Why does smelling salts work

This is where smelling salts are useful. Smelling salts are traditionally made of concentrated ammonia in salt form, which makes them easy to store and apply.

When smelling salts are held up to the nose of a person who has fainted, the ammonia fumes irritate the membranes inside the nostrils. This triggers a breathing reflex — the lungs automatically breathe in and out quickly and deeply in order to clear the nasal passages of the stinging ammonia. The deep inhalation helps reset respiratory patterns, sending more oxygen to the brain as breathing comes back to normal. If a person is prone to fainting because of low blood pressure or a similar medical condition, most doctors advise you simply to lay down and breathe deeply until your blood flow comes back up to normal.

For example, boxers may use them after a particularly hard round to help them recover. But from what we can tell, all it does is cause the breathing reflex. In the case of a concussion, smelling salts would similarly be ineffective, because concussions are caused by a brain injury, not by oxygen deprivation. So, their use in sports is not backed up by the science. It would be possible to burn the membranes of the nostrils through overuse, but one would have to be using it often and in heavy doses.

There is a danger if a person suffered a head injury, either through a concussion that knocked them unconscious , or if they fell on their head after fainting. Because the ammonia is an irritant, it can cause some unconscious people to reflexively jerk their head away or turn their neck. Just as the lungs try to clear the nasal passage, your body instinctively wants to move away from the source of the pain in your nose, like if you put your hand on a hot stove.

They fainted. Fainting is typically caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. Without enough oxygen delivered, the brain starts to shut down.

When a packet of smelling salts is placed under the nose, the fumes start to burn the membranes in the nasal passage of the unconscious person. This crystallized concoction is made with ammonia — the fumes of which are caustic. Think of getting a whiff of old-school oven or grill cleaners.

Even without conscious input from your brain, your lungs react to this irritant to rid your airways of the painful fumes by breathing in and out deeply. These big bursts of air bring more oxygen into your body, which is carried to the brain through your bloodstream. Football, basketball, and hockey players have all been seen using smelling salts while conscious, claiming it helps keep them alert for long games or after a big hit.

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Learn about some of the top options for bodybuilders here. Are smelling salts bad for you? Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. What are they? Risks Use Benefits Side effects Summary People have used smelling salts for hundreds of years to revive someone who has fainted or passed out. What are smelling salts? Share on Pinterest An athlete may use smelling salts to increase their alertness and focus.

Are they bad for you? The first response to the noxious smell is to suddenly jerk the head away from the stimulus. This can result in dislocating an injured spine and potential paralysis. More recently, athletes have begun to use smelling salts with the belief that their use will keep them more alert. The use of smelling salts is particularly popular among football and hockey players who believe this reflex will counteract the effects of concussion.

It is only natural that athletes at lower levels will follow this practice. Smelling salts should only be used in limited situations under the guidance of a health professional.