Smelling salts

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It has been suggested that Spirits of hartshorn be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since June 2011.

Smelling salts, also known as spirit of hartshorn or sal volatile, are chemical compounds used for arousing consciousness.[1] The usual active compound is ammonium carbonate, a colorless-to-white, crystalline solid ((NH4)2CO3·H2O).[1][2] Because most modern solutions are mixed with water, they should more properly be called "aromatic spirits of ammonia."[1] Modern solutions may also contain other products to perfume or act in conjunction with the ammonia, such as lavender oil or eucalyptus oil.[3]

Contents

History [edit]

Smelling salts have been used since Roman times, and are mentioned in the writings of Pliny as 'Hammonicus sal'.[1] Evidence exists of use in the 13th century by alchemists as 'sal ammoniac'.[1]

In the 17th century, an ammonia solution was distilled from shavings of harts' (deer) horns and hooves, which led to the alternative name for smelling salts as spirit or salt of hartshorn.[1]

Smelling salts have also been known as 'sal volatile', for their ability to produce a reaction.[4]

They were widely used in Victorian Britain to revive fainting women, and in some areas constables would carry a container of them for the purpose.[5]

The use of smelling salts was widely recommended during the Second World War, with all workplaces advised by the British Red Cross and St. John Ambulance to keep 'sal volatile' in their first aid boxes.[6] Nowadays, their use and prevalence has dramatically decreased.

Usage [edit]

Smelling salts are often used on athletes (such as boxers) when they are knocked unconscious or semi-conscious to arouse consciousness and restore mental alertness. [1]

They are also used in competitions (such as powerlifting, strong man and Ice hockey) to "wake up" competitors to perform better.[1][7] Famous athletes such as Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Carlos Boozer, and Tom Brady have been seen using smelling salts on the sidelines.[8] [9] [10] [11]

They are also still used for people feeling faint,[12][13][14] or who have fainted, either administered by others, or self administered, with some at-risk groups, such as pregnant women, sometimes advised to keep them close to hand.[15]

Physiological action [edit]

Smelling salts release ammonia (NH3) gas, which irritates the mucous membranes of the nose and lungs, and thereby triggers an inhalation reflex[7] (that is, it causes the muscles that control breathing to work faster[7]). Additionally, the irritant properties activate the sympathetic system as a response leading to elevated heart rate, blood pressure and brain activity. Specifically, many of the benign fainting events are caused by excessive parasympathetic and vagal activity leading to dilation of blood vessels, slowing of the heart and decreased perfusion of the brain thus leading to decreased muscle tone in general and postural muscles in particular, allowing the person to collapse. The sympathetic irritant effect is exploited to counteract these vagal parasympathetic effects leading to reversal of the faint. Similar action can be produced by cheek slapping which is often administered to fainting persons.[citation needed]

Risks [edit]

Ammonia gas is toxic in large concentrations for prolonged periods,[1] and can be fatal.[14] Since smelling salts produce only a small amount of ammonia gas, there have been no reports of any adverse health problems from their use.[1]

There is a limited possibility of direct burning of the nasal or oral mucosa from high concentration of inhaled ammonia.[1]

The use of ammonia smelling salts to revive people injured during sport is not recommended as it may inhibit or delay a proper and thorough neurological assessment by a healthcare professional,[1] and some governing bodies recommend specifically against it.[16] There is also a risk that as an irritant, use of smelling salts could cause reflex withdrawal from the source, thereby exacerbating any pre-existing cervical spine injury.[1]

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m McCrory, J (2006). "Smelling Salts". British Journal of Sport Medicine 40 (8): 659–660. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2006.029710. PMC 2579444. PMID 16864561. Retrieved 2009-01-03. 
  2. ^ "Dictionary Definition - Ammonium Carbonate". MSN Encarta. Retrieved 2009-01-03. [dead link]
  3. ^ "Mackenzies Smelling Salts". Electronic Medicines Compendium. March 2007. Retrieved 2009-01-03. 
  4. ^ "Ammonium carbonate". Think Natural. Retrieved 2009-01-03. 
  5. ^ "Antique gadgets". BBC News. Retrieved 2009-01-03. 
  6. ^ "Air Raids fact sheet: First aid kits". Caring on the home front. 
  7. ^ a b c "Henman's smelling salt solution". BBC News. 2002-07-02. Retrieved 2009-01-03. 
  8. ^ Freeman, Mike. "A whiff of TROUBLE?". The Times-Union. Retrieved 1/21/2013. 
  9. ^ Ulman, Howard. "NFL: Tom Brady outduels Peyton Manning". The Associated Press. Retrieved 1/21/2013. 
  10. ^ Goldschein, Eric. "Today On ESPN’s Wired Segment: Russell Westbrook Sings Nicki Minaj, Carlos Boozer Doesn’t Like It". Sports Grind. Retrieved 1/21/2013. 
  11. ^ MONKOVIC, TONI (1/18/2011). "Tom Brady Says He Was Sniffing Ammonia". The New York Times. Retrieved 1/21/2031. 
  12. ^ Boyd-McLaughlin, Kathy. "How not to faint at the altar". USA Bride. Retrieved 2008-01-03. 
  13. ^ "Compact Oxford English Dictionary - Smelling Salts". Oxford University Press. 
  14. ^ a b Prof. Shakhashiri (2008-02-01). "Chemical of the week - Ammonia". University of Wisconsin-Madison. Retrieved 2010-05-24. 
  15. ^ "Common ailments during pregnancy". Baby Guide UK. 
  16. ^ [dead link]"Pitchside medical care". The Football Association. 
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