Smelling Salts for Teenage Athletes: The Benefits and Risks Parents Should Know

Source: International Business Times

Smelling Salts Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders gets some smelling salts as he stretches during the team's training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on July 24, 2025 in Henderson, Nevada. Many teenage athletes are turning to smelling salts as a quick way to boost energy and focus during sports. These salts release ammonia gas, which irritates the nose and lungs, causing a sharp inhalation reflex.