Anisha Riggs
Fragrances are found in many products, from perfumes and colognes to air fresheners, soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and laundry detergents. When we breathe in fragrances, we are inhaling particles small enough to cross the lining of our blood vessels and enter our bloodstream. While researchers are still studying the impact of these chemical combinations, we know that fragrances can cause allergic or inflammatory responses, such as itchy/watery eyes, congestion, coughing, wheezing, and even shortness of breath. For people with pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD, fragrances can further irritate the airways and trigger symptoms such as shortness of breath. Fragrance sensitivity is not uncommon, and prolonged exposure to strong scents can cause respiratory issues even in those without underlying conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can perfume cause shortness of breath? | Yes, perfumes can cause shortness of breath in some people. |
| What are other symptoms? | Coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, runny nose, throat irritation, wheezing, headaches, nausea, rashes, mucosal symptoms, watery eyes, dizziness |
| Who is at risk? | People with asthma, allergies, COPD, lung disease, or fragrance sensitivity. |
| How to prevent/manage symptoms? | Avoid fragrances, wear a mask, use over-the-counter medications, take asthma/allergy medications, get fresh air, open windows for ventilation, use fragrance-free cleaning products, avoid aerosol dispensers. |
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What You'll Learn
Fragrance sensitivity and allergies
Fragrance sensitivity is a common issue and can cause severe allergy-like symptoms, including respiratory difficulties such as coughing and shortness of breath. Symptoms tend to be worse the longer the exposure or the stronger the scent.
When you breathe in a fragrance, you are inhaling particles small enough to cross the lining of your blood vessels and enter your bloodstream. These fragrances can be found not just in perfumes and colognes, but also in air fresheners, soaps, shampoos, deodorants, laundry detergents, dryer sheets, bug sprays, and e-cigarettes.
If you have an allergy or sensitivity, or a pre-existing condition such as asthma or COPD, it is best to avoid highly fragranced environments. Even if you do not have an underlying chronic lung disease, you may still be impacted by these compounds. For example, you may find yourself sneezing or coughing when walking through the fragrance section of a department store. This is because the compounds are causing an inflammatory reaction in your body.
If you are sensitive to fragrances, you can take precautions to lessen their impact. For example, you can wear a mask, reduce the time you spend in environments with irritating fragrances, and get fresh air when possible. You can also use over-the-counter medications to treat the symptoms, such as pain relievers or nasal decongestants. If you have asthma or allergies, you may need to take your usual medications to bring those symptoms under control.
It is important to speak up and communicate your sensitivities to friends, family members, and colleagues. They may not be aware that the fragrances they are accustomed to are overly strong and affecting others.
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COPD symptoms
While fragrances like perfumes can cause respiratory issues and shortness of breath in some people, especially those with asthma or allergies, they do not appear to be the direct cause of COPD or its symptoms. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a condition that causes permanent damage to the lungs, and its symptoms tend to worsen over time.
At first, COPD may not present any symptoms or only mild ones. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe and may include:
- Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity, which may feel like gasping for air or breathing taking more effort.
- An ongoing cough, often with a lot of mucus, sometimes called a "smoker's cough." This is often the first symptom of COPD.
- Wheezing or a whistling or squeaky sound when breathing.
- Chest tightness or heaviness, which may make it difficult or painful to take a deep breath.
- Lack of appetite, weight and muscle loss, anxiety, and depression in severe cases.
COPD includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and people with COPD often exhibit features of both. Emphysema involves damage and enlargement of the alveoli, with shortness of breath being the most common symptom. Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation in the large airways, narrowing them and producing excess mucus. The most common symptom of chronic bronchitis is a persistent cough.
While there is currently no cure for COPD, treatments can help improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These treatments include smoking cessation programs, inhaled medications, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, steroids, positive airway pressure, and antibiotics for frequent bacterial lung infections.
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
When VOCs are released into the air, they can be inhaled, leading to potential health issues. Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. For those with asthma or COPD, VOCs can worsen symptoms, including shortness of breath.
Long-term exposure to VOCs can have more severe consequences. Some VOCs are known to cause cancer, while others can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. The impact of VOCs can vary between individuals, and those with fragrance sensitivity may experience allergic or inflammatory responses, such as coughing, sneezing, or itchy and watery eyes.
To reduce exposure to VOCs, it is recommended to use unscented products when possible and to avoid aerosol dispensers, which release high concentrations of fragrances. Increasing ventilation and spending time in fresh air can also help lower the concentration of VOCs indoors.
Breath analysis, specifically the ORT-VOC breath test, can be used as a diagnostic tool to investigate the potential presence of VOC-related issues. This non-invasive test detects VOCs in exhaled breath, providing valuable insights into the body's metabolic processes and potential health concerns.
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Allergic reactions
Perfumes and other fragrances can trigger allergic reactions in some people, causing shortness of breath and other respiratory difficulties. Fragrance sensitivity is not uncommon, and symptoms can range from sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes, congestion, throat irritation, and wheezing to more severe reactions such as nausea, and anaphylaxis.
The fragrances in perfumes, as well as in soaps, lotions, air fresheners, deodorants, and cleaning products, can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When inhaled, these compounds can trigger an overreaction by the immune system, leading to allergy symptoms. People with pre-existing conditions like asthma, allergies, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be more susceptible to fragrance-induced allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
The severity and type of symptoms experienced can vary from person to person and may depend on the length and intensity of exposure to the fragrance. Some individuals may experience immediate reactions upon exposure, while others may develop symptoms over time with prolonged or repeated exposure. It is important to identify fragrance triggers and take precautions to avoid or minimise exposure, especially in enclosed spaces like workplaces or friends' homes.
If you suspect you have a fragrance allergy or sensitivity, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and provide guidance on managing and preventing allergic reactions. Open communication with colleagues, friends, and family members about your sensitivities is also crucial, as they may be unaware of the impact of their fragrances on your health.
Additionally, when dealing with allergies or fragrance sensitivities, it is recommended to avoid aerosol dispensers and highly fragranced environments. Wearing a mask can also help reduce exposure to irritating fragrances and improve respiratory comfort. While researchers are still studying the health impacts of chemical combinations in fragrances, fragrance sensitivity and allergies are recognised issues that can significantly affect individuals' health and well-being.
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Non-allergic rhinitis
Strong scents from perfumes can cause shortness of breath in people with lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung diseases. Fragrance sensitivity is not uncommon, and symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes.
Treatment for non-allergic rhinitis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may only require home treatment and avoiding triggers. Medicines such as nasal sprays, steroids, and decongestants may be prescribed to ease worse symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat problems associated with non-allergic rhinitis, such as polyps in the nose or a deviated septum.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, perfumes can cause shortness of breath in some people. Fragrance sensitivity is not uncommon and can cause allergic or inflammatory responses such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity can include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, congestion, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, nausea, and headaches.
If you experience fragrance sensitivity, it is important to speak up and let others know that certain scents are affecting you. You can also wear a mask or avoid highly fragranced environments. If symptoms are severe or persistent, speak to a healthcare provider.
Fragrances can be found in many products beyond just perfumes and colognes, including air fresheners, soaps, shampoos, deodorants, laundry detergents, dryer sheets, bug sprays, cleaning products, tissues, and e-cigarettes.
To manage fragrance sensitivity, you can use over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers or nasal decongestants. If you have asthma or allergies, you may need to take your usual medications to control symptoms. Reducing exposure to irritating fragrances and getting fresh air can also help.
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