Understanding Cologne's Nasal Congestion Effect

Fragrances can trigger nasal allergies and irritate the airways, causing a stuffy nose. This is known as fragrance sensitivity, which is different from a fragrance allergy because it does not involve a whole-body immune response. Instead, it is when a component of the fragrance irritates the airways and eyes. Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity include sneezing, coughing, a ticklish feeling in the nose, and watery, itchy, or red eyes. For some people, these symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction to fragrances, which means their immune system overreacts.

Allergic reaction

If you experience a stuffy nose after smelling cologne, you may be having an allergic reaction. Fragrance allergies are relatively common, with up to 4.5% of the general adult population being allergic to fragrance materials.

A fragrance allergy is an abnormal immune reaction to ordinarily harmless substances in fragranced products. This type of allergy generally causes symptoms on the skin that can be treated with medication. However, it can also cause respiratory symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, runny nose, or coughing. People with asthma or other respiratory illnesses are more vulnerable to developing a fragrance allergy.

Common ingredients found in fragrances that can cause an allergic reaction include citronella, oak moss, balsam of Peru, and synthetic components. These ingredients have been known to cause skin problems and trigger asthma.

If you believe you are experiencing an allergic reaction to cologne or other fragrances, it is important to see a doctor or allergist for a proper diagnosis. They may perform a patch test to confirm the allergy. The best treatment for a fragrance allergy is avoidance, but this can be challenging as fragrances are present in many products. Over-the-counter allergy medications can also help treat symptoms.

Irritated airways

Fragrances can irritate the airways and cause what is known as fragrance sensitivity. This condition involves irritation of the respiratory tract or mucous membranes of the eyes. It is not a true allergy, as it does not involve a whole-body immune response. Instead, it suggests that some component of the fragrance is irritating to your airways and eyes.

Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity include sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes, and these symptoms can develop within minutes of exposure to a scent. The severity of symptoms depends on the length of exposure and the strength of the scent. Other symptoms include a ticklish feeling in the nose, a raw or burning sensation in the nasal passages, and watery, itchy, or red eyes. In some cases, prolonged exposure can lead to nausea, dizziness, and skin irritation.

Strong odors and scents can be a trigger for rhinitis and/or asthma. Common strong odors that can cause issues include air fresheners, perfumes, colognes, deodorants, nail polish, and cleaning products. These irritants can cause nasal congestion, a runny nose, coughing, and asthma symptoms.

If you experience fragrance sensitivity, it is important to avoid offending fragrances and limit your exposure to strong smells. This may involve buying unscented or fragrance-free products, avoiding places with strong odors, and asking others to refrain from wearing strong perfumes or colognes around you. In some cases, over-the-counter medications can be used to treat the symptoms of fragrance sensitivity, such as decongestants or nasal sprays.

Rhinitis

Acute Rhinitis

Acute rhinitis is usually caused by a viral illness. Symptoms of acute rhinitis include a stuffy or runny nose, mucus in the throat, and sneezing. It can be a long-term problem and affect both children and adults, although it is more common after age 20.

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is caused when allergens in the air trigger the release of histamine in the body. Histamine causes itching, swelling, and fluid buildup in the fragile linings of the nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids. Common allergens that can cause allergic rhinitis include pollen, dust, animal dander, and mould. People with asthma are at a higher risk for allergic rhinitis, although the link between the two is not fully understood.

Nonallergic Rhinitis

Nonallergic rhinitis is not caused by allergies, although its symptoms are similar to those of allergic rhinitis. The exact cause of nonallergic rhinitis is unknown, but it occurs when blood vessels in the nose expand, leading to swelling inside the nose, congestion, or excess mucus. Triggers of nonallergic rhinitis can include irritants in the air such as strong odors (e.g. perfumes), chemical fumes, and cigarette smoke; changes in weather or temperature; infections such as a cold or the flu; certain foods and drinks (especially hot, spicy foods and alcohol); and some medications.

Treatment

The best treatment for rhinitis is to avoid exposure to allergens or triggers that cause symptoms. This may involve staying away from strong fragrances, limiting exposure to places with strong odors, and using natural cleaning products. In some cases, medications such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, or decongestants may be prescribed to help control symptoms.

Asthma

Strong scents and fragrances like cologne can trigger asthma symptoms in people with the condition. This is usually not an allergen but an irritant, with artificial fragrances being the most common triggers. These fragrances are often heavily processed and contain many additives, such as aerosol body sprays delivered from pressurised cans and perfumes.

Perfumes, in particular, are known to contain chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol, which help them stick to the object they are sprayed on. Other artificial fragrances include bathroom sprays and air fresheners, which can contain similar additives and make the air less safe to breathe.

If you have allergic asthma, it is likely that fragrance is one of your major triggers. Many products contain fragrance, including perfume, cologne, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, deodorants, and soap. Additionally, there are other scented things found in workplaces and public spaces, such as strongly scented cleaners, hand sanitizers, air fresheners, and even scented trash bags.

To prevent asthma attacks, it is important to avoid known triggers, take regular preventer medication, and have an asthma management plan. Communicating with friends, family, and colleagues about asthma symptoms and triggers can also help manage the condition and prevent attacks.

Olfactory fatigue

To combat olfactory fatigue, one can employ strategies such as:

• Taking breaks from fragrances to allow the olfactory senses to recalibrate.
• Rotating between different scents to prevent overexposure to a single fragrance.
• Using natural "palate cleansers" like coffee beans, lemon slices, or aromatherapy oils to reset the olfactory palate.
• Alternating between two or more fragrances to maintain sensitivity and prolong the olfactory experience.
• Incorporating scent breaks and diversifying fragrances during perfume testing or daily wear.

Frequently asked questions