HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

Can you get an anaphylactic reaction just by smelling something you are really allergic to?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

YES, very dangerous: Anaphylaxis due to inhaling an allergen/mucosal exposure is reported. Examples I have personally encountered in practice are grass pollen, carrots, watermelon, mango and artificial sweetener . Fortunately, this type of reaction is truly rare. Anyone with this type of history should carry 2 epipens, (epinephrine) take a daily antihistamine, and consult an allergy specialist about diagnosis/treatment options.

Answered 9/28/2016

5.7k views

Thank
Dr. Paul Williams answered

Specializes in Allergy and Immunology

Not likely: Anaphylactic reactions require ingestion of the allergen. Vapors from foods do not contain the proteins responsible for the allergic reaction.

Dr Ali agreed

Answered 10/4/2016

5.7k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

How long does it take to be sure i'm not going to have anaphylactic shock? I have had it in the past and now having allergic reaction.

4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

A member asked:

I have an anaphylactic reaction to zoloft (sertraline). What other things could i be allergic to?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

How long does it take for a severe allergic reaction to medication take, specifically anaphylaxis?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Is it possible to get an anaphylactic reaction from poison ivy or just rashes?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I have to take amoxicillin but Im scared im allergic all of a sudden. ive had amoxicillin many times before and never had any allergic reaction to my knowledge. would I experience anaphylaxis after taking one pill/dose? Or just rash the first time?

6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

If I have a history of mild allergic reaction to being in water and some milder anaphylaxis symptoms(hives,rash,swelling,cough)do I need to get help?
How can I tell if i get anaphylaxis or allergic reaction from tattoo or hair dye if i'm on zyrtec (cetirizine) chronically? Also on propranolol.
How quickly does anaphylaxis happen? I ate something 6 hours ago, and I am starting to feel like I am having an allergic reaction.
How fast can you die from an anaphylaxis allergic reaction?
What is a result of anaphylaxis(a systemic allergic reaction)?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.