Is it normal to be allergic to smells?

Question

If I smell licorice or twizzlers, I break out in a rash get a horrible head ache, and eventually pass out. Everyone thinks I'm crazy, but I can't help it. Is this normal?

ive never actually ate it before, because the smell bothered me so much

Answer 1

Idiopathic Environmental Intolerances

What is the Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome?
The multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) syndrome is a subjective illness in which various symptoms are blamed on various environmental chemical exposures. Symptoms are often vague and include fatigue, muscle pains, nausea and memory loss. No diagnostic physical or laboratory findings completely define the illness.
This syndrome has been given many other names, including idiopathic environmental intolerances, chemical sensitivity syndrome, total allergy syndrome, 20th century disease, cerebral allergy and universal allergy.

What are the symptoms of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome?
Since symptoms can vary from one person to another, there is no set of defined criteria for MCS syndrome. However, MCS syndrome appears to occur more commonly in adults, and primarily in women.
People affected by MCS syndrome describe symptoms in relation to environmental exposures, especially odors. Most commonly, the sources of these odors include perfumes, scented products, solvents and cleaning agents, new carpet, car exhaust, air pollution, plastics, formaldehyde and cigarette smoke.

Other people with MCS are affected by various foods, including certain foods, food additives, medications, and mercury in dental fillings. More recently, MCS syndrome has been blamed on silicone breast implants and has been associated with the Gulf War Syndrome.

No studies have shown that higher doses of the above triggers are more likely to cause symptoms in people with MCS syndrome. There are also no studies that prove toxicity of the triggers as a cause of symptoms.

What are the Possible Causes of MCS Syndrome?
Various theories have been proposed as a cause of the MCS syndrome. These have included immunologic, toxicologic, psychologic and sociologic theories.
Some experts related the cause of MCS syndrome to an autoimmune or immunodeficiency causes, triggered by chemicals in the environment. There are no studies to support such a theory.

Another theory, called the neurotoxic theory, relates symptoms to stimulation of the olfactory (sense of smell) system of the brain. Other theories related to toxicity of the odors, foods and medications, and relate to some people as having “overly sensitive” mucous membranes.

Lastly, MCS syndrome has been proposed as a psychiatric or personality disorder, and is often associated with or attributed to panic attacks.

How is MCS Syndrome Diagnosed?
The MCS syndrome is diagnosed by a person’s history of symptoms with exposure to various chemical triggers. There are no defining criteria for this illness, and typically no physical or laboratory findings to which the disease can be attributed.
However, some practitioners will attempt to perform testing, such as neutralization-provocation, in an attempt to identify triggers. There is no scientific basis for these various tests. Learn more about controversial testing methods used in the field of allergy.

Answer 2

Is it possible that you have a food allergy to licorice and you just don't know it? Like do you get the same rash when you eat licorice or Twizzlers? The reason I ask is because the signs of an allergy to licorice and other plants of the Leguminosae family are rash, itching, and shortness of breath. the allergy is generally not to the licorice itself but to one of the added ingredients such as glycyrrhizic acid. It's quite possible you have a licorice allergy, so stay away from licorice all together!

Answer 3

I know you're not crazy. I'm not sure if it's normal or not, but it is possible to be allergic to smells. I have a mild allergy to certain perfumes and air fresheners (especially solids). Whenever I'm around them I get a severe sore throat, my eyes burn, I lose my sense of smell, sometimes I start coughing and sometimes I have mild trouble breathing.

I doubt you have any intention of it, but I would advise not eating licorice or twizzlers because you could possibly have a food allergy to them as well.

Answer 4

I'd take a being pregnant scan, simply in case. My pal's mother is pregnant proper now, and he or she cannot stand the odor of meat, she says she eventually knows me =p But besides, I'm definite it is thoroughly ordinary, seeing as what number of different veg*ns I've heard say they have skilled the identical factor. I've been a vegetarian for just a little over 4 months and it is simply commencing to occur. Not all meats odor unhealthy presently, however I'm guessing they're going to. Ground pork, turkey, steak, red meat chops, they disgust me.

Answer 5

I used to be allergic to the smell of skunk. I would break out in hives, and lose my voice, and my throat would burn like I was around pepper spray. You're not the only one allergic to a smell.

Answer 6

no its not normal,only people with allergies have such problems.