You've probably seen it in movies, where someone faints and falls and puts a small bottle up their nose to bring them back to consciousness. You've probably seen this done in sports like rugby or football when a player falls. What they use here is what's called Smelling Salts . Some people also call these ammonia inhalants . So what are these? Is it good to use these? Or is it dangerous? Okay, let's talk about this clearly today.
What are 'Smelling Salts'?
Simply put, smelling salts are a mixture of ammonia and other chemicals. They are mainly used to bring someone back to consciousness after fainting. Their history dates back to the 13th century. Since then, they have been used to prevent and restore consciousness.
These are not widely used in the medical field today, but you can still get them from pharmacies if you want.
Recently, some athletes have started using these as a stimulant to improve their performance . However, there is still no clear evidence to say whether it actually improves performance.
Generally, scented salts are safe when used as directed. However, if used too much or incorrectly, they can cause side effects.
How does this smell?
Since the main ingredient in these is ammonia, they have a very strong, unpleasant odor, like the harsh chemical liquid we use to clean our homes. Think of the strong smell of bleach we use to clean the bathroom.
How do these affect our bodies?
It's very simple. When you hold a bottle of salt water close to your nose, the ammonia gas it releases irritates the delicate tissues inside your nostrils. It's like a small burn. This stimulation causes your body to reflexively inhale and exhale deeply to clear your nose. This process happens even when you're unconscious.
When a large amount of oxygen suddenly enters the brain, our nervous system 's 'fight or flight' response is activated. That is, the same as when we are suddenly scared. At the same time, the hormone adrenaline spreads rapidly throughout the body. That is what causes the unconscious person to suddenly come to life and wake up, and temporarily feel a sense of alertness, that is, good consciousness and freshness.
How to use and store
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States has approved these only for use in preventing fainting or in bringing someone who has fainted to consciousness. The amount and frequency of use depend on the strength of the product you are using and the reason for it. So always follow the instructions on the package and your doctor's advice.
- Usage: Typically, these are held 4-6 inches away from the nose of the person who needs to regain consciousness and are allowed to inhale. If held too close, the inside of the nose can burn. The monk should inhale the vapors repeatedly until consciousness is regained.
- Storage: It is best to store these at room temperature, away from moisture, in a well-sealed container.
What are the benefits of 'scented salts'?
These are considered effective ways to bring someone who is feeling faint or has fainted to consciousness. However, many doctors today advise that if someone faints frequently, they should lie down and breathe deeply until they recover.
So why do players use these?
In the past, in sports like boxing, they used to use scented salts to quickly wake up a player after a knockout. But now, their use is banned in boxing. Some football and hockey players still use them to temporarily block the effects of a blow to the head. But this is very dangerous , because it can delay the emergency medical treatment they need.
Other athletes sniff them to help them stay focused before a competition, to boost their energy levels, or to get a boost before lifting weights at the gym. But none of these benefits have been scientifically proven . In fact, the FDA has even issued warnings to some manufacturers of scented salts that falsely claim to increase energy and alertness.
Are there any side effects? (Side Effects)
Yes, absolutely. Occasionally, when used as directed, there may be some side effects, although they are not very serious.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Minor effects | Coughing and sneezing, runny eyes and nose. |
| Effects to be more concerned about | Difficulty breathing, headache, vomiting, diarrhea. |
If you experience any of these side effects , call your doctor immediately. Or call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Is the use of 'smelling salts' really dangerous?
If you use them too much, inhale them frequently, or use them incorrectly, serious problems can occur.
- Can damage the nose and lungs: Ammonia is a chemical. If you use scented salts frequently, or if you hold them too close to your nose and sniff them, you can cause chemical burns inside your nose. If you inhale very high doses, you can even cause permanent damage to your lungs.
- Harmful to skin and eyes: The ammonia in these products is harmful to the skin and eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with clean water and call the National Poisons Information Center or your doctor , or go to an ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) . If it comes into contact with your skin, wash the area with water. Do not apply any ointment to relieve the inflammation. If the inflammation persists, see a doctor.
- Existing medical conditions may be aggravated: Since these stimulate the respiratory tract, if you have respiratory conditions, they may become worse.
| Avoid using scented salts if you have these diseases. | |
|---|---|
| Asthma | Bronchitis |
| Emphysema | Other lung diseases |
- Allergy: Some researchers say that inhaling scented salts can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If you have allergies, it is essential to talk to a doctor before using these.
Things to pay particular attention to
Because they have not been proven to enhance athletic performance, they have not been banned by major sports organizations such as the Olympic Committee, NBA, and NFL. However, many scientists advise coaches to stop using them during competitions. Because the temporary stimulation they provide increases the risk of injury by pushing your body beyond its limits.
Most importantly, it is very dangerous to use these to try to cover up something like a serious head injury (concussion) . These effects can mask the symptoms of a serious injury. As a result, proper diagnosis and treatment can be delayed, and the condition can worsen.
Another thing is, if you use these while unconscious, you may reflexively shake your head or neck to escape the strong smell. This can cause a back or neck injury or worsen an existing injury.
Take-Home Message
- Smelling salts are used as a first aid for memory loss. There is no proven benefit to using them to enhance athletic performance or as a stimulant.
- If used excessively or incorrectly, these can damage the nose and lungs. They can also cause side effects such as headaches and vomiting.
- If you have respiratory conditions like asthma, avoid using these completely.
- Never use these to mask the symptoms of a head injury/concussion. This will only make the condition worse.
- Before using these, always talk to your doctor to see if they are right for you.
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