Perfume and aftershave should be banned from hospitals, as doctors have argued that they can trigger asthma and allergies.
Research have shown that three out of ten people have claimed to have some sensitivity reactions when exposed to artificial scents while more than a quarter of asthmatics confirmed that it aggravated their condition.
Irritants, that can range from cigarette smoke to artificial fragrances can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by a reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm. Common symptoms include wheezing, oughing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath. It's symptoms maybe variable and recurring.
According to doctors Ken Flegel and James Martin "There are many practices that are acceptable outside hospitals but not inside. One of these is the application of artificial scents to our bodies," and "While artificial scents are designed to make us more attractive, they may result in unintended harm to those who are vulnerable."
Asthma, in some cases is primarily aggravated by artificial scents,this is according to emerging evidences.
This particularly concerns hospitals, where vulnerable patients with asthma or other upper airway or skin sensitivities are mostly found.
From air fresheners to scented candles, perfumed, bin liners, in-car scents and even scented socks, we live in a miasma of scent. However, it has been indicated that these perfumed products can trigger allergies, migraine, and even interfere with sexual desire.
Hence, there is little justification for continuing to tolerate artificial scents in our hospitals.
The attacks can be altogether sudden and fatal, patients, their relatives and emergency physicians can testify to this. No matter how others argue, "that other workers are protected against artificial scents and said that this should be the case in healthcare settings."
Health care centers together with the hospitals should fight for a greater consideration when it comes to the air that people breathe within their environment, to give utmost concern to people suffering from asthma.
Hospitals and health care centers should include policies banning articificial scents in their vicinity to ensure patient's safety. Programs to educate and promote these specific practices should be part of the accreditation standards.
Individual hospitals must take the lead for this to be implemented, the particular space where susceptible patients wait.
