Joker Posted December 21, 2012 Share Posted December 21, 2012 I had a procedure on Monday, and near the end almost passed out. The dr. told the nurse to prop up my feet and get the smelling salts. I freaked a bit and said they won't work because I can't smell!! They kept reassuring me it would all be fine. I didn't pass out, but now I'm wondering if the salts would work or not. I couldn't find anything on google, but I'm not that great at searching and will keep trying. It's not something I was born with, but developed due to the flu. A specialist has said he thinks it will improve but never be normal. So, does anyone know if the smelling salts would work on me if I can't smell or taste? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest inoubliable Posted December 21, 2012 Share Posted December 21, 2012 I think they would work. I passed out once after donating blood and they used smelling salts on me. The nurse who sat with me before they'd let me leave was talking my head off. I seem to remember her telling me that smelling salts work by releasing ammonia gas (?) which irritates the membranes in your nostrils. You don't have to be able to smell it. The irritation triggers something that makes you breathe in deeply. I don't remember the specifics, though. ETA: I just found this on Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smelling_salts#Physiological_action That explains it so much better than the conversation I was remembering in my head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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