Anisha Riggs
Asthma is a lung condition that affects one in every 11 people in the UK. It is estimated that 2.5 million people in the UK find that fragrances such as perfumes or aerosols trigger their asthma symptoms. Perfumes are triggering because they are commonly made with chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol, to help them stick to the object they are sprayed on. Synthetic fragrances, commonly found in many commercial perfumes, often contain a complex mixture of chemicals that can trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. Natural scents and essential oils are mainly derived from plant-based sources and offer a safer alternative.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of asthma patients affected by perfume | 41% |
| Fragrances that can trigger asthma | Perfumes, colognes, deodorants, body sprays, air fresheners, scented lotions, cleaning products, nail polish and removers |
| Fragrances that may not trigger asthma | Organically occurring scents, rose water, natural scents, essential oils |
| Symptoms | Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, throat irritation, headaches, skin reactions |
| Treatment | Medication, prevention strategies, lifestyle modifications, fragrance-free environments |
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What You'll Learn
Synthetic fragrances
Perfumes with synthetic fragrances are often made with chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol. These chemicals help the perfume stick to the object it is sprayed on, such as the skin or clothing. The complex mixture of chemicals in synthetic fragrances can include aromatic chemicals, which are artificially created to enhance the scent and help it bond to the sprayed surface. These additional agents in synthetic fragrances can increase the likelihood of triggering asthma symptoms compared to natural scents, which are typically derived from essential oils of botanical sources.
The impact of synthetic fragrances on asthma can vary depending on individual sensitivity. While some people with asthma may experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and throat irritation when exposed to synthetic fragrances, others may not be affected at all. It is important for individuals with asthma to identify their specific triggers and make a conscious effort to avoid them. This may involve choosing fragrance-free alternatives or opting for natural scents and essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.
To effectively manage asthma triggered by synthetic fragrances, preventive measures can be implemented. This includes identifying and avoiding triggering scents, encouraging fragrance-free policies in personal spaces and public areas, and improving ventilation and air purification to reduce the concentration of airborne fragrances. Communicating with friends, family, and colleagues about asthma triggers is also crucial, as it fosters understanding and cooperation.
Additionally, individuals with asthma should be cautious when testing new products, applying them to a small area first or using them in well-ventilated spaces. Carrying a small mask or scarf to cover the nose and mouth when exposed to triggering scents can also help. Working with a healthcare provider to develop an asthma action plan is essential, as it outlines steps to take in case of symptom exacerbation and helps individuals effectively respond to triggers, including those caused by synthetic fragrances.
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Natural alternatives
Strong scents, such as perfumes, deodorants, incense, and chemicals, can trigger asthma symptoms. If you feel that your asthma is being triggered by scents, it is best to avoid these products.
- Natural perfumes made from essential oils.
- Oils and a fragrance locket. You can pour a small amount of perfume oil on a lava stone bracelet.
- Dried lavender can be put in your dryer so that your clothes smell nice.
- DefineMe fragrance.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla-infused oil.
- Natural perfumes from brands like Henry Rose.
- Natural perfumes from herbal stores or pharmacies.
- Natural perfumes made with allergies in mind, such as Skylar.
- Sephora has a page for allergy-friendly perfumes.
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Identifying triggers
Perfumes and fragrances are common triggers for asthma sufferers. Synthetic fragrances, often found in commercial perfumes and scented products, can contain a complex mixture of chemicals that irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. These can include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, throat irritation, headaches, and skin reactions. The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and sensitivity to fragrances differs from person to person.
To identify your triggers, pay attention to your body's reactions and take note of any problematic fragrances. Keep in mind that some fragrances are more likely to be triggering than others. For example, heavily processed perfumes with many additives, delivered via aerosol cans, tend to be more aggravating. On the other hand, organically occurring scents with simpler ingredients, such as rose water, are less likely to trigger asthma.
It is also important to communicate with others about your fragrance sensitivity. Inform friends, family, and colleagues, so they understand the impact of strong-smelling perfumes on your asthma. Discuss triggers with your manager or HR department, as they can implement fragrance-free policies in the workplace to protect your health.
