Fragrance sensitivity is when your airways are irritated by ingredients or chemicals in natural or manufactured scents.

Instead, it suggests that some component of the fragrance is irritating to your airways and eyes.

Fragrance sensitivity can happen to anyone but is more likely if you haveasthmaor allergies.

Potential Triggers of Fragrance Sensitivity

Theresa Chiechi / Verywell

This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of fragrance sensitivities.

It also discusses how they can be treated and prevented.

you’re free to expect the symptoms to last from a few minutes to several hours.

The triggering scents can differ from person to person along with the severity of symptoms.

Symptoms tend to be worse the longer the exposure or the stronger the scent.

In the former case, the extended inhalation of a scent might lead to nausea and dizziness.

It can be triggered by a wide variety of organic and artificial chemicals in a variety of scents.

With fragrance sensitivity, IgE is not involved.

Diagnosis

Generally, a diagnosis of fragrance sensitivity is based on the occurrence and timing of symptoms.

But identifying the offending fragrance can be tricky.

Patterns may emerge that eventually lead you to the culprit.

Medical Evaluation

Beyond doing your own research, you may also benefit from a medical evaluation.

Treatment and Prevention

Avoiding offending fragrances is generally the best way to manage fragrance sensitivity.

It may not be so easy at your workplace or when you are out at a friend’s house.

They may not be aware that perfumes or fragrances they are accustomed to are overly strong and affecting others.

This includes pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or anasal decongestantto overcome congestion.

The best treatment is prevention.

Let others know about your concerns to help prevent any suspected fragrance sensitivities.

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