Teenagers Athletes Are Smelling Salts—Consultants Say It’s Regarding

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement will not be the one NFL information gaining consideration. Lately, the NFL banned using “smelling salts” throughout video games. The league’s memo, citing a 2024 warning from the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA), acknowledged security issues over smelling salts’ means to masks concussion signs.

Smelling salts are sometimes used on the sidelines by drained gamers who need a fast power burst or psychological jolt, says dual-licensed athletic coach and bodily therapist John Gallucci Jr., MS, ATC, PT, DPT, the CEO of JAG Bodily Remedy. He explains that for a participant, it’s like hitting a reset button—however one that may include dangers. 

Some gamers are upset by the choice, admitting they use smelling salts a number of occasions per recreation. However this isn’t only a pro-level subject. Using smelling salts has additionally trickled right down to youth sports activities, possible stemming from college students seeing elite athletes utilizing them. A Canadian information report describes the rising reputation amongst teen athletes, and on TikTok, teenagers publish movies experimenting with them for enjoyable. One coach on Reddit even shares how a guardian from his highschool hockey workforce marketed them to his gamers. 

So, what precisely are smelling salts—and why ought to dad and mom be involved? Consultants break down what households have to know. 

What Are Smelling Salts?

Smelling salts will be traced again to the thirteenth century, after they have been primarily used to revive individuals who fainted, in keeping with the British Journal of Sports activities Drugs.

The energetic ingredient in smelling salts is ammonia. “When inhaled, the ammonia irritates the respiratory tract, which triggers a reflex that will increase respiratory price and application,” says David Aderholdt, DO, a major care doctor with Inspira Well being, who makes a speciality of sports activities medication and pulmonary well being.

Why Are Smelling Salts Dangerous?

Though smelling salts are related to power jolts and elevated alertness, they’ll additionally trigger throat, nostril, and eye irritation, coughing, and even bronchospasms, Dr. Aderholt says. And for these with bronchial asthma or different lung circumstances, he warns, this irritation can have an effect on respiratory, growing the chance of problems. 

They’ll additionally masks indicators of concussion, equivalent to confusion or disorientation. “If a participant makes use of smelling salts after which sustains a head harm or lack of consciousness, the stimulating results of ammonia can quickly improve alertness,” says Dr. Aderholt. 

When smelling salts cloud a concussion analysis, it creates what Dr. Gallucci calls the “phantasm of restoration” in a second when relaxation and removing from play needs to be a non-negotiable. 

Permitting an athlete with a concussion to re-enter the sport can set the stage for second affect syndrome (SIS), which Dr. Gallucci defines as “a second head harm which happens on prime of the primary, resulting in fast mind swelling, extreme incapacity, and even dying.” Although uncommon, SIS is a doable and scary consequence that would comply with using smelling salts.

One other concern: the FDA has not accepted smelling salts, that means that the efficiency can range by product or producer. This inconsistency makes the product unpredictable, which is particularly regarding for youth athletes, Dr. Aderholdt shares, as there’s no solution to know if they’re getting a gentle or stronger dose.  

What Mother and father Can Do

Mother and father ought to speak to their youngsters early about smelling salts earlier than teenagers encounter them on the sector or on-line.

There are safer, more practical methods to enhance athletic efficiency, says Dr. Gallucci. He recommends supporting an athlete’s efficiency with high quality warm-up routines and good hydration and diet. He additionally says respiratory strategies, motion drills, and cooling strategies will be efficient, too. 

Most athletic trainers see the ban on smelling salts as a constructive transfer to guard gamers, Dr. Gallucci believes, one which “sends a robust message to youthful athletes that smelling salts aren’t one thing to repeat or depend upon.” 

For households, the lesson is evident: a fast repair can truly put younger athletes in danger.