9 Smells that Trigger Migraines

Do you suffer from migraines? If so, you know just how debilitating they can be. Certain smells can trigger migraines in some individuals. From perfume to gasoline, these scents can spell disaster for those prone to headaches. Here are 9 smells that can trigger migraines, and what you can do to avoid them.

The strong fragrance of perfume can trigger migraines in many people. The synthetic chemicals and overpowering scents can be overwhelming to the senses, leading to a painful headache. If you’re sensitive to perfume, it’s best to avoid areas where it’s heavily used, such as department stores or beauty counters.

The smell of cigarette smoke is not only unpleasant for many, but it can also be a trigger for migraines. The chemicals in the smoke can irritate the nasal passages and lead to a headache. If you suffer from migraines, it’s best to steer clear of places where smoking is allowed, both indoors and outdoors.

Strong cleaning products, such as bleach and ammonia, can be a migraine trigger for some individuals. The harsh chemicals can be overwhelming to the senses and lead to a headache. Opt for natural, unscented cleaning products to reduce the risk of triggering a migraine while cleaning your home.

The smell of gasoline is another common trigger for migraines. The strong, pungent odor can be overwhelming to the senses and lead to a headache. If you need to fill up your car with gas, try to do so during off-peak hours when the fumes are less likely to be overwhelming.

Certain foods, such as aged cheeses, processed meats, and artificial sweeteners, can be triggers for migraines in some individuals. Pay attention to which foods seem to coincide with your migraine episodes, and consider eliminating them from your diet to see if it makes a difference in your headache frequency.

In addition to certain foods themselves, strong food odors can also be triggers for migraines. The smell of cooking meat, for example, can be overwhelming to some individuals and lead to a headache. If you’re sensitive to food smells, try to avoid being in the kitchen when strong odors are present.

The strong smell of paint fumes can be a trigger for migraines in some people. If you’re painting a room in your home, be sure to open windows and ventilate the area as much as possible to reduce the risk of triggering a migraine. Consider using low-VOC or VOC-free paint to minimize the fumes.

While the great outdoors is typically a refreshing and invigorating place to be, strong scents in nature can be triggers for migraines. Certain flowers, plants, and trees can emit powerful odors that may lead to a headache in sensitive individuals. If you’re spending time outdoors, try to avoid areas with overwhelming natural scents.

Many air fresheners contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can trigger migraines in some individuals. If you’re sensitive to these scents, opt for natural alternatives such as essential oil diffusers or simply open windows to let in fresh air. Avoid using air fresheners in enclosed spaces where the scent can be overwhelming.