What Are Smelling Salts—And Are They OK to Use?

 

Smelling salts are ammonia-based products that have traditionally been used to help people regain consciousness after fainting. More recently, there has been a growing interest among athletes to use smelling salts to enhance alertness and boost performance.

Potential Benefits of Smelling Salts

Smelling salts have been used since the 13th century to treat fainting and lightheadedness.

Smelling salts are also used by some athletes as a stimulant. Using smelling salts before or during competition, the athletes hope to increase their energy and

respiratory rate and improve their alertness, focus, and reaction time.

Using smelling salts is especially popular among football players, hockey players, and powerlifters. In fact, it's estimated that up to half of powerlifters use smelling salts. They will most often use it before two or three lifts during a competition as well as before the last event, the deadlift.⁴¹

Side Effects of Smelling Salts

When the ammonia in smelling salts comes into contact with moist areas of your body like your eyes, nose, and throat, it causes immediate irritation. You may notice that your eyes, nose, and throat burn. Your eyes might also tear up. You might cough and have a runny nose, as well. You also could experience upper airway swelling, leading to airway obstruction.⁶

If you are interested in using smelling salts, talk to a healthcare provider first to determine if they are right for you. They also can advise you on how often to use them, if at all, and which products might be best. Keep in mind that smelling salts are not suitable for some people. For instance, if you have the following medical conditions, smelling salts may not be right for you:⁸

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Chronic lung conditions

If you do decide to use smelling salts, keep them four to six inches from your nose when inhaling, and limit your exposure. Remember, extended use of smelling salts increases your risk of adverse health outcomes and can cause irreversible damage if misused.