Additionally, when trying new products, test them cautiously. Apply them to a small area or use them in well-ventilated spaces to minimise the risk of an asthma attack. Reading product labels and choosing fragrance-free alternatives can also help you identify and avoid triggering scents.
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Preventative measures
Identify Triggers
Recognize and take note of specific fragrances or scented products that trigger your asthma symptoms. This may include perfumes, colognes, body sprays, deodorants, air fresheners, cleaning products, or scented lotions. Make a conscious effort to avoid these triggers by reading product labels and choosing fragrance-free alternatives. Opt for natural scents or essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances, as they offer a safer alternative.
Create Fragrance-Free Environments
Encourage fragrance-free policies in your home, workplace, and frequently visited public spaces. Proper ventilation and air purification systems can help reduce the concentration of airborne fragrances. Discuss triggering scents at work with your manager, HR department, or colleagues, fostering understanding and cooperation.
Inform Others
Communicate your fragrance sensitivity to friends, family, and coworkers. Explain how fragrances affect your asthma and the seriousness of an asthma attack. This awareness can lead to reasonable adjustments, such as avoiding strong-smelling perfumes or implementing fragrance-free policies.
Test New Products Carefully
When trying new products, test them cautiously by applying them to a small area or using them in well-ventilated areas. This will help you identify any potential triggers without exposing yourself to high concentrations of fragrances.
Carry a Mask or Scarf
When you anticipate exposure to triggering scents or fragrances in public spaces, carry a small mask or scarf to cover your nose and mouth. This can provide a barrier between you and the triggering fragrances, reducing the risk of an asthma attack.
Seek Medical Advice
Work closely with your healthcare provider to develop an asthma action plan. This plan should outline steps to take in case of symptom exacerbation, emergency contacts, and medication instructions. They may also recommend medication to manage symptoms and prevent asthma attacks, providing relief from inflammation in your airways.
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Treatment and management
Perfumes and colognes are common triggers for asthma symptoms. Synthetic fragrances, often found in commercial perfumes, are made from a complex mixture of chemicals that can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Natural scents and essential oils derived from plant-based sources are generally safer alternatives for people with asthma.
If you have asthma and are sensitive to fragrances, it is important to take preventive measures and make lifestyle changes. This includes identifying specific fragrances that trigger your asthma and avoiding them. Opt for fragrance-free alternatives, and be mindful of product labels. Encourage fragrance-free policies in your home and workplace, and promote proper ventilation and air purification to reduce airborne fragrances.
It is also crucial to communicate your fragrance sensitivity to friends, family, and colleagues. Explain how fragrances affect your asthma and how serious an asthma attack can be. You can also suggest that they opt for natural fragrances or avoid wearing strong-smelling perfumes around you.
Developing an asthma action plan with your healthcare provider is essential. This plan outlines steps to take during symptom exacerbation, emergency contacts, and medication instructions. Regularly taking prescribed preventer medication can help reduce inflammation in your airways, making you less reactive to asthma triggers.
Additionally, when testing new products, exercise caution by testing them in a small area or in well-ventilated spaces. Carrying a small mask or scarf can also help cover your nose and mouth when exposed to triggering scents.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, perfumes can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. Synthetic fragrances, commonly found in many commercial perfumes, are often the cause.
Perfumes are made with chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol, which can irritate the airways and cause inflammation. This leads to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
If you suspect that perfumes are triggering your asthma, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can conduct tests to determine if fragrance exposure is causing your symptoms and provide guidance on management.
You can take preventive measures such as identifying and avoiding triggering fragrances, choosing fragrance-free alternatives, encouraging fragrance-free policies in your surroundings, and carrying a mask or scarf to cover your nose and mouth when exposed to triggers.
Natural scents and essential oils derived from plant-based sources, such as rose water, are safer alternatives. These fragrances are typically obtained through methods like steam distillation or cold-press extraction and offer a wide range of scent options without the complex chemical mixtures that can irritate asthma.
