Heidi Norton
Many people experience respiratory issues and allergic reactions due to their sensitivity to fragrances. Perfumes, in particular, can be triggering for people with fragrance sensitivity, allergies, or asthma. This is because perfumes often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol, which can irritate the airways and lead to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. In more severe cases, a perfume allergy can cause anaphylaxis, with the swelling of airways making it difficult to breathe. While some people are more susceptible to these effects, strong scents can negatively impact individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, even leading to asthma attacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Perfumes contain | Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
| VOCs | Can be irritating and disruptive to airways |
| VOCs | Can enter the bloodstream |
| Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity | Sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes |
| Other symptoms | Congestion, runny nose, throat irritation, wheezing |
| Fragrance sensitivity | More likely in people with asthma or allergies |
| Allergic reactions | Swelling in the mouth, lips, or tongue |
| Allergic reactions | Anaphylaxis |
| Treatment | Medication, topical ointments, oatmeal baths |
| Fragrance-induced asthma | Triggered by body sprays, air fresheners, artificial scents |
| Artificial fragrances | Heavily processed, contain additives |
| Artificial fragrances | Derived from coal tar and petrol |
| Organically occurring scents | Simpler concoctions, e.g. rose water |
| Impact | Can affect people with COPD |
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What You'll Learn
Fragrance sensitivity and allergies
Fragrances like perfumes, colognes, air fresheners, soaps, shampoos, deodorants, laundry detergents, dryer sheets, bug sprays, and e-cigarettes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can be irritating and disruptive to our airways and have other negative health effects. When we breathe in fragrances, we are inhaling particles small enough to cross the lining of our blood vessels and enter our bloodstream.
Some people experience fragrance sensitivity, which is not an immune-mediated allergy but can trigger allergy or asthma flare-ups. Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, congestion, a runny nose, throat irritation, and wheezing. These symptoms can develop within minutes of exposure to a scent and can last from a few minutes to several hours. They tend to be worse with longer exposure or stronger scents.
Fragrance sensitivity is not uncommon, especially in people with allergies or asthma. A 2009 survey on fragrance sensitivity found that about 30% of the United States population experienced irritation from perfumes, and 19% experienced health effects from fragrances.
Allergic reactions to perfumes can be mild, with symptoms like itching, or severe, requiring immediate medical attention. Severe symptoms include swelling in the mouth, lips, or tongue, which can make it hard to breathe, eat, or talk, and anaphylaxis, where the airways become inflamed and close up.
To reduce exposure to fragrances, one can use unscented products, avoid aerosol dispensers, and opt for slowly diffused candles and essential oils for home fragrance. Choosing perfumes with minimal ingredients can also reduce the chance of an allergic or sensitivity reaction.
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Asthma and allergies
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Perfume-induced asthma, also known as fragrance-induced asthma or scent-sensitive asthma, is a condition in which the inhalation of certain fragrances or scented products triggers asthma symptoms.
Perfumes and colognes, as well as other scented products like body sprays, air fresheners, and cleaning products, can contain many of the same additives, making the air less safe to breathe. Some people with asthma are sensitive to artificial fragrances, while others are affected by natural scents. Citrus oils, for example, contain compounds called limonene and linalool, which are considered volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and may cause respiratory irritation and trigger asthma symptoms. Strong floral scents like jasmine, ylang-ylang, rose, or lavender can also pose a risk for people with perfume-induced asthma, as they may contain volatile compounds like linalool, geraniol, or eugenol, which can act as respiratory irritants.
Fragrance sensitivity can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes, and can trigger an allergic response or an asthma attack. Symptoms generally develop within minutes of exposure to a scent and can last from a few minutes to several hours. The triggering scents can differ between individuals, and sensitivity can vary. It is important to identify and avoid offending fragrances, and to inform friends, family, and coworkers about your fragrance sensitivity.
If you have asthma and allergies, your workplace should be an environment where you can comfortably complete your job duties. You have certain rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures you are treated fairly in the workplace. It is best to work out reasonable accommodations with your employer, but you can file a complaint if you are discriminated against or disrespected due to your allergies or asthma.
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Perfumes, cleaning products, and other fragranced items can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can be irritating and disruptive to the airways and have other adverse health effects. When we breathe in fragrances, we are inhaling particles small enough to cross the lining of our blood vessels and enter our bloodstream.
