Essential oils causing asthma attacks?
Can essential oils cause an asthma attack?
I recently heard about teachers who were having asthma attacks because parents of their students were using essential oils.
Essential oils are the natural compounds that can be found in roots, flowers, bark, stem or seeds of plants. Some people believe they have healing powers.
Essential oils can smell quite strong, and the problem with that is in my opinion, essential oils can fall under the "irritant" category of causing asthma attacks. Irritants are strong scents that can cause asthma attacks. It can be cigarette smoke, cleaning agents, perfumes, etc.
Keep in mind that when you have asthma, your body "over-reacts" to simple things. Things that don't bother other "normal" people-like being around pets, breathing cold air, eating certain foods, exercising, etc, can bother someone with asthma. There's a whole list of things that can cause asthma attacks.
And just because it doesn't cause a problem for you, doesn't meant that it isn't a problem for someone else. I'm not bothered by certain medications, but other people are. That doesn't mean it's not an asthma trigger, just that it is for them.
I found one website that talked about asthma and essential oils. This is from Escents Aromatherapy:
"Many aromatherapy books warn against using essential oils to treat asthma. Some asthma sufferers are sensitive to fragrance and find that it triggers attacks. While you don't want to make the situation any worse, aromatherapy, using essential oils, can offer promising results when used with care. Because asthma sufferers can be extremely sensitive to scent, do a sniff test first. Test the essential oils or blend of oils you want to try by simply sniffing it to make sure there is no adverse reaction."
Just one more thing to think about when you have asthma and a body that over-reacts to irritants. We need to protect our lungs, they're the only set we have!
some of food that also trigger asthma attack like peanuts and nuts, According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAI), more than 3 million people in the U.S. have allergies to various foods, including peanuts.
ReplyDeleteAOK Emergency Room
Thanks James, I blog about a lot of different asthma triggers. There are a lot of foods that trigger asthma attacks, such as soy, wheat, eggs, milk, tree nuts, and seafood.
DeleteAnd new triggers can happen at anytime, even with things you have been exposed to before.
You always have to be on guard when it comes to asthma :)
I think the biggest problem is in using essential oils that are fragrance grade and not therapeutic grade oils. Many of the oils on the market say they are all natural when they in fact have fillers or are chemically processed to get more oil. My husband can not walk down the soap or perfume aisle in a store yet has not had one problem with any essential oil made by YOUNG LIVING. They are organically grown and pure
ReplyDeleteHi Flowerhugger. I understand what you are saying, there are a lot of strong scents out there. I am glad you found something that works for you! :)
Deletethere is no such thing as theapeutic grade, its a lie. I have had a reaction to a YL oil, had to use my rescue inhaler because of it. So it can happen to all brands.
DeleteThat's the frustrating thing about asthma, we all can react differently. You have to know your body and know what you need to avoid and what works for you. I'm glad you are being careful :)
DeleteI don't even have asthma and I reacted severely to diffused Young Living essential Oil. I nearly ended up in the ER. I feel it is way over used. This happened in a place of business that had a diffuser going. THANK YOU for bringing this issue to light.
DeleteI don't even have asthma and I reacted severely to diffused Young Living essential Oil. I nearly ended up in the ER. I feel it is way over used. This happened in a place of business that had a diffuser going. THANK YOU for bringing this issue to light.
DeleteI had a severe asthma attack this morning in my classroom bc of a student that was covered with Thieves!! Way too much and my asthma went into hyper mode and it sent me home :(
DeleteThat's so frustrating! People who don't have asthma don't understand.
DeleteI tell them that it's nice that they can tolerate _________ (perfume, cats, pollen, etc)
But with asthma, our bodies are like Drama Queens - they over react to things that don't bother other people.
And many times, we can't stop it from happening.
If you live in American, you may be entitled to accommodations under your "disability" of asthma.
Here is some info from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American
http://www.aafa.org/page/asthma-allergies-and-the-american-with-disabilities-act.aspx
Hope this helps!
Natural only means that they're sourced from the very flowers and plants I'm allergic to, anything with rose or lavender or Lily will give me any instant headache whether it's natural or fake, sometimes even before I'm aware of the scent
DeleteIt's frustrating. Many people swear by essential oils, but ANY strong scent will trigger an asthma attack for me. Frequently, we have to defend ourselves and explain over and over again what asthma is and why we cannot tolerate strong scents.
