Ask a doctor - Is it possible to be allergic to a smell?

Q. Is it possible to be allergic to a smell?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Yes, it is possible to be allergic to a smell. There are actually two types of allergies that can be caused by airborne allergens such as odors, fragrances, and smells: respiratory allergies (also known as rhinitis) and contact dermatitis.

Respiratory allergies occur when allergens from the air are inhaled through the nose or mouth. These allergens cause irritation in the nose, which leads to sneezing, nasal congestion, and other symptoms such as coughing and itchy eyes. When a person is exposed to strong odors or fragrances for extended periods of time, their symptoms may worsen and lead to an allergic reaction called pollen-food syndrome. This condition causes itching in various parts of the body after consuming food with a strong odor like spices or fish.

Contact dermatitis occurs when people touch certain airborne substances like perfume or cologne that contain allergy-inducing particles in them. Contact dermatitis typically causes rashes on skin where the allergen was touched including redness, inflammation, itchiness and burning sensation on areas like hands arms chest etc.. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to extreme swelling depending on how sensitive a person's skin is towards particular allergens. In more severe cases blisters may form due to overreaction of immune system towards these allergen particles present in colognes perfumes etc..

There are some treatments available for people who suffer from either respiratory allergies or contact dermatitits caused by smelling odours like immunotherapy(allergy shots) lowering exposure level avoiding scents etc but ultimately prevention should always be better than cure so try your best not exposing yourself too much with strong smells which could trigger your allergy easily .