Migraine headaches are a neurological condition that can present with many different symptoms with the most common being intense and often debilitating pain. Sufferers of migraines may also experience numbness in the extremities, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people are more sensitive to certain migraine triggers than others but some of the most common contributing factors are often strong smells:

1. Cigarette smoke
Cigarette smoke is a common migraine trigger. Some people are actually allergic to it while others are just sensitive to the smell itself. Sometimes just walking past an ashtray can trigger a migraine in those who are particularly sensitive. The act of smoking itself is also known to be a trigger for migraines because it causes blood vessels to contract and results in decreased blood flow to the brain.

2. Food odors
While food odors may not cause a migraine themselves they may make certain symptoms worse if you have one. Cooking food, raw meat, and other strong smells associated with food can cause a migraine sufferer increased nausea.

3. Perfumes
Perfumes are one of the most common migraine triggers and those who suffer from migraines often choose to avoid wearing them or at least avoid those that have a strong scent. This can be particularly difficult to avoid if you work in an office setting or are commonly around groups of people who may not be aware of your sensitivity. Encountering a person who is wearing a triggering scent can easily cause a migraine.

4. Cleaning chemicals
Cleaning chemicals often contain volatile organic compounds that can also be a problem for people who are prone to migraines. One way to avoid a migraine when using cleaning products is to ensure the area is well ventilated because good air flow will help to waft away the majority of the fumes.

5. Candles or air fresheners
Candles and air fresheners can also lead to migraines, especially those with strong or artificial scents. People who are prone to migraine often have certain scents they know they have to avoid and scent sensitivity can vary person to person. Many migraine sufferers choose not to use air fresheners so they don’t trigger a migraine.

It can be hard to completely avoid smells that trigger migraines when you’re out in public so it is important to find ways to manage a migraine when one occurs. Medicine for severe migraine headaches by seeing their doctor and discussing which migraine medication may be best for them. If your migraines are not severe enough for prescription medicine relief for migraine headaches can also be found over the counter with Advil treatment for migraine headaches in adults.