DeleteIt gets old after a while!
If someone enjoys strong scents, they have that right. But just like the second hand smoke issue, don't force it on others. Think before you stink.
DeleteIt is very important that we learn the causes of asthma to help us or our love ones overcome any uncertainty...http://newshealthtoday.com/facebook-a-new-cause-of-asthma/
ReplyDeleteHi Francis, thanks for stopping by! Interesting article! That person's story shows that stress can cause asthma attacks.
DeleteIt is important to know what can cause (or trigger) asthma attacks so you know to avoid those things. It's different with every person.
Sounds like that young man had stress as a trigger.
Hope he's doing well! :)
I like how the advice given by the aromatherapy person is to test the essential oils by....sniffing them. Sure, let's make people with life-threatening asthmatic conditions *SNIFF* the oils first to see if the oil sends them to the ER, I'm sure they won't mind being guinea pigs.
ReplyDeleteI think some people mean well, but we know our bodies best and what may trigger an asthma attack.
DeleteI would not sniff any strong scents, as I know that they WILL trigger asthma attacks for me.
Stupid asthma!
I went to an essential party friday,by the time I came home I felt like I was smothering. I have been sick with shortness of breath all weekend
ReplyDeleteI went to an essential party friday,by the time I came home I felt like I was smothering. I have been sick with shortness of breath all weekend
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of any strong smells. Essential oils would set off an asthma attack for me.
DeleteI hope you used your inhaler!
I avoid essential oils, scented candles and perfumes. My lungs just can't handle the smells :(
Thank you for this! We just had the opposite problem. My sons school receptionist was diffusing oils in the front office (and claiming she was using the diffuser as a humidifier only!!!) I had to throw a fit in order to get it removed. It was very irritating to me, and my son even complained that when he goes near the office his chest feels "funny". Glad they are gone now! Use them at home, but not in an environment that affects others!
ReplyDeleteThat's so frustrating! I agree - use them at home, but not in public where it can cause other people to have asthma attacks :(
DeleteGood for you for sticking up for your son! It's sad that these people will never understand what it feels like to have asthma.
Sometimes I will have someone jog in place for 30 seconds, then plug their nose and breathe through a straw. I let them struggle physically, then once I see a little panic in their eyes, I'll have them pull out the straw and tell them that is what asthma feels like.
Only they can pull out their straw, we can't.
Asthma makes it hard to breathe - which can also make you panic and afraid.
I wish people would understand that
I had allergic asthma reaction to wintergreen oil someone used. Have been battling asthma for a month now. Please do not use wintergreen oil. I researched it and found out it has same ingredient as aspirin which bothers me. Also, if you get too much of it, it could literally kill you. I got a massage and the therapist used some on my back and I began having asthma symptoms. So, be sure to tell massage therapists what you are allergic to so they don't make you sick with scented oils.
ReplyDeleteSorry you have had a tough time! Only someone else with asthma will understand what we go through. I'm glad you are speaking up and protecting yourself!
DeleteI had allergic asthma reaction to wintergreen oil someone used. Have been battling asthma for a month now. Please do not use wintergreen oil. I researched it and found out it has same ingredient as aspirin which bothers me. Also, if you get too much of it, it could literally kill you. I got a massage and the therapist used some on my back and I began having asthma symptoms. So, be sure to tell massage therapists what you are allergic to so they don't make you sick with scented oils.
ReplyDeleteYes, everyone with asthma has different triggers (or causes) of asthma attacks. It sounds like you know what triggers asthma attacks for you. It is important to communicate with your massage therapist, good thinking!
DeleteYes, I've used ultrasonic diffuser with essential oils. It wasn't too bad. I decided to get an aroma humidifier due to more output of scent. My Chest got tight after 1st day, by day 3. I couldn't catch my breath and inhaler didnt help. I only use inhaler during the change of seasons. So it was very scary feeling. No more essential oils in humidifier.
ReplyDeleteThat's the problem with asthma, what works for one person may not work for another.
