can you be allergic to a smell?

Probably not. Dr. James Thompson on this site wrote a detailed post about fragrances and "allergic reactions."

In short, people aren't generally allergic to fragrances or odors. Instead those scents may irritate their nasal passage, which might cause sneezing, itching or runny nose.

There are ways to deal with it is there is a strong smell that often makes your nose run. Dr. Thompson has 9 tips for avoiding those smells at work and at home in his post that you can read here.

Absolutely,   allergies are triggered by a wide range of enemies.  Everyone is different to what they are allergic to but being allergic to a smell is more common than people realize and sometimes do not make the connection since we are programed to the common allergy triggers, ie polen, dust mites etc.  I have a couple friends that are allergic to certain smells that cause an allergic reaction like perfumes, smoke, certain foods cooking.  So if possible, stay clear of those aromas' if possible and I would recommend you see your Dr. to discuss this issue.

From my personal experience and bad luck, i am allergic to certain airborne 'smells' particulary fragrances.  I am not able to wear any perfume myself as i become dizzy, disorientated and nauseseous.  It has caused no end of difficulites for me - my husband is unable to wear aftershave or spray deodorants.  My mum has to spray her hairspray outside the front door, i have to smell shampoos, cleaning products etc before i purchase them.  Incredulously even the smallest amount of fragrance can send me into a dizzy spin - i can only describe it as severe morning sickness.  I have difficulties at work, on the train - i am not too bad outdoors, and can manage ok - but small spaces like lifts, i have to hold my breath.  It is exceptionally debilitating.  Otherwise, i am35, perfectly healthy, mum to 2, a graduate and working - so please dont dismiss that this GENUINELY IS A VERY REAL PROBLEM FOR MANY PEOPLE.  MY only wish is that it would be researched properly as i would be more than happy to participate.  I turn pale, go quiet and literally find it hard to function - i am in desperation to move away from the smell.  If anyone wishes to find out more about my experiences, or drop me a line, id be glad to hear from you katsmithok@hotmail.co.uk

thanks for reading, regards, Katrina xxx

I don't know if I am allergic or not, but if someone at my workplace brings in very spicy foods (i.e. curry) I have to close my door and light a smelly candle or I end up with a migraine and my eyes get all red and puffy. If I walk past an east indian restaurant the same thing happens. It also happens if I get stuck in a confined space (i.e. bus or elevator) next a person who has on very strong smelling perfume.

I agree with the previous poster.  You can't be "allergic" to a smell.  That being said, people definitely react to smells.  Airborne particles can act as irritants, can trigger an asthma attack and can make you feel generally uncomfortable.  There is one other important factor to keep in mind though.  The brain can also play a role in a response.  For example, if a person knows they are allergic to peanuts and they smell peanuts it can cause the person to be very anxious.  These symptoms can be confused with an allergic response.  This does not mean that it is "all in the head", the person is experiencing real symptoms.  It is not however an "allergic" response.

Actually, you CAN be allergic to 'smells'. Or more accurately, to any one of the CHEMICALS that make up the particular smell. I have had 2 anapylactic reactions from the smell of my son's deodorant and mousse.

My face feels puffy, flushed, my mouth tastes like a bowl of pennies, and my heart rate increases...thankfully both times I had Benadryl and was able to control the symptoms. I did call 911 both times however.

My allergist said a person can be allergic to anything that the body has become sensitized to-- including fragrances, or smells. I know it's true because I've been there, and it sucks.

I AM SENSITIVE TO THE SMELL OF HEAT FROM A HOT AIR FURNACE, 50" tv, COMPUTERS, REFRIGERATORS WHEN THESE ARE TURNED ON OR OPERATNG. The emell of the heat is very irratating

Gene'

What is smell?  It is a sensation caused by a reaction of your olfactory nerves interacting with particular molecules.  Some of the previous responses were very confusing since they openly admitted that smell was a sensation caused by airborn particles.  No particles, no smell.  I guess technically you are allergic to the particles that cause a smell.  And, yes, I guess you can hallucinate smells. 

IT may not be the smells one is allergic to but the chemicals that a certain "smell" contains. Therefore a smell is just that.................. a restful odor. It beats the "stink" of what is in the air these days!

Happy sniffing,

Debbie

IT may not be the smells one is allergic to but the chemicals that a certain "smell" contains. Therefore a smell is just that.................. a restful odor. It beats the "stink" of what is in the air these days!

Happy sniffing,

Debbie