Migraines are severe headaches that usually present as intense throbbing pain in one or both sides of the head. Often debilitating, migraine sufferers when in a severe attack can often find themselves unable to perform basic tasks. The symptoms of migraines also include severe light sensitivity and nausea. There are many triggers for migraines including dehydration, fatigue and even certain smells.

When sufferers know their own personal triggers they can take steps to avoid them:

1. Cigarette smoke
The reason that smells can cause migraine flares is because of a condition called Osmophobia. Harsh acrid smells such as cigarette smoke can irritate this condition and induce severe migraine headaches. Osmophobia is a hypersensitivity to any smell which is caused by an undersized olfactory bulb. A number of studies have shown that migraine sufferers tend to have a smaller than average olfactory bulb. This means that an offensive smell such as smoke is even more intense than in people with a normal sized olfactory bulb. As a result, exposure to cigarette smoke can trigger a migraine.

2. Food odors
Hypersensitivity in smell and vision are both symptoms of a migraine. When migraine attacks are frequent sufferers may find that a heightened sense of smell persists between attacks. Consequently, strong smelling foods can be a terrible trigger for sufferers. You can not really avoid foods we have to eat to live but sharp smelling vegetables such as onions or strong smelling fish can be unpleasant. It can be a case of trial and error for sufferers as they learn which food smells they find unpleasant and that therefore cause migraine attacks.

3. Perfumes
Specifically intended to smell strongly, perfumes and aftershaves are full of numerous chemicals, many of which are toxic. Usually this isn’t a problem unless you intend to drink the stuff but for hypersensitive noses these toxins can be a big irritant. Some of these chemicals even used in small amounts can irritate respiration, skin and cause headaches in non-migraine sufferers. For a migraine sufferer such chemicals can cause a severe headache so it is important to use only perfumes that do not contain toxins. Common toxins to avoid are Benzaldehyde, Cinnamyl alcohol, Farnesol, and Linalool.

4. Cleaning chemicals
Cleaning chemicals are considered one of the most common triggers for migraines. These often strong smelling substances can cause irritation of the trigeminal nerve receptors. These receptors are found in the nasal lining and when they become irritated this can lead to a severe migraine. So dealing with cleaning chemicals should be kept to a minimum and be done in a well ventilated environment.

5. Candles and air fresheners
Air fresheners and scented candles may not smell bad but the chemicals given off can trigger migraines. Toxins such as formaldehyde, petroleum distillates and aerosol propellants are dangerous to breathe in. Usually in the small doses produced in air fresheners they’re not harmful to most but they can certainly cause irritation to migraine sufferers. Those wanting to make their home smell nice might best look for naturally pleasant smelling means. Dried flowers, citrus peels or essential oils can be used as great air fresheners with no chemical toxins.