DeleteI try to tell people that asthma is a Drama Queen (if you have teenagers, you know how they can over react.) Our bodies do the same thing with asthma - they over react to things that don't bother other people.
So, we just have to know what will trigger an asthma attack and avoid it!
I hope you feel better soon and called your doctor when you were having problems. If I feel like my inhaler isn't working, I call my doctor to see if I need something else.
I am sick at work every day from someone using YL essential oils, was just headaches now asthma. I have given doctor notes and all that these are irritating me. She has now stated she needs these for her headaches. So she can continue to blow the stuff into the air. So frustrating.
ReplyDeleteThat is frustrating! You should have a safe workplace policy. It may help to contact your Human Resources department for help.
DeleteMany workplaces ban strong fragrances.
Good luck!
I don't have asthma. But apparently Young Livings oils make me feel like I do. i am a genealogist, and I volunteer in the evenings following a lady who is firmly convinced her oils solve all ills. Her diffuser is off before I get there, but the smell still lingers. In a few minutes I cough and within a few minutes, I can't stop coughing. I drink water constantly or have mints in my mouth. But I am sick for days. I do not have any reaction to fragrances or even cleaning supplies, but I do to Young Livings oils. She likes to use thieves oil most and of course it makes me the sickest. I also can't go to the health food store anymore because they use a diffuser there as well. I love herbs but have to order them and get them delivered. It's not worth what I have to go through.
ReplyDeleteThat's frustrating. Can you bring a small fan and blow the smell away from you?
DeleteIf you are coughing, that is generally a sign of an asthma attack. That's usually when your doctor will tell you to use your inhaler. This website from WebMD may help, it lists coughing as a symptom of an asthma attack.
https://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/when-to-use-inhaler
Using a mint and drinking water don't usually help in an asthma attack. In fact - I would tell the lady that her essential oils are triggering an asthma attack for you, and let her SEE you use your inhaler!
Maybe that will help her see the consequences of her actions?
I understand what you are going thru. I cannot be near Thieves oil or any essential oils for that matter. I also cannot go into health food stores due to the poor air quality.
DeleteIt can be rough. It reminds me of the age old "who's right is it?" When people were allowed to smoke anywhere they wanted, now we are protected from cigarette smoke. Of course, that as been linked to lung cancer.I don't see that ever happening with essential oils. We have to just make a quick get away when surrounded by people with their essential oils!
DeleteI have found information on which EOs are supposed to help Asthma. Does anyone have a list of EOs which would trigger Asthma, such as Wintergreen and Thieves?
ReplyDeleteThank you in advance.
Any strong scent will trigger asthma, including essential oils.
DeleteIn fact, the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) says:
"There is no evidence that essential oils can help asthma. In fact, breathing in the particles released by the oils may trigger an asthma attack"
https://community.aafa.org/blog/asthma-are-essential-oils-harmful-or-helpful
Can I use essential oil for message for an asthma patient..???
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the person, please ask them first. It is an asthma trigger for me, and I can't have essential oils during massages.
DeleteSince each person with asthma is different, and has different triggers, ask them about it!
They do trigger an asthma attack for me
These comments tho, is this an Essential Oil BASHING thread? I have severe allergy induced Asthma and Essential OIls help e greatly. Lets not be so negative we ruin it for everyone.
ReplyDeleteHI Katherine,
ReplyDeleteAs you know, asthma triggers vary from person to person. My three adult children and I all have different asthma triggers and different treatment plans.
And asthma triggers can change over time. Perfume didn't bother me until I hit my 50's. Stupid asthma!
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) says:
"There is no evidence that essential oils can help asthma. In fact, breathing in the particles released by the oils may trigger an asthma attack."
"The strong odors emitted by essential oils contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs affect indoor air quality, just like incense, air fresheners and scented candles. Poor indoor air quality can make you sick with asthma, allergies and other illnesses"
If essential oils don't bother you and they are part of your treatment plan, then that's what works for you :)
Personally, I have had multiple asthma attacks from essential oils and they are not part of my treatment plan.
You can see from this thread that everyone is allowed to state their opinion, just as you have. You seem to be in the minority, you poor thing!
We are all different and need to find what is right for our asthma ;)
Wishing you health and happiness!