
Smells That Trigger Migraines
Migraines can be absolutely debilitating for anyone who experiences them. They lead to excruciating pain, flashing lights, dizziness, nauseousness, extreme fatigue and a variety of other symptoms and painful conditions. When someone feels a migraine coming on, they may avoid socialization, work and other responsibilities due to the effects that come on.
If you want to avoid a migraine, you need to avoid certain triggers, including certain smells like those found below that may cause your migraines:
1. Cigarette smoke
Cigarette smoke is one of the most harmful things that can enter your airways, to begin with. If you suffer from migraines, inhalation of this smoke can lead to even more pain and more problems. The nicotine that is in the smoke can lead to the constriction of your blood vessels. If the vessels in your brain are constricted, your brain activity can change which can lead to a painful migraine.
2. Food odors
Even if you enjoy cooking and enjoy certain foods, food odors can lead to a devastating migraine. The smell of fatty foods, greasy foods and even strong foods such as onions can begin the pain that you are dreading. Even foods that you may have never noticed a smell of before can trigger the pain, especially because many individuals who struggle with migraines have a higher sensitivity to smell when one is about to begin.
3. Perfumes
Do not walk through the perfume section of any department store if you are particularly susceptible to migraines. Many perfumes are made of chemicals instead of natural ingredients, which can lead to your migraines. As soon as the strong smells of these chemicals enter your nose, your brain is ready to go to battle against them, which is why you may feel the pain coming on sooner than later.
4. Cleaning chemicals
Cleaning chemicals have some of the strongest smells in the world, especially when considering those that contain bleach or artificial fragrances. When you inhale these certain chemicals, the nerves can be triggered both in your airway and in your brain. When these nerves are triggered, you may have a migraine quickly after. If you are about to clean your house, try to make sure you have some form of airflow in order to avoid the worst migraine attacks.
5. Candles or air fresheners
The final items that can cause a migraine are candles and air fresheners. You may love to light a candle in the evening or may love to spray an air freshener before you have guests coming over. Unfortunately, both of these products are full of artificial fragrances. These can also trigger the nerves aforementioned which may lead to both, the start of a migraine and intense pain for you.
If you suffer from migraines, you may want to learn everything that you can to prevent the triggers associated with migraines. Start a log of the smells that you encounter in a day and when your migraines begin. This can help you eliminate the scents from your life that lead the symptoms associated with your migraines. This will also help you get the relief that you need.