Heidi Norton
A persistent cough that doesn't go away after a few days could be caused by a variety of factors, including post-nasal drip, asthma, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or even perfume. While it is challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of a cough, strong fragrances and scented products can act as triggers for perfume-induced asthma, causing coughing, throat irritation, and other respiratory issues. Some individuals may experience sensitivity to fragrances, leading to adverse reactions such as coughing. However, the science supporting scent-free policies is inconclusive, and not all fragrances will affect every individual with asthma or scent sensitivities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of cough | Post-nasal drip, asthma, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), perfume-induced asthma, vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), fragrance sensitivity, or other unknown causes |
| Symptoms | Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, throat irritation, headaches, skin reactions, shortness of breath, rhinitis, anxiety, dizziness |
| Treatment | Over-the-counter antihistamines, prescribed medications, scent-free or scent-reduction policies, fragrance-free products, avoidance of triggering fragrances |
| Prevention | Consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and diagnosis, including medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests |
| Management | Implement preventive strategies and lifestyle modifications, reduce exposure to triggering fragrances, follow treatment plan |
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What You'll Learn
Perfume-induced asthma
Fragrances and strong odors have long been characterized as putative triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. Many asthma patients avoid odorants and fragranced products, as they can trigger an asthma attack.
Perfumes are particularly triggering because they are commonly made with chemicals derived from coal tar and petroleum, which helps them stick to the object they are sprayed on. The three most common causes of a cough are post-nasal drip, asthma, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). However, in up to 20% of patients, the cough remains unexplained even after extensive diagnostic investigations.
Vickie Harwood, a 61-year-old woman, experienced a continuous tickling in her throat, which ultimately led to continuous coughing. It became clear that perfumed lotions and fragrances were responsible for her reaction. Even her husband's deodorant and cologne would trigger a cough. She was initially misdiagnosed with asthma, but it was later found that she was experiencing vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). The body produces about 1 to 1.5 liters of mucus per day, but VCD leads to sinus congestion and extra mucus production, which may then trigger airway constriction and breathing difficulties, causing a cough.
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Allergies and antihistamines
While the causes of a cough can be challenging to pinpoint, fragrances and perfumes can be a common trigger. Coughing can be the result of irritation caused by fragrances and scents when they come into contact with the lining of the nose and lungs. In some cases, this irritation can lead to sinus congestion and extra mucus production, triggering airway constriction and breathing difficulties, resulting in a cough.
If you suspect that your cough may be due to an allergy to fragrances or perfumes, it is recommended to consult a healthcare practitioner. They may suggest trying over-the-counter antihistamines to determine if your symptoms are allergy-related. Antihistamines are common anti-allergy drugs that help reduce the impact of histamine on the body, thereby relieving allergy symptoms. When an individual experiences an allergic reaction, the body releases histamine, which binds to receptors on certain cells, causing allergy symptoms. Antihistamines work by decreasing the effects of histamine on these cell receptors.
Some of the most common over-the-counter antihistamines include Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin. Benadryl's main active ingredient is diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine that helps relieve symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and nose or throat itching. Zyrtec contains cetirizine, which helps relieve similar symptoms and is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines. Claritin contains loratadine, which also effectively relieves allergy symptoms.
It is important to note that medications affect each person differently, and side effects such as sleepiness may vary between different antihistamines. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine if antihistamines are safe for you and how they may interact with other medications you are taking.
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Vocal cord dysfunction
A persistent cough can be indicative of an underlying condition, such as upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), asthma, or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). However, in some cases, a chronic cough may be caused by something as simple as scented household sprays and perfumes.
Vickie Harwood, a 61-year-old woman, experienced a continuous tickling in her throat, which led to persistent coughing. Initially diagnosed with adult-onset asthma, it was later discovered that she had grown sensitive to fragrances, resulting in a condition known as vocal cord dysfunction (VCD).
Treatment for vocal cord dysfunction typically involves respiratory retraining therapy with a qualified speech-language pathologist. This therapy helps individuals identify and eliminate sources of throat irritation, manage triggers, and improve breathing control. While there is no cure for VCD, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and prevent episodes through proper treatment.
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Public spaces and scent-free policies
The potential health risks of fragrances are well-documented. A 2015 article in the Washington Post, for example, describes how Vickie Harwood suffered from a continuous tickling in her throat, which ultimately led to a persistent cough. It was eventually discovered that she had grown sensitive to fragrances, to the extent that even her husband's deodorant and cologne would trigger a coughing fit.
Harwood's story is not unique. Many people suffer from fragrance-related illnesses, including asthma, allergies, and migraines. As a result, there is a growing movement to create fragrance-free public spaces. This includes workplaces, gyms, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Some organizations have implemented fragrance-free policies to make their spaces more accessible. This involves both individual and spatial considerations. For individuals, it means refraining from wearing perfume, using fragranced laundry detergent or dryer sheets, and applying scented personal care products like lotion, deodorant, and hair products. For spaces, it means ensuring that they are cleaned using only chemical- and fragrance-free products and asking people who enter the space to refrain from wearing fragrances.
To implement a fragrance-free policy in a public space, it is important to first check whether scented products are currently being used. This can include air fresheners, cleaning products, soaps, and even dry-erase markers. Unnecessary fragranced products should be eliminated, and fragrance-free alternatives should be used instead. It is also important to notify users of the space about the new policy by placing signage in easy-to-view areas, sending emails, and adding a fragrance-free statement to email signatures.
While some people may view the push for fragrance-free public spaces as unnecessary or an overreaction, it is important to recognize that fragrances can cause serious health issues for some individuals. By implementing fragrance-free policies, organizations can create more inclusive and healthier environments for everyone.
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Symptoms and treatment
Symptoms of perfume-induced asthma or fragrance sensitivity include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, throat irritation, headaches, and even skin reactions. The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to severe, depending on the individual and their level of exposure.
If you suspect that you have perfume-induced asthma, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They may conduct a thorough evaluation, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests, to determine if fragrance exposure is triggering your asthma symptoms.
Once diagnosed, treatment options may include medications to manage symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Preventive strategies and lifestyle modifications are also important for effectively managing perfume-induced asthma. This may include avoiding strong fragrances and scented products, such as perfumes, colognes, body sprays, scented lotions, air fresheners, and cleaning products.
It is worth noting that not all fragrances will affect every individual with asthma, as sensitivity can vary. Additionally, while some people may have true allergies to fragrances, for others, the power of suggestion or negative associations with certain scents can also cause adverse reactions.
If you experience a persistent cough that doesn't fade after a few days, or if it produces blood or is associated with intense chest pain, it is important to consult a healthcare practitioner as soon as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, various fragrances and scented products can act as triggers for perfume-induced asthma, causing coughing. However, it is important to note that not all fragrances will affect every individual with asthma, as sensitivity varies.
Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, throat irritation, headaches, and even skin reactions.
If you suspect you have perfume-induced asthma, consult a healthcare professional. They will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests.
Treatment options may include medications to manage symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Preventive strategies and lifestyle modifications are also important, such as choosing unscented or fragrance-free products.
Yes, it is possible to develop a sensitivity to fragrances over time. Vickie Harwood, a 61-year-old woman, developed a sensitivity to fragrances, including perfumes and colognes, which triggered a cough.
