Smelling salts facts for kids

In Rembrandt's Unconscious Patient (Allegory of Smell), a woman using smelling salts to help a man who has fainted.

Smelling salts, also known as ammonia inhalants, are special chemical mixtures that people sometimes use to help someone wake up if they have fainted or feel dizzy. They usually contain a chemical called ammonia.

What Are Smelling Salts?

Smelling salts are made from a mix of chemicals, mainly ammonia gas dissolved in water and alcohol. When you open a container of smelling salts, the ammonia gas quickly escapes into the air. This gas has a very strong, sharp smell.

How Do They Work?

When someone smells the strong ammonia gas, it irritates the sensitive lining inside their nose and lungs. This irritation causes a sudden reflex, making the person take a deep, sharp breath, almost like a gasp. This gasp helps to quickly increase their breathing and heart rate. It sends more oxygen to the brain, which can help someone who has fainted to regain consciousness.

When Are They Used?

The main use for smelling salts is to help someone who has fainted. Fainting happens when there isn't enough blood flowing to the brain for a short time. Smelling salts can quickly bring a person back to awareness. They have also been used in some sports, like boxing or weightlifting, to try and "wake up" athletes or make them feel more alert. However, their use in sports is debated because they might hide a more serious injury.

Are Smelling Salts Safe?

When used correctly and only once in a while, smelling salts are generally considered safe for most people. However, they should be used with care. If someone breathes in too much ammonia, or if it's held too close to their nose for too long, it can irritate their airways or even cause a headache. They are not meant for regular use or as a way to treat serious medical conditions. If someone faints often, they should see a doctor to find out why.

A Look Back in Time

Smelling salts have been used for hundreds of years. In the past, they were very common, especially among women, who would carry small bottles of them in their purses. They were often used to revive people who felt faint due to tight clothing, stuffy rooms, or emotional shock. Doctors and nurses also used them in hospitals. The name "spirit of hartshorn" comes from an old method of making ammonia from the antlers of deer (harts).

Images for kids

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  Flask with smelling salts, used for reviving dental patients after a procedure. French, 18th century.