Athletes use smelling salts primarily to increase alertness and focus. Smelling salts release ammonia gas, which irritates the nasal and lung membranes, triggering a sharp inhalation reflex that increases oxygen intake. This stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing a boost in heart rate, blood flow, and mental clarity, which can provide a short burst of energy and heightened focus useful for athletic performance. They are also historically used to revive athletes who have fainted or been dazed. However, the effects are brief, lasting only a few minutes, and their performance-enhancing benefits are mainly psychological or ritualistic rather than scientifically proven for long-term performance enhancement.
