5 common smells that trigger migraines
Though the exact cause of migraines is undetermined, research shows that several factors act as triggers. Various smells are major migraine triggers; in fact, they are known as the second most common ones. There are several treatments to help relieve symptoms of migraines. However, it is also possible to prevent an episode from occurring if certain odors are avoided. To that end, here’s a list of five smells that can trigger migraines.
5 smells that trigger migraines
Gasoline
Gasoline is made from processed crude oil and is extremely hazardous to human beings. The flammable substance contains many chemicals, one of which is BTEX — a chemical present in small amounts. Therefore, inhaling gasoline vapors, no matter how little, can lead to migraines, with symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, and nausea. Gasoline vapors are also known to cause mouth, throat, and stomach irritation.
Car exhaust
Cars are extremely useful when it comes to moving from one place to another. However, just like most human inventions, the car burns gasoline and produces toxic gases in the process. Three common gases are nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen monoxide. These trigger migraines and worsen symptoms of headaches, dizziness, among others. Sometimes, extensive exposure to elevated levels of carbon monoxide may even cause death.
Perfumes
Perfumes contain a slew of chemicals that are mixed to achieve a pleasant fragrance. So when these chemicals are inhaled, it may cause the sinuses to swell. The swelling leads to poor drainage of the sinuses and eventually causes symptoms of migraines. Sometimes, the migraine symptoms can get severe enough to force a person to avoid socializing, affecting their day-to-day life, preventing any scope for relief.
Cleaning products
Every household uses multiple cleaning products to keep their furniture, walls, tiles, and even wooden flooring or carpets clean. But these cleaning products consist of chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released into their air during the cleaning process. The odor from them acts as a migraine trigger. A few products that contain such migraine triggering agents include oven and household detergents, upholstery cleaning products, dry-cleaning chemicals, paint strippers, propylene glycol, ammonia, and more.
Pesticides
Pesticides are another common odor when it comes to migraine triggers. Though the products are designed to exterminate pests or keep them away, they can also aggravate health conditions in human beings. Inhaling fumes from pesticides may lead to headaches, nausea, dizziness, among other symptoms of migraines. In case one suffers from migraines, it is best to stay away from the area where they have been used, for hours, to ensure no contact is made.
