"The Truth About Smelling Salts: Athletes' Secret Weapon or Health Hazard?"

Smelling salts, containing ammonium carbonate, are used by some athletes to increase alertness and oxygen intake, but they can have side effects such as coughing, vomiting, and headaches. While they are generally safe when used as directed, they are only FDA-approved for treating fainting and can cause severe reactions, especially with repeated use. Their impact on performance is uncertain, and they are banned in sports like boxing due to their potential to mask concussion symptoms and cause detrimental effects for athletes with neck injuries. Seeking guidance from athletic trainers, nutritionists, and sports psychologists may be more effective for improving athletic performance.