Why do I cough when I smell a strange odor?
Jul 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, coughing triggered by smelling unusual odors may be caused by factors such as olfactory hypersensitivity, airway defense reflexes, allergic rhinitis, cough variant asthma, or chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Daily precautions include maintaining a clean living environment, reducing odor sources, and performing regular cleaning.
Generally, coughing upon smelling an unusual odor may be caused by factors such as olfactory sensitivity, airway defense reflex, allergic rhinitis, cough variant asthma, or chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Olfactory sensitivity: Some individuals have highly sensitive olfactory nerves. Exposure to unusual odors can trigger a neural reflex, leading to coughing, which is a normal physiological defense response. The cough usually subsides quickly once the person leaves the odor-filled environment. In daily life, avoid exposure to irritating smells, move away immediately or wear a mask when encountering unusual odors. No special treatment is required, although individuals with sensitive constitutions can enhance respiratory adaptability through regular exercise.
2. Airway defense reflex: Unusual odors act as external irritants that stimulate nerve endings in the airway mucosa, triggering a cough reflex to expel the irritants. This typically presents as transient coughing without other discomfort, and the cough stops once the irritant is removed. Maintain good indoor ventilation to reduce odor accumulation, take precautions before exposure to unusual odors, and relieve coughing with deep breathing if it occurs. No pharmacological intervention is necessary.
3. Allergic rhinitis: When nasal passages encounter allergens present in unusual odors, an allergic reaction may occur. Inflammatory secretions can then flow backward and irritate the throat and airways, causing coughing accompanied by nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. Patients may use medications such as budesonide nasal spray, loratadine tablets, or cetirizine hydrochloride drops as directed by a physician to alleviate allergy symptoms and inflammation. Additionally, avoid known allergens and regularly rinse the nasal cavity to reduce irritation from secretions.
4. Cough variant asthma: Airways demonstrate hyperresponsiveness to stimuli such as unusual odors. Exposure can cause airway smooth muscle spasms, resulting in paroxysmal coughing, often dry, which worsens at night or early in the morning. Patients should avoid exposure to unusual odors and use medications such as salbutamol aerosol, budesonide-formoterol powder inhaler, or montelukast sodium tablets as directed by a physician to dilate the airways, reduce sensitivity, and decrease coughing episodes.
5. Chronic pharyngitis: The pharyngeal mucosa remains in a state of chronic inflammation, and unusual odors can exacerbate throat discomfort and trigger coughing, often accompanied by a dry throat and a foreign body sensation. Morning coughing is typically more pronounced. Patients may use medications such as compound borax mouthwash, watermelon frost lozenges, or honeysuckle lozenges as directed by a physician. Avoid smoking, alcohol consumption, and eating spicy foods to reduce throat irritation.
In daily life, maintain a clean living environment to minimize unusual odors, regularly clean and change bedding to remove irritants such as dust and mites. Follow a light diet, drink plenty of water to keep the respiratory tract moist, and engage in regular physical exercise to strengthen the body and improve the airway's tolerance to unusual odors.
