Ammonia inhalants, commonly known as smelling salts, are chemical compounds traditionally used to revive individuals who have fainted. These products, typically containing ammonium carbonate, release a pungent ammonia gas when activated. While their historical use was medical, smelling salts have found a modern application among athletes, particularly in strength sports like powerlifting and strongman, to achieve a sudden boost in alertness. The effectiveness and safety of using this potent chemical irritant as a pre-lift stimulant remain topics of discussion among coaches and health professionals.
The Immediate Physiological Reaction
Smelling salts operate by delivering a localized chemical irritant to the mucous membranes of the nose and lungs. The active component, ammonia, generates a strong, acrid vapor upon inhalation, triggering a protective reflex that causes an involuntary, deep gasp.
The reflex pathway is mediated by the trigeminal nerve (Cranial Nerve V), which is responsible for sensation in the face and innervates the nasal mucosa. The ammonia gas activates pain receptors on the nerve endings, and this intense sensory input is immediately transmitted to the central nervous system.
Activation of the trigeminal nerve stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, initiating the body’s “fight or flight” response. This systemic reaction causes an instantaneous surge of adrenaline and an increase in heart rate. The resulting rush of oxygen to the brain and sudden systemic arousal contribute to the feeling of heightened focus and alertness that lifters seek before a maximal attempt.
Acute Effects on Strength and Performance
The primary appeal of smelling salts is the belief that this physiological jolt directly translates into increased absolute strength for a heavy lift. While the central nervous system stimulation provides a profound sense of readiness, scientific evidence supporting measurable gains in maximal strength is inconsistent. Studies investigating the effect of ammonia inhalants on the one-repetition maximum (1RM) often show no significant difference compared to a placebo.
The perceived benefit seems to stem from a psychological effect rather than an increase in objective muscle power. The sudden, jarring sensation acts as a powerful focusing tool, helping athletes overcome the mental inhibition that often accompanies attempting a weight near their limit. This improved focus and reduced perceived effort can be highly beneficial for competitive powerlifters.
Some research suggests that while maximal force output may not change, the compounds might improve the rate of force development (RFD). A faster RFD means the lifter can generate peak force more quickly, which could be advantageous in dynamic movements. Ultimately, the primary benefit appears to be an acute mental boost and heightened arousal necessary for a maximal performance effort.
Safety Concerns and Appropriate Use
While the occasional use of smelling salts is generally considered low-risk for healthy individuals, their application during heavy weightlifting introduces unique mechanical concerns. The intense irritation from the ammonia gas triggers an involuntary startle reflex, which can cause the head and neck to jerk backward suddenly. This rapid, uncontrolled movement poses a risk, particularly when bracing for a maximal squat or deadlift.
Executing a heavy lift requires a rigid, neutral spine, and the reflexive head movement could compromise spinal stability, potentially leading to injury. Repeated exposure to the concentrated ammonia can also irritate or damage the nasal passages and mucous membranes. Holding the salts too close to the nose, or using them excessively, increases the risk of chemical burns to the nasal lining.
A significant concern is the possibility of masking pain or fatigue signals that would otherwise protect the body. The intense rush of adrenaline and alertness may encourage an athlete to push past safe limits or overlook an existing minor injury, risking a more severe outcome. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues, such as asthma, should avoid smelling salts entirely, as the irritant can exacerbate airway constriction and cause difficulty breathing.