds or less, chances are there are additional ingredients that may not agree with your lungs.

Simple, natural products exist in every category, including perfume, sprays, deodorant, air fresheners, shampoos, soaps, and even toothpaste. Making the switch to natural products can help to reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

Additionally, it is important to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues about asthma symptoms and triggers. This can help to raise awareness and encourage others to avoid wearing strong-smelling perfumes that could trigger an asthma attack.

Managing asthma

For those who are unable to avoid exposure to fragrances, it is important to take regular preventer medication, as prescribed by a doctor. This can help to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it less likely that one will react to asthma triggers.

It is also important to always carry a rescue inhaler for emergency situations.

Final thoughts

While avoiding harmful fragrances may seem straightforward, it can be challenging to control external sources, such as fragrance-soaked people in public spaces or automatic air fresheners in public restrooms. In these situations, it is important to be prepared with a rescue inhaler and to seek out comfortable spaces.

Making small changes, such as switching to natural products and communicating with others about asthma triggers, can help to make living spaces more comfortable and reduce the risk of fragrance-induced asthma attacks.

Frequently asked questions