Smelling salts, also known as ammonia inhalants, are compounds that have been used for centuries, primarily to revive people who have fainted. These products, typically composed of ammonium carbonate, release a pungent, acrid ammonia gas upon exposure to air. Though historically linked to reviving the faint, they have recently gained popularity among athletes seeking a temporary boost in alertness and focus. The strong, irritating fumes trigger a sudden physiological response, leading some to wonder if this intense jolt could manage psychological states like anxiety.
How Smelling Salts Work
Smelling salts function by releasing ammonia gas, a chemical irritant that targets the moist membranes lining the nose and lungs. This intense, painful sensation triggers an immediate, involuntary reflex to inhale deeply and sharply, aiming to clear the respiratory passages. The sudden rush of inhaled air sends a high volume of oxygen to the brain, which contributes to the sensation of heightened awareness.
The body’s reaction to this acute irritation is to activate the sympathetic nervous system, often called the “fight or flight” response. This activation results in an increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, and the release of adrenaline, effectively shocking the user into temporary alertness. While effective at reversing fainting, its effects are short-lived, typically subsiding within a minute.
Do They Help Manage Anxiety?
There is no scientific evidence to support the use of smelling salts as an effective treatment or management tool for anxiety or panic attacks. Anxiety is a complex psychological condition, and the mechanism of smelling salts does not address its underlying causes.
The theory for using them is that the extreme sensory shock provides a powerful distraction from psychological distress. The noxious fumes and the body’s defensive reaction momentarily override the emotional and cognitive symptoms of a panic attack. This intense physical sensation acts as a reset button, diverting the brain’s focus away from the anxiety loop.
However, this is merely a crude form of distraction and not a therapeutic intervention. The resulting adrenaline surge could potentially mimic or even exacerbate physical anxiety symptoms like a racing heart. Relying on a severe physical jolt does not teach the brain or body how to cope with anxiety in a sustainable way.
Risks and Medical Guidance
Using smelling salts carries physical risk, especially when used repeatedly or improperly. Ammonia is a corrosive chemical, and holding the inhalant too close can cause chemical burns to the sensitive membranes inside the nasal passages. Repeated or prolonged inhalation of the fumes risks irritating the airways and lungs, potentially worsening existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
For individuals experiencing severe anxiety or panic, the forced, sharp inhalation reflex triggered by the ammonia can sometimes lead to an accidental head jerk. This could be dangerous if the person is agitated or in a position where a sudden movement could cause injury.
Medical professionals do not recommend smelling salts for anxiety. They advocate for evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy or prescribed medication. Anxiety management should focus on addressing root causes and developing healthy coping strategies, rather than relying on a harsh physical shock that provides only temporary distraction.