Perfumes do not cause allergies or asthma but may trigger symptoms, consultant says

Dr. Mohammed Al-Shahrani, consultant in internal and respiratory medicine, stated that perfumes are not a direct cause of asthma, allergies, or sinusitis, but they may trigger symptoms in individuals with a predisposition or medical history of these conditions.

Speaking to Al Arabiya FM, Al-Shahrani explained that perfumes do not create allergies or asthma "from scratch," but can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, sneezing, and nasal congestion in people who already suffer from allergic diseases or have a genetic predisposition.

He clarified the difference between allergy and irritation, noting that an allergy is an immune reaction to a specific substance, while irritation results from direct exposure to strong scents and may cause symptoms like nasal burning, coughing, or headaches, even in some people without allergies.

He pointed out that perfume quality plays a role in the extent of its effects, adding that low-quality products or those with unknown ingredients may increase the likelihood of irritation. However, those most affected are individuals with asthma or allergies.

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Al-Shahrani added that perfumes do not cause infections or sinusitis, but may lead to congestion in people who are already susceptible. He emphasized that individual responses to scents depend on each person's nature and health condition.