A migraine is an intense, pulsating headache that can cause symptoms of blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sound, and even nausea and vomiting. Triggers for migraines often include certain foods (i.e., nitrites, wheat, and alcohol), hormonal changes, medications, weather changes, and emotional triggers, like stress. Yet odors, or smells, are often misunderstood migraine triggers.

For instance, many migraine sufferers report the onset of a migraine after being exposed to the following odors:

1. Cigarette smoke
Cigarettes contain nicotine, a vasoactive substance, which alters the size of blood vessels in the brain. When the vessels narrow, which leads to less blood flow into the brain hence, it may cause a migraine. Tobacco cigarettes emit smoke containing carbon monoxide, which triggers migraines. To prevent migraine attacks, you should avoid smoking and stay away from people who smoke.

2. Food odors
Certain foods have odors that trigger migraines. Fatty and fried foods, like onions, are the most common triggers. Their smells induce emotional changes, therefore affecting the brain because smell and emotions have a close link. In some cases, these smells stimulate the trigeminal nerve causing inflammation. Sometimes the smell itself causes the shrinking of blood vessels. These attacks can be prevented by avoiding such food smells.

3. Perfumes and fragrances
Perfumes contain alcohol as an ingredient, which is often responsible for triggering migraines. It is important to go through a checklist and note down which fragrance notes (i.e., citrus, musk) trigger your migraines, as they can vary among users. People who suffer migraines should avoid wearing strong fragrances and avoid stores and environments with strong perfume smells (i.e., department stores).

4. Air fresheners
Air fresheners contain fragrances, like perfumes, and chemicals that trigger migraines. Their use should be avoided and if the result is painful migraine. Instead, try DIY homemade air fresheners made with natural essential oils or herbs. Alternatively, you can freshen the air in your home using an air filter.

5. Candles
Scented candles are among the most likely triggers for migraines. It is important to avoid using them, or at least using candles with artificial scents, if they affect you.

6. Cleaning chemicals
Cleaning chemicals such as surface sprays, fabric softeners, soaps and laundry detergents can trigger migraines because of the chemicals used in manufacturing them. Most cleaning chemicals are highly perfumed, which means alcohol is a primary ingredient. Cleaning chemicals also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can trigger migraines once they are released into the air. Some of these VOCs include ethanol, terpenes, acetone, formaldehyde, and dichlorobenzene. You can also prevent migraines triggered by cleaning products by using natural cleaning products.

Migraine sufferers are more sensitive to environmental factors such as odors, light, foods, and sound. If you suffer from frequent migraines, please consult a doctor for advice, and medication to help soothe migraine pain and reduce overall frequency of headaches.