Katrina Rosales
Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways in the lungs, causing inflammation when exposed to triggers. While asthma symptoms vary from person to person, common signs include difficulty breathing and wheezing. Fragrances and strong odors have long been considered triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. This raises the question: does perfume, with its strong fragrance, affect asthma? Various studies have investigated the impact of perfumes and fragranced products on asthma, with mixed results. Some studies have shown declines in respiratory function among asthmatic subjects exposed to perfumes, while others have found it difficult to separate the psychological component of odor perception. Nonetheless, it is widely recommended that individuals with asthma avoid known triggers, including perfumes, to manage their condition effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Perfumes as asthma triggers | Strong odors from perfumes, household or industrial cleaners, air fresheners, and nail polishes and removers can trigger asthma symptoms. |
| Percentage of people with asthma affected by perfumes | 64.3% of asthmatics report one or more types of adverse health effects from fragranced products. |
| Types of adverse health effects | Respiratory problems, migraine headaches, asthma attacks, mucosal symptoms, skin problems, neurological problems, cognitive problems, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular problems, immune system problems, musculoskeletal problems. |
| Percentage of people with asthma affected by air fresheners or deodorizers | 41% of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners or deodorizers. |
| Asthma symptoms | Difficulty breathing, breathlessness, wheezing. |
| Asthma triggers | Fragrances and strong odors are characterized as putative triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. |
| Number of people with asthma | Asthma affects 1 in 9 adults and 1 in 5 children in Australia. In the US, it affects an estimated 25 million Americans. |
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What You'll Learn
Fragrances and strong odors as asthma triggers
Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways in the lungs. People with asthma have sensitive airways that become inflamed when exposed to triggers, making it difficult to breathe. This is known as an asthma attack. Fragrances and strong odors have been characterized as putative triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. Perfumes, in particular, have been identified as a common trigger, with 41% of people with asthma reporting health problems from air fresheners or deodorizers.
A study by Millqvist and Lowhagen examined nine non-smoking patients who reported respiratory symptoms following exposure to stimuli such as cigarette smoke, house paint, flower scents, and perfumes. Each patient underwent a single-blind 30-minute provocation test with a musk-like perfume or saline placebo in a special exposure chamber and was asked to record respiratory and sensory symptoms. In almost all cases, patients evaluated the total strength of their reaction to the perfume as stronger than the saline, even when wearing a carbon filter face mask.
Another study by Shim and Williams examined the effect of cologne on the expiratory volume of four patients with self-reported sensitivity to cologne. They reported an approximate decline in Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) of 18-58% during the 10-minute challenge period. However, the authors could not discard a psychological component involved in the response to the cologne, as the study was not blinded to the participants.
Overall, asthmatics are more likely to experience adverse health effects from exposure to fragranced products, with 64.3% reporting one or more types of adverse health effects, including respiratory problems (43.3%), migraine headaches (28.2%), and asthma attacks (27.9%). Involuntary exposure to fragranced products in public spaces can prevent asthmatics from accessing these places.
If you feel that fragrances and strong odors are triggering your asthma, it is important to take note of the problematic odors and inform your doctor. Managing asthma symptoms can be easier once you have identified your triggers, and your doctor can help you review your medications.
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Asthmatics' adverse reactions to perfume
Asthmatics can experience adverse reactions to perfumes and fragrances. Fragranced consumer products, such as perfumes, emit a range of air pollutants and trigger adverse health effects. Results from a study indicate that 64.3% of asthmatics report one or more types of adverse health effects from fragranced products, including respiratory problems (43.3%), migraine headaches (28.2%), and asthma attacks (27.9%).
Perfumes and strong fragrances are characterised as putative triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. In a study by Millqvist and Lowhagen, 9 non-smoking patients reporting respiratory symptoms following exposure to stimuli such as cigarette smoke, house paint, flower scents, and perfumes underwent a single-blind 30-minute provocation test with a musk-like perfume or saline (placebo). In almost all cases, patients evaluated the total strength of their reaction to the perfume as stronger than the saline. Another study by Shim and Williams examined the effect of cologne on the expiratory volume of four patients with self-reported sensitivity to cologne. They reported an approximate decline from the baseline in Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) of 18–58% during the 10-minute challenge period.
Asthmatics can experience involuntary exposures to fragranced products, such as in health care facilities and workplaces, preventing them from accessing public toilets, businesses, and workplaces due to adverse health effects. It is recommended that asthmatics take note of problematic odors and inform their doctor if they experience any worsening asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath or wheezing. While it is not always possible to avoid strong scents in certain places, asthmatics can discuss their triggers with their manager at work to help manage their exposure.
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Asthma and the role of risk perception
Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways in the lungs. People with asthma have sensitive airways that become inflamed when exposed to triggers, causing difficulty in breathing. Fragranced consumer products, such as perfumes, deodorants, incense, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products, can emit a range of air pollutants that trigger adverse health effects in asthmatics.
Several studies have investigated the role of odorous chemicals in triggering respiratory symptoms in asthmatics, with varying results. Some studies have reported significant declines in Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) in asthmatic subjects exposed to fragrances, while others have failed to substantiate the epidemiological or anecdotal evidence. The Institute of Medicine (2000) concluded that it is challenging to determine the direct role of chemical odors/fragrances in causing respiratory symptoms or asthma due to the difficulty in controlling for the influence of odor perception among individuals sensitive to odors.
