Fainting is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness due to not enough oxygen reaching the brain. Learn about the warning signs and treatment options… READ MORE For the record by Trailer Bride, see Smelling Salts (album). Two capsules of smelling salts from a first-aid kit. A thin inner glass tube contains alcohol and ammonia; the outer layer is cotton and netting. When crushed, the liquid is released into the cotton, while the glass shards are retained inside. The ammonia-soaked cotton is waved in front of the nose for the treatment of fainting. Some smelling salt products may claim to clear nasal congestion. However, there is insufficient evidence to prove this. Do smelling salts expire The stimulant effect of smelling salts is due to the ammonia, which irritates a person’s nasal and lung membranes when they sniff it. The result is that the person involuntarily inhales and starts to breathe faster, which sends more oxygen to the brain.

The effects of long- or short-term use of smelling salts are unknown. However, a person should avoid overusing smelling salts or holding the smelling salt too close to the nose. Concentrated exposure can damage the upper airways and lungs and cause allergic reactions. a b Shakhashiri (2008-02-01). "Chemical of the week – Ammonia" (PDF). University of Wisconsin-Madison. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-21 . Retrieved 2010-05-24. However, some people may use smelling salts for other means, such as improving athletic performance and increasing alertness. these are brilliant, grew up using these and am delighted to have refound them now. the 80's style labelling could do with being updated - nothing wrong with the old b&w one imo. But above all they work brilliantly; definitely clears your nose, allegedly clears headaches and brings you round fast from a faint. old fashioned and irreplaceable.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have an underlying medical condition, are taking any other medication or complementary therapy, or if symptoms persist

Richmond, S. R., et al. (2014). The impact of ammonia inhalants on strength performance in resistance trained males. The active substances (the ingredients that make the smelling salts work) are 0.539g eucalyptus oil and at least 8.82g ammonia liquor 8 80/ 890 per bottle . Malecek, J., et al. (2021). Effects of ammonia inhalants in humans: A review of the current literature regarding the benefits, risks, and efficacy [Abstract]. Fainting can be caused by excessive parasympathetic and vagal activity that slows the heart and decreases perfusion of the brain. [13] The sympathetic irritant effect is exploited to counteract these vagal parasympathetic effects and thereby reverse the faint. [14] Risks [ edit ] Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. Further information:Historically, smelling salts have been used on people feeling faint, [3] [4] [5] or who have fainted. They are usually administered by others but may be self-administered. Our Medical Information Service can help with enquiries about this product, for example its appearance, whether you have questions about what it contains, the ingredients in it, or how it works. Below are some common questions surrounding the use of smelling salts. Do smelling salts kill brain cells?