VOCs are emitted from fragrances and related products during indoor use, and the constituents of fragrance emissions vary significantly. On-site sampling and experimental analysis can be performed to identify the health hazards associated with VOCs in fragrances. For example, Balducci et al. collected chemicals emitted from fragrances in two Italian indoor environments, a coffee bar and a private house, using XAD-4 adsorbent cartridges. Their laboratory analysis detected the presence of carvone and camphor, as well as several endocrine disruptors, such as lilial and galaxolide.
Additionally, VOCs emitted from indoor fragrance diffusers have been reported to pose health risks. In one study, microneedle trap samplers were used to extract VOCs emitted by bamboo diffusers in fragrance bottles in bathrooms. The main VOCs detected from chemically synthesized fragrances were ethanol, propylene glycol, and 3-ethylbenzaldehyde, with the latter being a strong respiratory irritant.
While researchers are still studying the impact of these chemical combinations, it is known that some people may be at higher risk of adverse reactions to VOCs. Those with asthma or allergies may be more likely to experience fragrance sensitivity, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, congestion, and throat irritation. To reduce exposure, individuals can opt for unscented products, avoid aerosol dispensers, and choose slower-release options like candles and essential oils.
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COPD symptoms
Perfumes, along with cleaning products, air fresheners, deodorants, and many other household items, can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can irritate and disrupt our airways, causing allergic or inflammatory responses such as congestion, coughing, and throat irritation. Some people are more sensitive to fragrances and can experience respiratory issues, such as coughing, sneezing, or itchy eyes. This fragrance sensitivity can also trigger an allergic response or an asthma attack.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive and irreversible lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. While COPD symptoms can vary in severity, they generally worsen over time. Initially, COPD may exhibit no or mild symptoms, but as the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe and include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- A persistent cough, often with mucus production, sometimes referred to as a "smoker's cough"
- Wheezing or a whistling/squeaky sound when breathing
- Chest tightness or heaviness, which can make breathing deeply difficult or painful
- Thick mucus production
- Lack of appetite, weight and muscle loss, anxiety, and depression
COPD exacerbations, or flare-ups, can be triggered by environmental factors such as dust or smoke, causing severe difficulty breathing. During these flare-ups, individuals may require hospitalization and supplemental oxygen therapy to improve oxygen levels.
COPD is typically staged based on the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), which indicates the degree of airway blockage. While the staging does not directly correlate with symptom severity, it helps guide treatment plans. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, reducing exacerbations, and slowing disease progression through smoking cessation, inhaled medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and antibiotics for bacterial lung infections.
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Anaphylaxis
Perfumes and colognes, as well as other fragranced products, can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs can irritate and disrupt our airways, causing allergic or inflammatory responses such as congestion, coughing, wheezing, and throat irritation.
While fragrance sensitivity is not a true allergy, it can trigger an allergic response in some people. This can lead to an asthma attack or, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction in which the airways become inflamed and close up, making it difficult or impossible to breathe. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty swallowing, a weak pulse, chest pain, and nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately.
To prevent allergic reactions to fragrances, it is recommended to use unscented or fragrance-free products. However, it is important to note that even products labelled as such may still contain fragrance components. Over-the-counter medications can be used to treat mild symptoms, but if you have a severe allergy, it is important to avoid the substance causing the reaction and carry any prescribed emergency medication, such as an EpiPen.
If you are experiencing repeated allergic reactions to fragrances, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional. They can help you identify your triggers and manage your exposure to them. Patch tests and allergy skin tests can also be performed to determine specific allergic triggers.
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Frequently asked questions
Some people experience respiratory issues when exposed to certain smells, including perfumes. This is called fragrance sensitivity, which is not an allergy but can trigger an allergic response. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, congestion, and throat irritation.
Fragrance sensitivity can be caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in perfumes and other fragranced products. These compounds can irritate and disrupt our airways.
If you experience fragrance sensitivity, it is important to limit exposure to the triggering fragrances and treat any symptoms. You can also inform others about your sensitivity to reduce exposure. Additionally, choosing perfumes with minimal ingredients or natural, plant-based perfumes can help reduce the chance of an allergic reaction.
Yes, in rare cases, severe allergic reactions to perfumes can cause anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Other potential risks include asthma attacks and exacerbation of allergies or COPD symptoms.
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