However, the available data and anecdotal evidence suggest that fragrances and strong odors can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. A study by Millqvist and Lowhagen (1996) examined nine non-smoking patients who reported respiratory symptoms after exposure to stimuli such as cigarette smoke, house paint, flower scents, and perfumes. Each patient underwent a single-blind 30-minute provocation test with a musk-like perfume or saline (placebo) and was asked to record their respiratory and sensory symptoms. The results showed that patients evaluated the total strength of the reaction to the perfume as stronger than the saline, regardless of whether they wore a carbon filter face mask.
Another study by Shim and Williams examined the effect of cologne on the expiratory volume of four patients with self-reported sensitivity to cologne. They observed an approximate decline in FEV1 of 18-58% during the 10-minute challenge period, suggesting that fragrances can indeed trigger respiratory symptoms in asthmatics. However, the authors could not rule out a psychological component involved in the response to the cologne, as the study was not blinded to the participants.
Overall, while the exact mechanism remains unclear, it is generally advised that individuals with asthma avoid exposure to strong fragrances and odors that may trigger their symptoms. Identifying and managing asthma triggers is crucial for controlling the condition and preventing asthma attacks.
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Asthma attacks caused by fragranced products
Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways in the lungs. People with asthma have sensitive airways that can become inflamed when exposed to triggers, causing difficulty in breathing. This is known as an asthma attack. Fragranced consumer products, such as perfumes, deodorants, incense, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products, can emit a range of air pollutants and trigger asthma attacks in individuals with the condition.
Several studies have investigated the effects of fragranced products on asthmatics. One study examined the effect of cologne on the expiratory volume of four patients with self-reported sensitivity to cologne. The study reported a significant decline in Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) during the challenge period, suggesting that cologne can negatively impact respiratory function in sensitive individuals. Another study by Millqvist and Lowhagen examined the effects of exposure to a musk-like perfume on nine non-smoking patients with respiratory symptoms following exposure to stimuli such as cigarette smoke, house paint, flower scents, and perfumes. The patients reported stronger respiratory and sensory symptoms when exposed to the perfume compared to a saline placebo, indicating that perfume can exacerbate respiratory issues in asthmatics.
The results of these studies provide strong evidence that fragranced consumer products can adversely affect the health of asthmatics. Among asthmatics, 64.3% reported one or more types of adverse health effects from exposure to fragranced products, with 27.9% experiencing asthma attacks. It is important to note that asthmatics are not the only ones affected by these products. Fragranced products have also been reported to cause adverse health effects in non-asthmatics, although at a lower prevalence rate.
To manage asthma symptoms triggered by fragranced products, it is recommended to identify and avoid problematic odors as much as possible. This may include avoiding certain fragranced products, discussing triggers with managers or supervisors in workplaces or schools, and seeking medical advice from a doctor or healthcare professional. Taking prescribed medications as directed is also important for managing asthma symptoms and preventing asthma attacks.
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Experimental studies on perfume and asthma
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the link between perfume and asthma. Many of these studies have found that fragrances and strong odors can exacerbate asthma symptoms in asthmatics. However, the mechanism by which exposure to pure, non-irritating odorants can trigger adverse reactions in asthmatic patients is not yet fully understood and may involve a combination of physiological and psychological factors.
One study by Shim and Williams examined the impact of cologne and a saline placebo on the expiratory volume of four patients with self-reported sensitivity to cologne. They observed an approximate decline of 18-58% in Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) during the 10-minute challenge period. However, the FEV1 gradually increased over the next 20 minutes. The authors acknowledged that a psychological component might have influenced the response to cologne since the participants were not blinded to the experiment.
Another study by Millqvist and Lowhagen investigated the effects of perfume on nine non-smoking patients who reported respiratory symptoms after exposure to stimuli such as cigarette smoke, house paint, flower scents, and perfumes. Each patient underwent a single-blind 30-minute provocation test with a musk-like perfume or saline placebo in a special exposure chamber. The patients recorded their respiratory and sensory symptoms, and in most cases, they reported stronger reactions to the perfume compared to the saline, regardless of whether they wore a carbon filter face mask.
A twin study by Bryld et al. in 2005 also explored the heritability of respiratory symptoms related to perfume and potential associations with asthma. They posted a questionnaire to 5048 twin individuals, with a response rate of 82%. The study estimated the heritability of perfume-related respiratory symptoms and suggested a possible genetic correlation with atopic dermatitis.
Additionally, a study by Folletti et al. in 2017 examined the ability of household cleaning products, which often contain perfumes, to induce or exacerbate respiratory reactions in asthmatics. They attributed the adverse effects to airway irritation rather than allergic sensitization and emphasized the importance of exposure levels and individual susceptibility.
Overall, while these studies provide insights into the relationship between perfume and asthma, further well-controlled experimental studies are needed to definitively establish the direct role of chemical odors and fragrances in triggering respiratory symptoms in asthmatic individuals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, fragrances and strong odors have been known to trigger asthma symptoms. Perfumes can cause respiratory problems and even lead to asthma attacks.
Perfumes emit volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, which can cause adverse health effects. These compounds can irritate the airways in the lungs, causing them to become inflamed and making it difficult to breathe.
Any perfume with a strong scent can be a trigger. This includes cologne, musk-like perfumes, and commercial perfume-scented strips.
Yes, several studies have been conducted. One study examined the effect of cologne on four patients with self-reported sensitivity, and found a decline in Forced Expiratory Volume. Another study by Millqvist and Lowhagen examined nine non-smoking patients with respiratory symptoms following exposure to perfumes and found that patients evaluated the total strength of the reaction to the perfume as stronger than the saline.
If you have asthma and are triggered by perfumes, it is best to avoid exposure to fragranced products. Take note of problematic odors and inform your doctor if you experience worsening asthma symptoms. If you are experiencing a serious asthma attack, seek urgent medical attention.
