According to data from the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines affect roughly 39 million men, women and children in the U.S. Migraines manifest as severe headaches, often preceding vision issues, nausea and vomiting, as well as light and sound sensitivities. When a migraine begins to develop, patients often describe pulsing pain on one side of the head that quickly worsens and develops into a full migraine.
Patients may experience migraine symptoms for varied durations (for hours to days), and the severity can make everyday tasks or routines challenging. A common migraine trigger is osmophobia, which is a hypersensitivity to smells. If you figure out what smells may be triggering your migraines, you will be better able to prevent these migraines.

The following are some of the most common scent triggers associated with migraines:

1. Perfumes or colognes
Strong fragrances can be irritants to those who often experience migraines, especially in the case of prolonged exposure or a high concentration of perfume. While a scent might be appealing to one individual, it might be irritating to others. If you choose to wear fragrance, it is best to use it in moderation, and in a room with proper air circulation. If you are particularly sensitive, it helps to avoid fragrance entirely.

2. Food odors
Individuals will have varying sensitivities to food scents. If you are cooking a strongly smelling food, or in a restaurant with many different food aromas, you may find it overwhelming. Depending on your sensitivity, these situations could trigger a headache or even a migraine. Avoid foods whose odors you find unpleasant or triggering, as well as the environments those smells often occur in.

3. Cigarette smoke
Whether smoked or inhaled secondhand, cigarettes and their smoke can cause migraines. A cigarette emits nicotine, which can cause blood vessel constriction. This limits blood supply to the brain, making a migraine more likely to occur. If smoking or secondhand smoke triggers your migraines, consider abstaining from the habit or removing yourself from areas where cigarettes are being used.

4. Cleaning chemicals
Some of our household cleaning chemicals can have strong or toxic scents. Because of the chemical elements in many cleaners, they are common migraine triggers. Exposure to these chemicals, especially for long periods of time or in non ventilated rooms, can bring on a migraine. Consider using natural cleaning products, and be sure to open windows and turn on fans for ventilation while cleaning.

5. Candles or air fresheners
Scented candles or air fresheners can be irritants. The strong artificial fragrances in these products can trigger migraines. Although you might love using scented candles, they release petroleum distillates, alcohol, esters, limonene, formaldehyde, and other chemicals as they burn. These ingredients are respiratory irritants and migraine triggers. Similarly, the chemical components of air fresheners are air pollutants and respiratory irritantes, likely to result in migraines. Try using natural scents, or simply open your windows for a fresh breeze.

Migraines can appear suddenly, making everyday life difficult. It helps to understand your triggers to help prevent and solve your migraines. In addition to watching out for scent triggers, you may find that migraine medication like Advil is an effective over the counter solution for migraine pain.