SCENT SENSITIVITY

Perfumes are meant to make the wearer smell fresh, clean, sensuous, or even exotic.  Unfortunately, fragrances that are pleasing to one person may pose mild to severe allergic or asthmatic reactions in others.  As much as 30 percent of the population finds certain scents physically irritating.  Direct contact with the perfume is not necessary to trigger a reaction.  Scents wafting through the air can cause the immune system to release excess histamines into the body that trigger allergic reactions such as runny noses, sneezing fits, watery eyes, and/or headaches.  People with allergic asthma may develop wheezing and experience difficulty breathing.  An allergist can perform patch tests to isolate allergens and prescribe medications to control allergy or asthma symptoms.

P.S.  If you are allergic or sensitive to fragrances, look for cosmetic products that are fragrance-free.

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