4 Odors That Trigger Migraines

4 Odors That Trigger Migraines

Migraine causes intense headaches accompanied by several symptoms. Some of the symptoms associated with this neurological condition are vomiting, difficulty speaking, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and numbness. There are multiple things that trigger migraines, and here we’ll look at a few odors that trigger migraines:

  • Perfumes
    Certain strong odors trigger migraines in many, and perfumes are often the most common of these triggers. More than half the people who experience migraine attacks have reported that they are intolerant toward certain smells when they’re having an attack. Osmophobia is the name given to this phenomenon, and it is only associated with people who experience migraine attacks. It has been noted that people with osmophobia also exhibit depressive symptoms and anxiety.
  • Paint thinner
    The sttrong smell of paint thinners is are another common trigger for migraines. Although some variation can be found in the data, clinical studies have shown that 25-50 percent of migraine patients experience increased sensitivity toward specific odors while they are having a migraine episode. The smell of paint thinner can trigger a migraine attack, so people prone to migraines should stay clear of places where such work is going on.
  • Car exhaust and gasoline
    Car exhaust and gasoline are among the odors that can trigger a migraine attack. On inhaling the vapors of gasoline, the lung tissues can get irritated, which can cause several chemicals to start flowing in the bloodstream. As a result, harmful chemicals can interrupt the flow of oxygen in the body and kill healthy tissue. One might experience several symptoms due to the inhalation of gasoline vapors, and headache is a common one on the list. That said, migraines are not always caused by the same odors in a specific individual. The environment plays a huge contributing role among people who are prone to experiencing migraines.
  • Cigarette smoke
    If a person is not a smoker but has sensitivity to cigarette smoke, even passive smoking and the odor of the smoke can trigger a severe migraine headache in them. The chemicals found in tobacco and how the smoke of the cigarette smells can play a major role in triggering a pounding headache in many people. Nicotine, the chemical found in tobacco products like cigarettes leads to narrowing of the blood vessels in the body and results in reduced blood flow to the brain. In some studies, the reduced blood flow was associated with migraines. Although there haven’t been controlled studies to establish the link, many people have complained of headaches after coming in contact with the odor of cigarette smoke.