Extreme Vasovagal Response?
My mom developed a severe sensitivity to scents after reaction to a peppermint room spray two years ago. She collapsed and could not breathe at the time. Was given albuterol. Now any exposure to fragrances like perfumes, tobacco, or sprays causes her to faint and turn purple. Any advice? We've seen multiple specialists, and nobody knows what is wrong. Only response we've gotten is an extreme vasovagal response. However, she cannot avoid all odors 24/7 and her quality of life has declined.
We have changed to a scent-free home. She doesn’t go anywhere outside of our house other than work. Surprisingly she can still work as a nail technician (in her own place nobody else is there & clients are fragrance-free). I think years of exposure to those scents has made her body adapt to it as non-dangerous. Masks do not work for her. She holds her breath when she walks from car to house. My dad can’t cook in our house anymore. She also has phantosmia and smells cigarettes coming from her body.
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I have very similar symptoms and can relate to how horrible this feels to go through. I know this post is old, but this is so reassuring there are more people out there like me. I got the same response from doctors and I hope since this post was made you were able to find the answers you needed. I have only found laying on the floor and putting my legs on a chair have helped, smelling (ironic) alcohol swabs, and ice packs around my neck get me back to normal quickly. Please if you are reading this let me know if you have found any additional help on this