While the olfactory joys of perfumes and scented products seem to be a God-given right to most women, sufferers of asthma may find that enjoying their benefits is a difficult experience. The research done on perfume as a cause of asthma is extensive and yet varied; while some research studies insist that perfume is not a specific trigger for asthmatic patients, others point to perfume as a very high-risk cosmetic product to use for those who suffer from this chronic condition. Here is some pertinent information to help asthma sufferers decide whether or not perfume is right for them.

Most advertisers would have you believe that there is no risk whatsoever involved with use of their product. However, as asthma is often allergy-induced, any potential allergenic ingredients in perfumes pose a potential threat to the asthma sufferer. Placebo controlled studies such as the one at the Asthma and Allergy Centre of Sahgrenska University Hospital in Sweden showed that asthma sufferers definitely had decreased lung function after inhaling various perfumes. Interestingly, the symptoms were seen even when the patients could not actually smell the perfume, meaning that the allergens were triggers whether or not the olfactory nerve was stimulated. Furthermore, the use of a carbon filter mask did not prevent the symptoms from surfacing, thus proving the detrimental effect of perfume inhalation on the lung function of asthma sufferers.

Another study, at the Louisiana State Medical Center, showed that even inhalation of perfume from magazine inserts was a potential problem for asthma sufferers, despite the difference between the chemical makeup of the airborne, atomized versions of the scents, and the concentrated ones found in magazines. According to a study at Tulane University the most potent fragrances for asthmatics were Red, Charlie, White Diamonds, Giorgio, Opium, and Poison.

While this may seem like a stinky death sentence for asthmatic women, there are still other options available. Many oils or lotions contain smaller amounts of scent, and when applied to areas farther away from the nose, such as the wrists or back of knees, these products may prove to be a worthwhile substitute for perfumes. Clearly, it is important to use your discretion when attempting to find your solution – speak to your doctor about the severity of your condition and if possible identify specific allergens and triggers before simply running out and having a trial and error session that may send you to the ER.

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