Cologne As A Beverage? Exploring The Strange Trend

While cologne is intended to be worn and not ingested, some people do drink it. This practice can be lethal, as cologne contains toxic ingredients such as ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). In Russia, for example, a new medical study found that almost half of working-age men who die from alcohol abuse do so not just because of drinking vodka but also because of consuming products containing alcohol, such as cologne.

Why do people drink cologne?

Cologne is a scented liquid made from alcohol and essential oils. While it is primarily intended to be used as a fragrance, some people do drink it. There are several reasons why someone might choose to ingest cologne, ranging from accidental ingestion to intentional consumption for its alcohol content.

Accidental Ingestion

Accidental ingestion of cologne can occur, especially among small children who may be attracted to the sweet smell and attractive packaging. This can be dangerous as cologne contains high amounts of alcohol, which can cause a drop in blood sugar levels and lead to symptoms such as sleepiness, slurred speech, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, accidental ingestion of cologne can result in perfume poisoning, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, seizures, and even coma.

Intentional Consumption

In some cases, people may intentionally drink cologne as a substitute for alcohol, particularly in places where access to drinkable alcohol is limited or prohibited. This practice is often associated with alcohol abuse and can have serious health consequences. The alcohol content in cologne can be very high, sometimes reaching up to 95% by volume. As a result, those who consume cologne are at a higher risk of developing health issues related to alcohol abuse, such as liver damage and addiction.

Historical and Cultural Context

The practice of consuming cologne has some historical and cultural context as well. For example, during the 19th century, well-to-do ladies in society would sometimes consume cologne or perfume as a substitute for alcohol, as they did not have the same access to drinking establishments as men. Additionally, historical figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte and composer Richard Wagner have been known to consume large quantities of cologne, either by drinking it directly or by dipping sugar cubes into it.

Health Risks

Regardless of the reason for consuming cologne, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with it. In addition to the high alcohol content, cologne may also contain toxic ingredients that are not meant to be ingested. These ingredients can cause serious health issues, including respiratory and endocrine problems. Furthermore, the long-term effects of consuming cologne are not well understood due to the lack of transparency in the ingredients used by fragrance manufacturers.

What are the symptoms of cologne poisoning?

Cologne is a scented liquid made from alcohol and essential oils. Cologne poisoning occurs when someone swallows cologne, whether by accident or on purpose.

The most toxic ingredients in cologne are ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). These ingredients are found in various types of cologne and can be poisonous when swallowed.

Symptoms of cologne poisoning may include:

• Decreased level of consciousness, including coma (lack of responsiveness)
• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (may be bloody)
• Trouble walking normally
• Low body temperature, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure
• Too little or too much urine output
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Swaying from side to side
• Uncoordinated movement

Children are especially prone to developing low blood sugar, and cologne poisoning may make a person appear drunk. It can also cause severe breathing problems, seizures, and coma.

If you suspect cologne poisoning, seek medical help immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by poison control or a healthcare provider. Have the following information ready: the person's age, weight, and condition; the time the cologne was swallowed; and bring the cologne container with you to the hospital, if possible.

Call the local emergency number or your local poison control center for further instructions and treatment.

What to do if someone has ingested cologne

While it may seem strange, cologne has been ingested throughout history, whether accidentally or intentionally. If someone has ingested cologne, it is important to remain calm and take the following steps:

Assess the Situation:

• Determine the person's age, weight, and overall condition. It is important to know if the person has any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies that could impact their reaction to the ingestion.
• Find out the time the cologne was swallowed. This information will be crucial for seeking medical help.
• Check if the person is exhibiting any symptoms of cologne poisoning, such as decreased level of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, low body temperature, low blood sugar, or seizures.

Seek Medical Help:

• Call your local emergency number (e.g. 911 in the US) or a poison control center. In the US, you can reach the poison control center by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides free and confidential advice and instructions.
• Bring the cologne container with you to the hospital, if possible. This will help the medical team identify the ingredients and provide appropriate treatment.

Follow Medical Instructions:

• Do not induce vomiting or try to make the person throw up unless instructed to do so by a medical professional or poison control expert.
• Administer first aid as advised by the emergency services. This may include drinking water, eating small snacks to stabilize blood sugar, or providing breathing support if the person is having difficulty breathing.

Monitor the Person's Condition:

• Keep a close eye on the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
• Be prepared for possible medical procedures at the hospital, such as blood and urine tests, ECG (heart tracing), endoscopy (camera examination of the throat and stomach), or the administration of fluids and medication through a vein (IV).

It is important to act quickly and seek medical help as soon as possible. The faster the person receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery.

The history of cologne drinking

The Origins of Cologne

Before delving into the history of cologne drinking, it's important to understand the origins of cologne itself. Cologne, or Eau de Cologne, was created in 1709 by Italian perfumer Giovanni Maria Farina (also known as Johann Maria Farina) in the German city of Cologne. Farina's inspiration for the scent came from his hometown in Italy, as he described in a letter to his brother in 1708:

> "I have found a fragrance that reminds me of an Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain."

Farina's cologne was an instant success, becoming popular among royal houses across Europe. Its unique, homogeneous blend of dozens of monoessences captivated the nobility, and it was even believed to have medicinal properties, including the ability to ward off the bubonic plague.

The Dark Side of Cologne Drinking

Despite its intended use as a perfume, cologne has, at various points in history, been consumed orally. This practice has often been associated with alcohol abuse and has led to severe health consequences, including death.

One notable example of cologne drinking is among working-class men in Russia. According to a medical study, alcohol abuse is a significant contributor to the high death rate among working-age men in the country. Besides drinking vodka, these men also consume products containing alcohol, such as cologne, antiseptics, and medicinal tinctures. The chances of an early death are particularly high for those who resort to drinking cologne, with a nine times higher risk of mortality.

During the 19th century, well-to-do ladies in society would also secretly consume cologne as a substitute for alcohol. This practice was driven by the lack of socially acceptable ways for women to access drinkable alcohol at the time. However, it was not without its risks, as colognes can contain toxic ingredients, including high levels of alcohol and other harmful substances.

Health Risks of Ingesting Cologne

It is important to understand that cologne is not meant to be ingested and can cause serious health issues. The high alcohol content in cologne can lead to a drop in blood sugar, causing symptoms such as sleepiness, slurred speech, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, cologne ingestion can result in passing out, seizures, or even death.

A Cautionary Tale

Treatments for cologne poisoning

If you suspect someone has ingested cologne, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Call your local emergency number or poison control centre. In the United States, the national toll-free Poison Help hotline can be reached at 1-800-222-1222. This service is free and confidential, and experts will provide instructions and guidance.

Before calling for emergency help, have the following information ready:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Time the cologne was swallowed
• Bring the cologne container with you to the hospital, if possible

At the hospital, the medical staff will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Treatment will depend on the amount of cologne swallowed and how quickly medical help is received. The faster the medical intervention, the better the chances for recovery.

The patient may receive:

• Blood and urine tests
• Breathing support, including a tube through the mouth into the lungs and a breathing machine (ventilator)
• ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• Endoscopy—a camera placed down the throat to examine the oesophagus and stomach for any signs of burns or damage if vomiting blood
• Fluids through a vein (intravenous or IV therapy)
• Medication to treat symptoms
• A tube through the nose into the stomach if vomiting occurs

Frequently asked questions